Latest NBA Offseason Power Rankings: West Teams to Beat in 2025-26

By Edcel Panganiban August 05, 2025 14:12

As the NBA gears up for the 2025-26 season, the Western Conference once again stands as the league’s most formidable battleground. With significant offseason moves and the return of marquee players, several teams are positioned to emerge as the squads to beat out west. From the reigning powerhouse Oklahoma City Thunder to revamped contenders like the Houston Rockets, the West promises a thrilling and highly competitive season.

Leading the pack, the Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off a dominant 68-14 regular-season record in 2024-25, remain the clear favorites. Their offseason was marked by astute roster enhancements designed to complement their star-studded core. ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst commented, “The Thunder are not just repeating champions on paper they’ve gotten better. Their mix of veteran savvy and young talent is a blueprint for sustained success.” OKC’s impressive differential of +12.9 points per game last season underscores their balance on both ends of the court, a standard they are expected to maintain.

Hot on their heels are the Houston Rockets, who made headlines by acquiring Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade. Paired with their existing young stars, Houston’s offensive capabilities are expected to skyrocket. NBA.com’s power rankings place Houston second in the conference, highlighting the upgrade’s immediate impact. “Adding Durant changes the dynamics entirely,” noted Tim Bontemps of ESPN. “They have the firepower to compete with any team, especially in clutch moments.”

The Denver Nuggets, a perennial playoff contender, have also retooled their roster around MVP Nikola Jokić. Their size and versatility remain key strengths, with offseason additions focusing on perimeter defense and shooting depth. According to The Athletic’s 2025 offseason grades, Denver earned high marks for their strategic acquisitions aimed at surrounding Jokić with complementary talent.

Minnesota Timberwolves, led by rising star Anthony Edwards, and the Los Angeles Clippers, with a renewed core featuring Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, round out the upper tier of contenders. Edwards’ explosive scoring and improved playmaking were pivotal last season, and experts expect further growth. “Edwards could be the X-factor that pushes Minnesota over the edge,” said Marc J. Spears on NBA Today. Meanwhile, the Clippers’ experience and defensive prowess keep them in playoff discussions despite health concerns.

Despite fierce competition, some Western teams face challenges. The Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks hover just outside the playoff bubble, while franchises like the Utah Jazz have entered rebuilding phases, trading veterans for future assets. The Jazz’s strategy may yield lottery picks but diminishes their short-term potential in a stacked conference.

From a statistical perspective, last season’s Western Conference was characterized by high-paced offenses and improved three-point shooting accuracy. League averages indicate Western teams outscored their Eastern counterparts by nearly five points per game, a trend expected to continue. Defensively, however, teams like the Thunder and Clippers set the benchmark, combining stingy perimeter defense with interior rim protection.

Looking ahead, the narrative of the West centers on whether the Thunder can defend their title amidst heavyweights like Houston and Denver, each bolstered by key offseason moves. The integration of new stars and evolving team chemistry will be pivotal in a conference where margins of victory are slim.

The 2025-26 NBA Western Conference shapes up as a thrilling showcase of elite talent and strategic savvy. Experts across ESPN, The Athletic, and NBA.com agree that Okahoma City’s blend of consistency and growth makes them the team to beat, but with Houston’s star power and Denver’s depth, the race for supremacy is wide open. Fans should expect intense rivalries, high-octane offense, and tactical battles as Western Conference teams vie for playoff positioning and championship aspirations.