NBA Western Conference Power Rankings 2026-27: Spurs and Thunder Lead the Race
The NBA offseason has brought major changes across the Western Conference, but two teams remain ahead of the pack heading towards the 2026-27 season.
The San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder occupy the top two spots in the latest Western Conference Power Rankings, followed by the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets.
After San Antonio defeated Oklahoma City in a dramatic seven-game Western Conference Finals last season, another battle between the two young contenders could be on the cards.
1. San Antonio Spurs
2025-26 record: 62-20
San Antonio enters the new season as the No. 1 team in the West.
The Spurs were one of the NBA’s most balanced teams last season, ranking among the league's best on both offence and defence before eliminating Oklahoma City 4-3 in the Western Conference Finals.
What makes them even more dangerous is their young core.
Victor Wembanyama is only 22, Stephon Castle is 21 and Dylan Harper is 20. San Antonio has also retained almost its entire rotation while adding experienced forward Tobias Harris.
One of the biggest questions for 2026-27 will be whether Harper receives a larger role alongside Wembanyama. Their combination showed enormous potential last season and could help the Spurs take another step forward.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
2025-26 record: 64-18
Despite losing to San Antonio in the playoffs, Oklahoma City remains one of the strongest teams in basketball.
The Thunder finished last season with the NBA's No. 1 defensive rating and best Net Rating, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued to produce elite offensive numbers.
However, their famous depth has taken a hit.
Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins are no longer part of the roster, putting more responsibility on players such as Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell.
A healthy Jalen Williams could make a major difference, particularly if Oklahoma City meets San Antonio again in the postseason.
3. Denver Nuggets
2025-26 record: 54-28
As long as Nikola Jokić is leading the team, Denver cannot be ignored in the championship conversation.
The Nuggets had the NBA's best offensive rating last season, with Jokić and Jamal Murray continuing to form one of the league's most effective combinations.
Their main concern remains depth.
The departures of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jonas Valančiūnas have reduced the rotation, while the health of Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun will be important if Denver wants to challenge the top two.
4. Los Angeles Lakers
2025-26 record: 53-29
A new era has begun in Los Angeles.
Following LeBron James' departure, the Lakers are now fully building around Luka Dončić.
Los Angeles has reshaped the roster with additions including Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton and Kevon Looney.
Dončić and Austin Reaves should give the Lakers plenty of offensive firepower. The bigger question is whether they can become a strong enough defensive team to compete with the West's elite.
Kessler's rim protection could prove particularly important.
5. Houston Rockets
2025-26 record: 52-30
Houston rounds out the top five and could become one of the most dangerous challengers in the conference.
The Rockets have been one of the NBA's strongest rebounding teams, while the return of Fred VanVleet should improve their playmaking, ball security and perimeter shooting.
With Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. also in the rotation, Houston has enough talent to push towards the top four.
Can Anyone Break Up the Spurs-Thunder Rivalry?
For now, San Antonio and Oklahoma City appear to be the two teams to beat in the Western Conference.
Denver remains dangerous because of Jokić, while the new-look Lakers and Rockets have enough talent to challenge the leading pair.
But the biggest storyline heading into the 2026-27 season could once again be Spurs vs Thunder.
Both teams have young franchise stars, strong supporting casts and championship ambitions. After their seven-game battle in the 2026 Western Conference Finals, their rivalry could define the West for years to come.