Predicting the 2023-24 Western Conference Table

1. Nuggets (59-23)

The Nuggets are the current champions, and for a reason. They have one of the most well rounded teams led by arguably the best player in the League, Nikola Jokic. Their game revolves around their passing big man and cutting to find themselves open. Throughout the entire season they were a problem in the league as no one could really find a solution to their offense. Their Playoffs campaign was even more brutal, sweeping the Lakers in the conference finals and winning the Finals in only 5 games. This was their first championship in Franchise history, but it's certainly not the last.

If they manage to stay healthy, this could be the start of a brand new dynasty.

2. Suns (55-27)

The Suns are now in the making of a super team, and of course it revolves around Kevin Durant. With a team surrounded by Devin Booker, KD and now Bradley Beal, they will be elite on the scoring aspect. They still have to make more trades to fill out their bench depth, but regardless they will be a top team in the west in the upcoming season.

3. Lakers (51-31)

The Lakers made the right moves at the trade deadline last season, and it showed. Making the conference finals as a 7th seed AND in LeBron's 20th season, they will surely make an impact on the western conference this season.

Additionally, they have been linked with players like Draymond Green and Chris Paul to add to their depth, while keeping their main assets in AD, LeBron, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dennis Schroder.

4. Mavericks (48-34)

The Mavs were disappointing towards the end of last season, finishing 11th and missing out on the play-in tournament. They have a top scorer in Luka and a dribbling and handling wizard in Kyrie Irving. With the proper moves, they will surly be a top 4 team in the west.

5. Warriors (47-35)

The Warriors will be back next season without Draymond Green (maybe) but have the assets to make a 5th seed next season. Mainly due to Steph Curry, who has been carrying the team all throughout the playoffs, they need bench depth and new starters over aging players like Klay and disappointments like Jordan Poole. Regardless they are a top team in the west which is why we project them to go 5th in the west next season.

6. Kings (45-37)

The kings are ready to run it back and be a top team in the conference this upcoming season. Having finished 3rd in 2022-23, they made their first playoff appearance in 17 years, the largest drought in NBA history. With Domantas Sabonis and De'Aaron Fox leading the team, they will surely be back in the off-season next year.

Additionally, the team has a coach of the year up their sleeves in Mike Brown, a big reason for last season's success.

7. Grizzlies (44-38)

The grizzlies are a top team in the west, but due to their playoff downfall and the fact that the west will be even more stacked this coming season, we predict them finishing 8th in the west, just making the play-in tournament.

8. Clippers (42-40)

Much like the Grizzlies, the Clippers are an all conference team with two top 15 players in the league in Kawhi Leonard and Paul Geroge. Unfortunately due to injuries they are often set back even though they should be a championship team. This is why we saw them finishing 8th at the end of the regular season.

9. Trail Blazers (41-41)

The Trail Blazers have a chance to make a playoff appearance next season, so we give them this.

10. Thunder (40-42)

With a team filled with young talent and led by SGA, there is a big chance they will finish 10th and make a play-in appearance.

11. Jazz (38-44)

We predict the jazz to barely make a play-in appearance but still have an amazing season. With Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler as the big wings/big men, they will be seen both offensively and defensively. Unfortunately they are still too young to make a play-in appearance.

12. Timberwolves (35-47)

The Timberwolves don't have it in them.

13. Rockets (34-48)

Even with the addition of Ime Udoka as head coach, it will be hard to see this team right in order to make the play-ins. The only possible way they will be able to compete for a playoff spot would be if they acquired James Harden in free agency.

14. Pelicans (34-48)

The Pels need change and soon. They are an injury prone team that is led by an injury prone Brandon Ingram and a walking injury in Zion Williamson (that is if he isn't traded by then)

15. Spurs (32-50)

Even with the first overall pick in the draft, we see the Spurs and Victor Wembanyama make the bottom of the west. It will be his first year as an NBA player and will need time to adapt.