NBA Western Conference power rankings: Warriors up, Clippers down & more

The 2026-27 NBA season is starting to take shape, and teams are beginning to find their identity. Many teams have exceeded expectations and came out firing, while others are still trying to figure things out. We’ve seen teams riddled with injuries, expected slumps, and parity among the Western Conference. With plenty of basketball still ahead, here’s where all 30 teams stand after the first few weeks. MORE: Luka Doncic surpasses Michael Jordan’s incredible feat Ranks 15-11 15. Los Angeles Clippers 1-7 After defeating the Kings in their season opener, the Los Angeles Clippers went on a rough patch with a seven-game losing streak. It hasn’t all been the Clippers’ fault. Their schedule hasn’t been favorable, playing top-tier contenders in a brutal stretch. Keaton Wagler and Darius Garland have emerged as bright spots on a young team unlikely to finish with a winning record. 14. Utah Jazz 1-7 The Utah Jazz have struggled to find their footing, losing six straight after winning their season opener. They have let multiple winnable games slip away, making their start even more disappointing. Keyonte George has emerged as a star for this young team, while second overall pick Darryn Peterson hasn’t had the opportunity many expected. Utah has some promising pieces but still has a long way to go. 13. Sacramento Kings 1-7 The Sacramento Kings finally got their first win of the season against the Mavericks on the road, but there are still plenty of questions surrounding this team. Acuff has taken control of the offense in his first season, averaging 25 points while taking more than 23 shots per game. While his production has been impressive, there are questions about whether he’s developing bad habits with so much responsibility. The chemistry between the team’s veterans and young talent also hasn’t been great. 12. Phoenix Suns 2-5 The Phoenix Suns have had a disappointing start to the season, especially considering the expectations surrounding this team. They’ve faced some tough competition, losing several games against top teams, but haven’t looked like the contender many expected. Jalen Green has been underwhelming and hasn’t made the impact Phoenix needs from him. It’s still early, but the Suns need to find some consistency before things get worse. 11. Dallas Mavericks 4-4 The Dallas Mavericks have been one of the more entertaining teams to watch this season. Despite losing their last two games, Dallas has picked up multiple impressive wins against quality opponents. The combination of Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving has given this team an exciting dynamic, with Flagg continuing to establish himself as a major part of its future. The Mavericks have shown they can compete with some of the best teams in the league. Top 10 10. New Orleans Pelicans 4-4 After starting the season 0-4, the New Orleans Pelicans have completely turned things around, winning four straight games. Dejounte Murray and Zion Williamson have led the way offensively, while Saddiq Bey has emerged as a surprising contributor. Their balanced scoring has helped them find a rhythm, but they haven’t faced the toughest competition during this winning streak. I expect New Orleans to continue improving as the season progresses. 9. Denver Nuggets 4-3 The Denver Nuggets have been a confusing team early in the season, beating the teams they’re supposed to beat but struggling against better competition. Nikola Jokic continues to be one of the best players in the league, but he can’t do everything himself. Denver needs someone outside of Jokic and Jamal Murray to step up if it wants to compete with the league’s best. The team has looked dysfunctional at times, and a trade could be something to consider if things don’t improve. 8. Memphis Grizzlies 6-2 The Memphis Grizzlies’ surprising start to the season was fun while it lasted, but things were bound to come back down to earth eventually. After winning six straight, Memphis has now lost two consecutive games, including a loss to an Indiana team without Tyrese Haliburton. The Grizzlies have been one of the better stories early in the season, but I expected their winning streak to eventually come to an end. I expect them to settle into the bottom half of the league as the season progresses. 7. Minnesota Timberwolves 6-3 The Minnesota Timberwolves have had some questions to answer early in the season with Anthony Edwards out. LaMelo Ball has stepped up in his absence, helping Minnesota stay competitive. Their biggest statement came in a huge win against Houston, which has looked like one of the best teams in the league. Once Edwards returns, this team should be fighting near the top of the Western Conference. 6. Golden State Warriors 6-3 After starting the season 0-3, the Golden State Warriors have completely turned things around, winning six straight games. The addition of Yaxel Lendeborg, the growth of Brandin Podziemski and improved production from the bench have helped turn this team into a contender. Stephen Curry finally looks like he has a reliable group surrounding him, and the return of Jimmy Butler should make things even better. The sky’s the limit for Golden State if it can keep this up. MORE: Victor Wembanyama pulls off something not seen in NBA since 1974 Top 5 5. Oklahoma City Thunder 6-2 The Oklahoma City Thunder have dealt with several injuries early in the season, including long-term absences from Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Despite the setbacks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has continued to carry this team and keep Oklahoma City in contention. However, it’s fair to question how sustainable this level of play is without some of their biggest contributors. The Thunder need to stay competitive until Holmgren and Williams return. 4. San Antonio Spurs 6-2 After losing their first two games, the San Antonio Spurs have completely turned things around, winning six straight. Their biggest win came against Dallas in a nail-biter, where Victor Wembanyama exploded for 52 points. Wembanyama has quickly become an early MVP favorite, while Dylan Harper has made huge strides alongside the young roster. The Spurs play at a rapid pace and have quickly become one of the most exciting teams in the league. 3. Los Angeles Lakers 7-2 The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to a strong start, largely thanks to Luka Doncic, who has been one of the best players in the league. He’s averaging an otherworldly 38 points, eight assists and eight rebounds, putting together an incredible start to the season. Walker Kessler and Austin Reaves have also been bright spots, but the Lakers’ bench has been underwhelming and has let the team down. If they want to stay near the top of the standings, they’ll need more production from their supporting cast. 2. Houston Rockets 7-2 The Houston Rockets have looked like one of the best teams in the league, if not the best, through the first few weeks. Kevin Durant has looked great, continuing to produce at an elite level even at 38 years old. Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson have all made major leaps and become huge contributors. The return of Fred VanVleet has also given Houston another reliable ball handler, making an already dangerous team even better. 1. Portland Trail Blazers 6-1 Before the season started, I said the Portland Trail Blazers would be a contender in the West, and so far, they’ve given me plenty of reasons to believe that. Deni Avdija and Damian Lillard have looked like a dynamic scoring duo, while Donovan Clingan has been one of the best rebounders in the league, averaging a double-double. The addition of Ja Morant has made this team even more dangerous, giving Portland another scoring threat. The Trail Blazers play well together and have looked like one of the most complete teams in the league. —  Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter  —