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Western Conference Power Rankings

By: Torin Otis

Western Conference Power Rankings 1 – 5

 

  1. San Antonio Spurs (9-1) – Wait, they’re still in the league? All the talk continues to surround the ‘power teams’ like the LA Clippers and OKC Thunder. And with Kobe being medically cleared to play, the Spurs will continue to sit back and do what they do best, win. They’re allowing the fewest points per game in the west (89.3), and are second in the NBA behind only the Indiana Pacers (86.3).

 

  1. Los Angeles Clippers (7-3) – Is this really a Doc Rivers team? The Clippers lead the NBA in points per game (110.0) but rank 28th in points allowed per game (105.7). The Clips got off to a slow start going 3-3 in their first six games, but have rattled off four straight against four playoff-bound teams in Houston, Minnesota, Oklahoma City and Brooklyn.

 

  1. Golden State Warriors (7-3) – When healthy, the Warriors are in the discussion as the best team in the NBA.  They are top 10 in the NBA in both points per game (6th) and points allowed (8th). If Steph Curry and Andrew Bogut can stay healthy, teams won’t be able to double in the post and if they do, shooters like Curry and Klay Thompson will be salivating for a kickout three-ball.

 

  1. Oklahoma City Thunder (6-3) – Russell Westbrook is back, but even with Kevin Durant the question lingers as to who will step-up to make the ‘Big 3.’ Steven Adams has been an early season surprise and can be aggressive with Kendrick Perkins ahead of him and Hasheem Thabeet behind. The real wild card is Serge Ibaka. If he can consistently produce, the Thunder will make another run for an NBA title.

 

  1. Portland Trail Blazers (8-2) – A very interesting team, the Portland Trail Blazers are. A lengthy frontcourt with all-star LaMarcus Aldridge, newly acquired Robin Lopez and Nicolas Batum to go with a young, talented backcourt in Damian Lillard and Wesley Matthews. The Blazers have the second best record in the conference, but six of their wins have come against middle-of-the-road teams (SAC-2, DET, PHX, BOS, TOR). They did, however, hand the Spurs their only loss of the year.

 

6. Houston Rockets

7. Minnesota Timberwolves

8. Dallas Mavericks

9. Memphis Grizzlies

10. Phoenix Suns

11. Denver Nuggets

12. Los Angeles Lakers

13. New Orleans Pelicans

14. Sacramento Kings

15. Utah Jazz

Torin Otis

Torin Otis

Torin Otis here. I was born in the cereal city of Battle Creek, Michigan. I am a diehard Michigan Wolverines fan. I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a broadcasting degree. Sports are my passion. Any sport, you name it (as long as it qualifies as a sport). I grew up playing basketball and golf. I helped build an orphanage for children in Haiti. I also assisted in Hurricane Katrina relief. I believe God has a plan for all of us. I live life with the belief that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13). More as this story develops…

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