With the 2025-26 NBA regular season crossing the 60-game threshold, it is time to deliver our third-quarter report cards. After assessing the Eastern Conference, we now turn our attention to the West, where two teams stand above the rest.
The Frontrunners
The Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs are clearly the class of the conference, positioning themselves as favorites for a potential Western Conference finals clash. While the Denver Nuggets remain competitive when Aaron Gordon joins Nikola Jokić, and the Minnesota Timberwolves show flashes of brilliance, the path to the finals remains a daunting challenge.
The Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers are formidable but face specific roster or systemic limitations that may hinder their ability to contend for the top spot. Meanwhile, the play-in race is taking shape, and the teams committed to rebuilding—including one struggling franchise—are becoming clear.
Team-by-Team Breakdown
Dallas Mavericks (Grade: D)
The season has been a massive disappointment. Since the trade deadline, following the disastrous move to swap Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis—only to subsequently offload Davis—the team has struggled immensely. They have essentially become a negative environment for developing top prospect Cooper Flagg, who lacks established teammates to support his growth. At least a high lottery pick is on the horizon.
Denver Nuggets (Grade: C)
When Nikola Jokić is on the floor, the Nuggets operate with a historic offensive efficiency. However, red flags remain, including injury concerns, inconsistent bench play, and a lack of depth against top-tier opponents. The team is hovering near the play-in tournament, needing to show more cohesion to be considered a true threat.
Golden State Warriors (Grade: C)
Despite missing Stephen Curry for 25 games and dealing with other injury setbacks, the Warriors remain in contention for the play-in. The pairing of Draymond Green and Al Horford has provided defensive stability, but the team desperately needs Curry back to its full potential to make any noise in the postseason.
Houston Rockets (Grade: B)
Kevin Durant continues to perform at an elite level, solidifying his status as one of the most consistent scorers in league history. While Alperen Şengün’s season has been inconsistent, the team has found productive lineup combinations. The primary challenge moving forward is developing the younger talent, including Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard.
Los Angeles Clippers (Grade: C)
The Clippers have shown marked improvement since the first quarter of the season. Kawhi Leonard’s health remains key, and recent lineup adjustments, including the integration of Darius Garland, have boosted the team’s offensive rating significantly as they push for a play-in spot.
Los Angeles Lakers (Grade: C)
The Lakers have experienced a bizarre trend where the team performs statistically better without LeBron James on the floor. While the team remains in the playoff hunt, the role and future of James, who becomes a free agent after this season, present a massive, unresolved question for the franchise.
Memphis Grizzlies (Grade: F)
The Grizzlies are currently in a difficult rebuilding phase. While Zach Edey has shown promise as a defensive anchor, the team lacks cohesion. The decision to trade Jaren Jackson Jr. signals a clear pivot toward securing a high draft pick rather than competing immediately.
Minnesota Timberwolves (Grade: B)
Anthony Edwards continues to develop into a superstar, receiving high praise for his intensity. Despite an under-.500 record against winning teams, their consistency against conference rivals like the Thunder and Nuggets keeps them firmly in the contender conversation, anchored by a reliable starting unit and the defensive prowess of Rudy Gobert.
New Orleans Pelicans (Grade: D)
The Pelicans are a major disappointment given the potential of Zion Williamson. The team has struggled to remain competitive, and they are currently positioned to surrender a valuable top-10 pick to Atlanta as part of past trades.
Oklahoma City Thunder (Grade: A)
The Thunder possess the league’s top-rated defense and a high-powered offense anchored by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is making a strong case for MVP. Their depth and ability to dominate when their best lineup is on the floor make them arguably the team to beat in the West.
Phoenix Suns (Grade: B)
Despite a recent skid, the Suns have exceeded expectations under coach Jordan Ott. With Devin Booker’s return from injury, the offense is clicking again, though they face a difficult climb to improve their seeding before the playoffs begin.
Portland Trail Blazers (Grade: C)
The Blazers are essentially locked into the lower half of the play-in picture. While the addition of Deni Avdija has improved their offensive output, the team lacks the consistency needed to win multiple high-stakes games in a row.
Sacramento Kings (Grade: C)
The Kings' season has been defined by questionable roster moves and personnel management, including the loss of productive players like Keon Ellis. As the team struggles, focus shifts to the upcoming draft and the potential need to rebuild the core around Domantas Sabonis.
San Antonio Spurs (Grade: A)
The Spurs have cemented themselves as serious contenders. Victor Wembanyama’s impact on both ends of the floor is profound, and the development of young backcourt partners like Stephon Castle has added much-needed versatility. They remain a major threat to the Thunder for the top seed.
Utah Jazz (Grade: B)
The Jazz are in an evaluation phase. Lauri Markkanen continues to play at an elite level, and the team is prioritizing the development of young players like Keyonte George. While they likely won't make a deep run this year, they are successfully positioning themselves for future asset accumulation.