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Western Conference Standouts: Top 6 Teams to Watch This Season
Published March 14, 2026 · TrendNet Editorial
What You Need to Know:
- Denver Nuggets lead the Western Conference with 55 wins.
- Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker averages 29.1 points per game.
- Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James has 28.1 points per game.
Western Conference Powerhouses: Top 6 Teams to Watch
The Western Conference has been a hotbed of competition this season, with several teams vying for the top spot. Here are the top 6 teams in the Western Conference, their strengths, weaknesses, and key players.
1. Denver Nuggets (55-21)
The Denver Nuggets currently lead the Western Conference with 55 wins, thanks in large part to their strong team defense and balanced offense. Led by Nikola Jokić, who averages 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game, the Nuggets have been nearly unbeatable at home, with a 32-6 record at Ball Arena.
The Nuggets' bench has also been a key factor in their success, with players like Bruce Brown and Ish Smith providing crucial minutes off the bench. However, the Nuggets' lack of depth at the center position has been a concern, particularly with the injury to backup center Zeke Nnaji.
2. Phoenix Suns (53-23)
The Phoenix Suns have been one of the most consistent teams in the Western Conference this season, thanks to the play of Devin Booker, who averages 29.1 points per game. The Suns have also received strong contributions from Deandre Ayton, who averages 18.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, and Mikal Bridges, who averages 17.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.
However, the Suns have struggled with injuries this season, particularly to their backcourt. The Suns have been without starting point guard Chris Paul for several games, and backup point guard Cameron Payne has also been out with an injury.
3. Los Angeles Lakers (50-26)
The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the most dominant teams in the Western Conference this season, thanks in large part to the play of LeBron James, who averages 28.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. The Lakers have also received strong contributions from Anthony Davis, who averages 25.5 points and 12.4 rebounds per game, and D'Angelo Russell, who averages 18.1 points and 6.1 assists per game.
However, the Lakers have struggled with consistency this season, particularly on the road. The Lakers have a 22-14 record away from Crypto.com Arena, which is the 10th-best road record in the Western Conference.
4. Golden State Warriors (49-27)
The Golden State Warriors have been one of the most streaky teams in the Western Conference this season, thanks in large part to the play of Stephen Curry, who averages 29.4 points per game. The Warriors have also received strong contributions from Klay Thompson, who averages 21.9 points per game, and Draymond Green, who averages 8.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
However, the Warriors have struggled with injuries this season, particularly to their backcourt. The Warriors have been without starting point guard Stephen Curry for several games, and backup point guard Donte DiVincenzo has also been out with an injury.
5. Sacramento Kings (46-30)
The Sacramento Kings have been one of the most surprising teams in the Western Conference this season, thanks in large part to the play of Domantas Sabonis, who averages 19.1 points and 12.3 rebounds per game. The Kings have also received strong contributions from De'Aaron Fox, who averages 25.1 points and 6.1 assists per game, and Kevin Huerter, who averages 15.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.
However, the Kings have struggled with consistency this season, particularly on the road. The Kings have a 20-16 record away from Golden 1 Center, which is the 12th-best road record in the Western Conference.
6. Memphis Grizzlies (45-31)
The Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the most physical teams in the Western Conference this season, thanks in large part to the play of Ja Morant, who averages 26.2 points and 8.1 assists per game. The Grizzlies have also received strong contributions from Jaren Jackson Jr., who averages 18.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, and Desmond Bane, who averages 21.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
However, the Grizzlies have struggled with injuries this season, particularly to their frontcourt. The Grizzlies have been without starting center Steven Adams for several games, and backup center Brandon Clarke has also been out with an injury.
What to Watch Next
As the season winds down, the Western Conference playoff picture is starting to take shape. The top 6 teams in the conference will likely receive a playoff spot, but the order of the teams is still up for grabs. The Nuggets and Suns are currently battling for the top seed, while the Lakers and Warriors are fighting for the third seed. The Kings and Grizzlies are also in the mix, but they will need to win out to secure a playoff spot.
Check out the latest NBA 2K24 game to simulate the playoffs and see which team will come out on top.