Thunder
The Thunder continue to run away with the Western Conference again led by another MVP caliber season by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. PF Chet Holmgren continues to be a solid #2 option and important piece to the team. The return of SF Jalen Williams from injury makes the team even better going forward as their big 3. The team continues to develop their younger players giving them good depth as the #1 team to beat and defending champs.
Spurs
The Spurs rose to the 2nd spot thanks to their solid depth despite an injury to Victor Wembanyama. The young wings have played well in G Stephon Castle, rookie G Dylan Harper, and G/F Devin Vassell. F Keldon Johnson has seemed to fit in nicely as the 6th man on the team and could win the award. PG De’Aaron Fox has played well leading the young team. Veteran F Harrison Barnes has played well providing solid 3 and D play. Free agent pickup C Luke Kornet has played well while providing insurance for Wemby’s injury. The team has depth to make a trade but might not need or want to.
Lakers
The Lakers are currently in the 3rd spot, despite an early long injury to LeBron James, but increased play from SG Austin Reaves and PG Luka Doncic was enough. C Deandre Ayton played well early in the season but continues to show inconsistency. The addition of F Jake LaRavia has brought solid production due to the limited depth along with veteran G Marcus Smart; both have been better than expected. The team should get better as they work LeBron back into the mix while trying to stay healthy as a team.
Nuggets
The Nuggets continue to be led by C Nikola Jokic putting up MVP caliber numbers before his recent injury. The team has show good depth despite multiple injuries thanks to the additions of G/F Bruce Brown and G/F Tim Hardaway Jr. PF Peyton Watson has played very well in the absence of Aaron Gordon. PG Jamal Murray has been healthy and continues to be a solid scoring threat off Jokic’s playmaking. The addition of F Cam Johnson has brought mixed results, but he continues to produce from the outside. The addition of C Jonas Valanciunas has given them solid depth and he is much needed now. When SG Christian Braun returns, the team should be even better.
Rockets
The Rockets have played well despite not having a true PG with the loss of Fred VanVleet led by a healthy Kevin Durant as the #1 option. G/F Amen Thompson has played well as the starting PG along with increased production and the playmaking skills of PF/C Alperen Sengun who has played better as well. C Steven Adams has given them a big lineup when needed and for extra defense along with C Clint Capela. PF Jamari Smith Jr. has been a solid two-way player and young PG Reed Sheppard has provided outside shooting. The returns of SF Tari Eason and SG/SF Dorian Finney-Smith should help going forward.
