Rockets Ranked 4th! With less than a week before the new NBA season tips off and teams entering training camp, U.S. outlet Fadeaway World released its predictions for the Western Conference standings and records based on current rosters. In these projections, the Warriors, who made no major additions, fell to 9th, while the Lakers, after adding three key new players, surged to 3rd.
5th: Timberwolves (50–32)
The Timberwolves have reached the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons. Even though they lost key rotation piece Nickeil Alexander-Walker this offseason, they are still projected at 50 wins and a 5th-place finish.
This stems largely from the potential growth of star Anthony Edwards. As one of the faces of the new generation of American players, Edwards made huge strides in his three-point shooting last season, leading the league in total three-pointers made.
With Jaden Dillingham, Ron Holland, and other young guards developing in Walker’s position, plus improved chemistry between core players like Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, Minnesota’s competitiveness could rise further.
4th: Rockets (51–31)
Despite acquiring Kevin Durant on a bargain deal, as well as adding Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela, and Josh Okogie, last season’s No. 2 seed Rockets slid to 4th in the prediction.
The main reason is a major blow in training camp: starting point guard Fred VanVleet tore his ACL. Although he underwent successful surgery, he is highly likely to miss the entire season.
That leaves Houston — with a terrifyingly deep frontcourt rotation — thin at the guard spot. They now have to rely on Amen Thompson’s positional transition and rookie Reed Sheppard’s development. These adjustments and setbacks will inevitably hurt the Rockets’ early-season competitiveness and record.
3rd: Lakers (51–31)
Compared with the Rockets’ aggressive roster overhaul, the Lakers took a surprisingly cautious approach, making no trades or signings through most of the offseason.
Their leap into the top three comes mainly from bargain pickups in the buyout market. They shored up the frontcourt with Deandre Ayton and added former DPOY Marcus Smart to ease Luka Dončić’s workload.
On top of that, Dončić slimmed down significantly and is reportedly in the best shape of his NBA career. As long as LeBron James avoids a sharp decline, the Lakers’ competitiveness looks set to climb.
2nd: Nuggets (56–26)
The battle for the top two spots carries less suspense. Last season, if not for suddenly firing GM Calvin Booth and coach Michael Malone late in the regular season, Denver could have easily secured 2nd.
This summer, the Nuggets finally addressed their depth issues by adding Cameron Johnson, Jonas Valančiūnas, Tim Hardaway Jr., and returning fan favorite Bruce Brown.
As long as Nikola Jokić stays healthy, the Nuggets remain one of the strongest contenders for the Western crown.
1st: Thunder (63–19)
As defending champions, the Thunder are the undisputed leaders of the West. From roster construction to chemistry, star power, and resilience, Oklahoma City is not only the frontrunner in the West but arguably across the entire NBA.
Remaining Predicted Standings (with records):
6–10: Clippers (47–35), Mavericks (45–37), Spurs (44–38), Warriors (43–39), Grizzlies (41–41)
11–15: Trail Blazers (39–43), Kings (34–48), Suns (29–53), Pelicans (25–57), Jazz (17–55)
The Warriors, hampered by Jonathan Kuminga’s extension saga, made no major offseason upgrades, yet did secure Al Horford, Gary Payton II, Seth Curry, and De’Anthony Melton. If they resolve Kuminga’s contract situation, their ranking could rise significantly.
