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The Western Conference has been unpredictable through the first week of the NBA season. Exciting rookies have made their presence felt, unexpected teams have taken over the standings, and established contenders are beginning to show what they’re capable of. Here’s a look at where all 15 teams stand after week one:

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Ranks 15-11

15. Sacramento Kings 0-5

Sacramento has endured the roughest start in the West, losing each of its first five games. The Kings entered the season facing questions about their ability to compete, and their winless record has only increased the pressure to find answers. There’s still a long way to go, but Sacramento needs to show signs of improvement soon. Otherwise, the team could spend much of the season trying to climb out of an early hole.

14. New Orleans Pelicans 1-4

New Orleans has struggled to gain traction, winning just once in its first five games. The Pelicans are already facing an uphill battle in the Western Conference, where a slow start can quickly leave a team behind. Although five games aren’t enough to define an entire season, the team needs to find a more consistent approach. Without a turnaround, New Orleans risks spending the year near the bottom of the standings.

13. Utah Jazz 1-4

Utah hasn’t found much success through its opening five games, leaving the Jazz with a 1-4 record. The team wasn’t expected to be among the West’s top contenders, but it still needs to show more than it has so far. With a young roster and plenty of basketball ahead, development should remain a priority. The challenge is finding a way to make that progress translate into better results on the court.

12. LA Clippers 1-3

The Clippers have had difficulty building momentum, picking up just one win in their first four games. Los Angeles entered the season with questions about how competitive it could be, and the early record hasn’t done much to change that outlook. The team needs to find a way to string together better performances if it wants to remain in the conversation. For now, the Clippers have more questions than answers.

11. Phoenix Suns 1-2

Phoenix has only played three games, but its 1-2 record leaves the Suns with ground to make up. After entering the season hoping to build on last year’s playoff appearance, the team hasn’t established the consistency needed to get off to a stronger start. It’s far too early to draw major conclusions, but Phoenix needs to find its rhythm before the gap between it and the West’s top teams grows.

Top 10

10. Golden State Warriors 2-3

Golden State has had an uneven opening stretch, winning two games while dropping three. Stephen Curry remains the centerpiece of the Warriors, while rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has emerged as an intriguing addition to the roster. However, the team still needs to find a more consistent way to turn its talent into wins. Golden State has the experience to compete, but its early record leaves little room for complacency.

9. Denver Nuggets 2-2

Denver has split its first four games, leaving the Nuggets with an even record as they look to establish themselves in the West. The roster has the talent to compete for a championship, but the team hasn’t separated itself from the pack yet. There’s no reason to overreact to four games, though Denver will need to find a consistent rhythm if it hopes to make another deep postseason run.

8. San Antonio Spurs 3-2

San Antonio has won three of its first five games, giving the Spurs a respectable start in a competitive conference. After establishing themselves as a championship-caliber team last season, the expectations are higher entering this year. Their current record keeps them in the mix, but they’ll need to maintain their level of play to remain among the West’s best. San Antonio has the pieces to compete, and the next stretch will provide a better indication of its ceiling.

7. Dallas Mavericks 3-2

Dallas has started the season with a winning record, and Cooper Flagg remains one of the team’s biggest reasons for optimism. The No. 1 overall pick has brought plenty of attention to the Mavericks, who are hoping his arrival can help change the team’s direction. A 3-2 start gives Dallas something to build on, though there’s still a long season ahead. If the roster continues to develop around Flagg, the Mavericks could put themselves in the playoff conversation.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves 3-2

Minnesota has shown it can compete, but its 3-2 record leaves room for improvement. The Timberwolves entered the season with expectations of making noise in the West, and they have enough talent to challenge the conference’s top teams. However, they’ll need to find more consistency to separate themselves from the middle of the standings. Minnesota remains a team worth watching, especially if it can turn its early potential into a sustained run of success.

Top 5

5. Portland Trail Blazers 3-1

Portland has been one of the more intriguing teams to start the season, winning three of its first four games. The revamped Trail Blazers have already shown signs of being more competitive, giving fans reason to pay attention to what this group could become. A 3-1 record is an encouraging start, though the team still has to prove it can maintain that pace. If Portland continues to build momentum, it could become a surprise in the Western Conference.

4. Los Angeles Lakers 4-1

The Lakers have put together a strong opening stretch, winning four of their first five games under Luka Doncic’s leadership. Los Angeles has worked to improve its roster, and the early results suggest the team is in a good position to compete. With four wins already, the Lakers have established themselves near the top of the West. The next challenge will be maintaining that success as the season progresses.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder 4-1

Oklahoma City has continued to look like a contender, winning four of its first five games. The Thunder entered the season with the goal of remaining among the league’s best, and their early record supports that outlook. Injuries to Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace create an obstacle, but the team has already shown it can compete at a high level. Oklahoma City remains one of the West’s most dangerous teams, even with those concerns.

2. Memphis Grizzlies 5-0

Memphis has been one of the early success stories of the season, winning its first five games and remaining undefeated. The Grizzlies have given themselves an ideal start, putting pressure on the rest of the conference to keep pace. It’s difficult to know how sustainable a perfect record will be over a full season, but Memphis has earned its position near the top. The next challenge is proving this hot start is more than a small-sample surprise.

1. Houston Rockets 5-0

Houston has made an early statement, winning all five of its opening games and establishing itself as one of the league’s strongest teams. Kevin Durant continues to provide elite scoring, while Jabari Smith, Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun give the Rockets additional talent throughout the roster. Fred VanVleet also brings valuable experience to the group. With contributions from multiple players and a perfect record, Houston has earned the top spot in the Western Conference.

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