As the 2024-2025 NBA season nears its conclusion, the Western Conference standings have become a battleground of intense competition, with teams jockeying for playoff positions, play-in tournament spots, and seeding advantages. This year’s Western Conference has been marked by dominant performances, unexpected upsets, and thrilling matchups, offering basketball fans an exhilarating finish to the regular season. With just a few weeks left before the playoffs begin, let’s break down the current standings and take a closer look at what makes the West so exciting this season.
Oklahoma City Thunder: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Leading the Western Conference with an impressive 64–12 record as of April 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as the team to beat this season. Headlined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been nothing short of extraordinary, the Thunder have shown that they are capable of going toe-to-toe with any team in the league. Gilgeous-Alexander has been on fire all season, with numerous 30-point games and a career-best year, further cementing his status as one of the league’s top players.
Not only has Oklahoma City’s offensive game been dominant, but their defense, led by Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey, has also taken a significant step forward. The team’s combination of youth, energy, and veteran leadership under head coach Mark Daigneault has made them an exceptionally well-rounded squad. With a strong finish to the season, the Thunder look poised to secure the number one seed in the West, a position they last held in 2013 when they made it to the NBA Finals.
Their strong regular-season record puts them in an excellent position to make a deep playoff run. However, with the level of competition in the West, Oklahoma City will need to continue their high level of play to make their mark in the postseason.
Houston Rockets: Rising Fast with a 50–27 Record
The Houston Rockets, with a 50–27 record, are proving that their rebuilding process is ahead of schedule. After years of struggle, the Rockets have reasserted themselves as one of the elite teams in the West. With young stars like Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and Jabari Smith Jr., Houston has been playing an exciting brand of basketball all season. They have managed to build a balanced squad that is capable of both fast-paced offense and strong defense.
What sets Houston apart from other teams in the West is their ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s a close game in the final minutes or a back-and-forth battle on the road, the Rockets have found ways to come out on top. Their continued growth under head coach Ime Udoka has been evident, and they are on the cusp of being a true title contender.
While they may not be the favorites in the conference just yet, Houston’s performance this season signals that the team’s future is bright. As they head into the playoffs, they are one of the teams to watch, especially if they can maintain their form and continue to build chemistry.
Denver Nuggets: Consistency and Depth at 47–30
Sitting at third in the West with a 47–30 record, the Denver Nuggets have once again proven that they are one of the most consistently strong teams in the NBA. Led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokić, the Nuggets have built a system that maximizes their star’s unique skill set. Jokić, known for his ability to distribute the ball and playmaking as a center, continues to be one of the most dominant players in the league.
Denver’s supporting cast, including players like Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon, ensures that the Nuggets have the depth to contend with any team in the Western Conference. Their offensive style, which revolves around Jokić’s vision and versatility, has been incredibly difficult for opponents to stop. Additionally, their defense, particularly in the paint, has been a major strength all season long.
However, Denver’s biggest hurdle might be their ability to perform in clutch playoff moments. While they have been one of the top teams in the regular season, their struggles in past postseason campaigns have raised questions about whether they can truly make a championship run. With the emergence of strong challengers in the West, the Nuggets will need to elevate their game in the postseason to prove they can finally capture that elusive NBA championship.
Los Angeles Lakers: Veteran Leadership with a 46–30 Record
The Los Angeles Lakers, standing at 46–30, have continued to defy the odds with their championship pedigree. Despite an aging LeBron James, who has battled injuries throughout the season, the Lakers have maintained a strong presence in the standings. James, still playing at an elite level when healthy, has been supported by the rising talent of Anthony Davis, who has been a dominant force on both ends of the floor.
The Lakers have continued to rely on their experience, with players like D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura stepping up to help carry the load. With the playoff experience of LeBron and Davis, Los Angeles is a team no one in the West wants to face in the postseason. They may not have the best record, but their ability to elevate their game when the stakes are highest makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the conference.
With the addition of solid role players in the offseason, the Lakers have found a good balance between the veteran stars and younger talent. However, their health, particularly LeBron’s, will be a crucial factor as they enter the playoffs. If their key players can stay healthy, the Lakers will once again be one of the top threats in the Western Conference.
Golden State Warriors: Championship Experience at 45–31
The Golden State Warriors are always a team to watch, and at 45–31, they are still very much in the mix. Led by the trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the Warriors possess a wealth of playoff experience. Despite some ups and downs throughout the season, the Warriors have shown that they can still be one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA.
Curry, who is still one of the best shooters in the league, continues to have a profound impact on games, and Thompson’s shooting ability remains a key asset for Golden State. Draymond Green, meanwhile, is the defensive anchor who brings an edge to the Warriors’ play. As always, the team’s ability to execute on offense and defend at a high level will determine how far they go in the postseason.
While Golden State may not be the top team in the West right now, their championship pedigree and ability to turn it on when it matters most make them a formidable playoff opponent. Expect the Warriors to make a push for a deep playoff run, and their experience will be a factor in crunch time.
The Playoff Picture: Teams Jostling for Position
As we look further down the standings, there are several teams still fighting for a spot in the playoffs or the play-in tournament. The Minnesota Timberwolves (45–32), Memphis Grizzlies (45–32), and Los Angeles Clippers (44–32) are all within striking distance of a top-six finish, which would secure them a direct ticket to the playoffs and avoid the play-in tournament. However, with only a few games left in the regular season, these teams will need to make every game count.
Teams like the Dallas Mavericks (38–39), Sacramento Kings (36–40), and Phoenix Suns (35–41) are in the mix for play-in spots. The race for the final spots in the playoff picture is bound to be one of the most intense storylines of the final stretch of the season.
Conclusion: A Wild West
The 2024-2025 NBA Western Conference is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With the Oklahoma City Thunder leading the charge, teams like the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Lakers are all making strong cases to contend for the top spot. The Golden State Warriors, despite their struggles, remain a perennial contender with their championship pedigree. And with the fight for playoff spots still wide open, there’s no telling who will ultimately emerge as the top team in the West.
As the regular season winds down, all eyes will be on the West to see who can navigate this highly competitive conference and secure a spot in the NBA Finals. One thing is certain: the 2024-2025 Western Conference playoffs are going to be thrilling, and anything can happen as the road to the championship heats up.
