Playoffs Analysis | The Western Conference is decided: hierarchy at the top and total war for home-court advantage
Thunder and Spurs dominate, Lakers accelerate, and six teams are playing for their fate between direct playoffs and the play-in
With just a few weeks left in the 2025/26 regular season, the Western Conference has a clearer structure at the top than the East, but there is a tight battle both for home-court advantage and the play-in.
Two clear leaders at the top
The top of the West is dominated by two teams: the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs.
Oklahoma City (57-16) not only leads the conference but also has the best record in the league. With a two-game lead over San Antonio, their goal is to secure home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Spurs (55-18) have practically secured the second spot and are likely to be the other top contender in the West at least until the conference finals.
Rising Lakers and fierce battle for the Top 6
The third spot has a clear favorite: the Los Angeles Lakers. Their recent streak of nine consecutive wins has put them in a prime position to secure home-court advantage in the first round.
From there, a logjam begins. The Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Houston Rockets are virtually tied in the standings.
All three have secured a playoff spot, barring a collapse, but only one will claim the fourth position and, therefore, the home-court advantage in the first round. The difference is minimal: just one loss separates these teams, making every game crucial.
The play-in, nearly set
Unlike the East, the play-in picture in the West is almost set. Following Memphis' elimination, four teams seem destined to claim those spots:
- Phoenix Suns (7th)
- Los Angeles Clippers (8th)
- Portland Trail Blazers (9th)
- Golden State Warriors (10th)
Nevertheless, the order is still up for grabs. Phoenix is aiming to secure the seventh spot for an advantage in the first play-in game, while the Clippers and Blazers are vying for the eighth position that grants a second chance.
The Warriors, on the other hand, are pushing their chances: they have room to move up but are also close to being left in a precarious position if they string together losses.
What each team is playing for
- Oklahoma City Thunder: secure the number 1 seed and total home-court advantage
- San Antonio Spurs: consolidate the number 2 seed
- Los Angeles Lakers: maintain the third spot
- Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets: avoid the play-in and fight for home-court advantage
- Phoenix Suns: secure the advantage in the play-in
- Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors: improve position within the play-in
Current bracket standings
If the season ended today, the Western Conference bracket would look like this:
- (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs play-in winner
- (2) San Antonio Spurs vs play-in winner
- (3) Los Angeles Lakers vs (6) Houston Rockets
- (4) Denver Nuggets vs (5) Minnesota Timberwolves
Play-in:
- (7) Phoenix Suns vs (8) Los Angeles Clippers
- (9) Portland Trail Blazers vs (10) Golden State Warriors
A West with hierarchy at the top and tension below
Unlike the East, there seems to be a clearer hierarchy at the top in the West, with the Thunder and Spurs setting the pace. However, parity emerges just behind, with multiple teams separated by minute details.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Análisis playoffs | La Conferencia Oeste se define: jerarquía arriba y guerra total por el factor cancha
