NBA Reporter Predicts Western Conference Standings: Who Will Make the Playoffs?
Oct 7, 2025
The Western Conference is going to be a bloodbath this season. Of the 15 teams competing for playoff spots, only one of them is probably not trying to make the playoffs this season—that’s the Utah Jazz. The rest of them will be doing what they can to make the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
That means there will be a lot of disappointment for the six other teams that eventually don’t make the cut. Sam Quinn of CBS Sports released his predictions for the Western Conference standings, and they looked like this:
1. OKC
2. Denver
3. Houston
4. Lakers
5. Timberwolves
6. Warriors
7. Clippers
8. Spurs
9. Grizzlies
10. Mavericks
11. Blazers
12. Kings
13. Suns
14. Pelicans
15. Jazz
For the most part, these rankings aren’t going to ruffle too many feathers. The top six seeds, who will make the playoffs and avoid the Play-In Tournament, are all very worthy. However, the Los Angeles Clippers will likely have a problem with these Western Conference standings predictions.
The Clippers have built a veteran team, and they are hoping to be one of the few championship contenders this season. Finishing the season as a No. 7 seed would be a huge disappointment. Last year, they were the No. 5 seed in the West, and this offseason, they got even better.
The Pelicans are another team that may have a big problem with these rankings. Not only are the Pelicans loaded with young and talented players, but their general manager traded their unprotected first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft this offseason. That means if they are the second-worst team in the West, like Quinn is predicting, it would be a disaster.
The West will be extremely interesting to follow this season. Someone is going to end the year extremely disappointed with how things shake out.
