NBA Power Rankings: Top 5 Western Conference teams ahead of opening night 2019-20

The Los Angeles Lakers are among the Western Conferences best teams heading into the new season
The Los Angeles Lakers are among the Western Conferences best teams heading into the new season

While the Toronto Raptors took home the 2019 title, there is no doubting that the Western Conference is currently significantly stronger than the Eastern Conference.

Heading into the new season, only the Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies are unlikely to contend for a playoff spot. Several teams will be hoping to replace the Golden State Warriors as the new dominant force in the division after Steve Kerr's team lost Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala during a turbulent off-season.

While the two teams from Los Angeles received the most attention during the summer, the likes of Houston Rockets, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings have all strengthened.

Nevertheless, only five teams can make our power rankings ahead of the new season. Here we take a look at the teams best equipped to dominate the Western Conference this season.


#5 Denver Nuggets

Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic will be key to Denver's hopes this season
Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic will be key to Denver's hopes this season

The Denver Nuggets finished the 2018-19 season with the NBA's best home record, and Michael Malone's team will once again be difficult to beat on their own court. The Nuggets didn't pull off a significant off-season move like many of their Western Conference rivals, although the acquisition of Jerami Grant is underrated considering the 25-year-old enjoyed a breakout season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

While Jamal Murray and Gary Harris have important roles to play this season, much of Denver's hopes will once again rest on the shoulders of Nikola Jokic. At 24, Jokic is entering his prime, and he enters the season as one of the favorites to take home the MVP award.

If he can stay healthy and build on his excellent performances from last season, the Nuggets will be among the best teams in the crowded West.

#4 Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz will be looking to build on three consecutive playoff appearances
The Utah Jazz will be looking to build on three consecutive playoff appearances

The Utah Jazz have been among the toughest teams to beat over the past three years, and their defense was the second-best in the NBA last season. But offensive fluidity has been a problem, as Donovan Mitchell has shouldered too much responsibly in both scoring and playmaking duties.

Utah did manage to address their need for an elite playmaker by trading for Mike Conley over the summer, and Mitchell's numbers could take a huge leap in Year 3.

Meanwhile, two-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert will continue to dominate on the defensive end, and Royce O'Neale is primed to be among the breakout stars of the season.

With Quin Snyder's long-term future also secure, this is a Jazz team that will grow together over the next few years, although they should already be good enough to compete over the next nine months.

#3 Houston Rockets

Houston's form could depend on how Russell Westbrook adapts to Mike D'Antoni's system
Houston's form could depend on how Russell Westbrook adapts to Mike D'Antoni's system

After being eliminated from the playoffs by the Golden State Warriors for the fourth time in five seasons, all signs pointed to the Houston Rockets hitting the reset button. But the Warriors' demise created an opening in the West, and Daryl Morey executed a bold trade that swapped Chris Paul for Russell Westbrook.

Aside from the Westbrook trade much of the roster remains the same, and the Rockets once again lack depth in certain areas. However, Mike D'Antoni's starting lineup of James Harden, Westbrook, Eric Gordon, PJ Tucker and Clint Capela is perhaps the best in the NBA.

The Rockets will undoubtedly possess one of the best records in the league, but there are still doubts over how Westbrook and Harden will co-exist in the same team. The Rockets' hopes of winning a championship will depend on this intriguing dynamic.

#2 Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James will create a deadly duo with Anthony Davis
LeBron James will create a deadly duo with Anthony Davis

The Los Angeles Lakers were a non-factor last season after failing to add a genuine second star alongside LeBron James. But the Lakers moved quickly to secure a blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis this summer, and the 26-year-old can become arguably the best teammate that James has ever had.

Danny Green is also a fine addition to the roster following his championship-winning exploits with the Raptors. The Lakers can also call upon the likes of Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee and Avery Bradley.

The front office also has faith that 24-year-old Kyle Kuzma can turn into the Lakers' third star, and someone such as Carmelo Anthony or Andre Iguodala could be signed in the months ahead. All things considered, the Lakers enter the season in a strong position, although they have often been their own worst enemy in recent years.

#1 Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers enter the new season as the front-runners in the Western Conference
The Clippers enter the new season as the front-runners in the Western Conference

During the opening week of free agency, it looked increasingly likely that the Los Angeles Clippers would miss out on their quest to sign an All-Star. However, Kawhi Leonard eventually announced his decision to snub the Lakers to sign for the Clippers, while Paul George also followed him thanks to a blockbuster trade with the Thunder.

The addition of the NBA's best two-way talents to a team that finished last season with a 48-34 record should be frightening to other teams. And the Clippers also managed to keep hold of key pieces such as Pat Beverley, Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell and Landry Shamet.

The Clippers undoubtedly have the best roster in the NBA right now, and opposing teams will have a hard time scoring against a starting lineup that includes the trio of George, Beverley and Leonard. The 2020 championship is the Clippers' to lose, and the health of PG13 and Leonard should be their only concern.

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Edited by Musab Abid