Northwest
The Thunder have a narrow lead in the Northwest division. (Getty)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Record: 17-9 Current Seed in the West: 3rd
The Thunder fell on the road to the Cavs. Russell Westbrook had an opportunity to send the game into overtime but missed a three pointer with seconds remaining.
2. Denver Nuggets
Record: 11-14 Current Seed in the West: 8th
Despite a difficult start to the season, the Nuggets are in the playoff hunt. Emmanuel Mudiay looks to be Denver’s point guard of the future.
3. Utah Jazz
Record: 10-14 Current Seed in the West: 9th
The Jazz have talent but it has yet to fully come together this season.
4. Portland Trail Blazers
Record: 11-16 Current Seed in the West: 11th
It has been difficult in Rip City without LaMarcus Aldridge. C.J. McCollum has been a bright spot for the Blazers.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
Record: 9-16 Current Seed in the West: 13th
Give it time Timberwolves fans. This will be one of the best teams in the NBA within the next few years. Karl-Anthony Towns has proved worthy of his number one draft selection and will pair nicely with Andrew Wiggins.
Pacific
Steph Curry and the Warriors are off to a record breaking start to the season. (Getty)
1. Golden State Warriors
Record: 25-1 Current Seed in the West: 1st
Now that the Warriors have lost their first game the focus can turn to just how good the defending champs are.
2. Los Angeles Clippers
Record: 16-10 Current Seed in the West: 4th
The Clippers will prove their worth in the playoffs. They have yet to get over the postseason hump to become one of the elite teams in the Western conference.
3. Phoenix Suns
Record: 11-16 Current Seed in the West: 10th
Despite having one of the most exciting backcourts in the league, it has not led to wins for the Suns.
4. Sacramento Kings
Record: 10-15 Current Seed in the West: 12th
Chaos has surrounded Sacramento to begin the season. It will be interesting to see if things settle down as the season progresses.
5. Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 4-22 Current Seed in the West: 15th
The only thing redeeming the Lakers dismal season so far is the start of the Kobe Bryant farewell tour.
Southwest
The Spurs are off to a great start. (Getty)
1. San Antonio Spurs
Record: 22-5 Current Seed in the West: 2nd
All the attention has gone to the Warriors, but the Spurs have had a great start to the season as well. The addition of LaMarcus Aldridge makes this an even scarier opponent come playoff time.
2. Dallas Mavericks
Record: 14-12 Current Seed in the West: 5th
There is considerable distance between the Mavs and Spurs. Can they make some headway before the All-Star break?
3. Memphis Grizzlies
Record: 14-13 Current Seed in the West: 6th
The Grizzlies continue to be a player in the West, especially when playoff time is upon us.
4. Houston Rockets
Record: 13-14 Current Seed in the West: 7th
More Dwight Howard drama and this time in a different city. Will the Rockets trade Dwight Howard?
5. New Orleans Pelicans
Record: 7-18 Current Seed in the West: 14th
The Pelicans have been plagued by injuries, and it has effected the team. Pelicans fans are hoping it is not too late to turn around their season.
Western Conference Playoff Picture
The Warriors are the class of the NBA. (Getty)
The Warriors have separated themselves from the entire NBA, but the Spurs are quietly right behind them. It will be an interesting stretch run between the Warriors and the Spurs. The West trails the East this season in terms of depth. If the playoffs were to start today, two teams with losing records would make it in the Western Conference.
Here is a look at the current Western Conference Playoff standings:
1. Golden State Warriors (25-1)
2. San Antonio Spurs (22-5)
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (17-9)
4. Los Angeles Clippers (16-10)
5. Dallas Mavericks (14-12)
6. Memphis Grizzlies (14-13)
7. Houston Rockets (13-14)
8. Denver Nuggets (11-14)