Seven Aussies brace for a brutal NBA West as OKC defends the crown and KD\u2019s Rockets surge.<\/p>\n
Nuggets and Rockets prepared for a surge at the Western Conference crownAussie hopefuls ready to earn extra minutes and contribute on contending sidesOklahoma City Thunder primed to kick off the NBA\u2019s next dynastyCheck out NBA\u00a0Scores and Schedules here<\/a><\/p>\n Seven Australians<\/a> including rookies Rocco Zikarsky<\/a> and Alex Toohey<\/a> are gearing up to face the cut-throat standards of the National Basketball Association’s Western Conference this season.<\/p>\n Dante Exum <\/a>and Duop Reath<\/a> could see increased minutes as their teams look to fill lingering gaps in their rosters. Meanwhile, Joe Ingles<\/a>, Matisse Thybulle<\/a>, and Jock Landale<\/a> are set to play prominent roles as they help lead their respective teams in the race to make an impact out West.<\/p>\n With another year of high-quality, competitive basketball ahead, Western Conference powerhouses will battle it out to dethrone the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a>. The Houston Rockets<\/a> are pulling out the big guns, adding offensive juggernaut Kevin Durant<\/a> in a bold bid to claim the crown. Meanwhile, contenders like the Nuggets<\/a>, Lakers<\/a>, and Joe Ingles\u2019 Timberwolves<\/a> remain in close pursuit, having re-signed key players and strengthened their rosters with smart offseason pickups.<\/p>\n NBA Western Conference Power Rankings15. Utah Jazz<\/a><\/p>\n After a season in which the Utah Jazz went 17-65, they entered the offseason with the best odds of landing the number one selection. Disappointment followed, however, as they settled for the fifth pick in the draft, selecting talented guard Ace Bailey who will have plenty of heavy lifting to do in his rookie year. Coupled with the departures of Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, and John Collins, the 2025-26 iteration of the Utah Jazz signals a franchise committed to the long game, poised to earn that coveted number one pick in 2026.<\/p>\n 14. \u00a0Phoenix Suns<\/a><\/p>\n The Phoenix Suns\u2019 recruitment strategy this offseason has been a step in the right direction, acquiring players whose games are primed for development. After overhauling much of their roster, this Suns team will need time to develop on-court chemistry and establish an identity, which could come at the expense of short-term competitiveness. The additions of Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green signal a high-risk, high-reward approach that could elevate the team beyond a 14th seed finish. However, there remain more uncertainties than certainties within this Suns roster, and it will take time for their potential to fully materialise.<\/p>\n 13. New Orleans Pelicans<\/a><\/p>\n The Pelicans have assembled a squad brimming with talent, experience, and skill. Their biggest challenge to competitiveness in 2026 will be the availability of their core players, coming off the back of an injury-ravaged season. The Pelicans have added key pieces in Saddiq Bey, Kevon Looney, and Jordan Poole, but the cost of their 2026 unprotected first-round pick means they cannot afford to underperform next season. While their ceiling may be a seventh to ninth seed, a lot will need to fall into place for that to become a reality. Zion Williamson is trim and his two-games in Australia<\/a> earlier this month bode well for the Pelicans.<\/p>\n 12. Sacramento Kings<\/a><\/p>\n After finishing as the ninth seed and qualifying for the play-in last year, the Sacramento Kings have had a disappointing offseason that arguably leaves them in a worse position. Their depth remains limited, and the point guard spot has been a concern ever since moving on from De\u2019Aaron Fox. Although they boast a wealth of offensive talent in Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis, their defence is lacking and in urgent need of reinforcement ahead of the new season. Looking towards 2026, the Kings\u2019 approach may rely heavily on their multi-faceted offence outscoring opponents, but without a strong presence at point guard and greater bench depth, that goal feels increasingly difficult to achieve.<\/p>\n 11. Portland Trail Blazers<\/a><\/p>\n Aussies<\/a> on the Portland Trail Blazers: Duop Reath<\/a>; and Matisse Thybulle<\/a><\/p>\n Letting go of their star scorer Anfernee Simons will be a significant blow to the Blazers\u2019 offense, but their defence is something to be relied upon. With Jrue Holiday arriving at the franchise, this defensive unit has become even more difficult to break down. With young stars Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson poised for breakout seasons, the Trail Blazers could be one of the most intriguing teams to watch in the upcoming campaign. As DeAndre Ayton departs Portland, a golden opportunity has opened up for Aussie Duop Reath<\/a> to battle for heavy minutes at centre and cement himself in this rising team, joining Matisse Thybulle<\/a> who plays vital minutes off the bench.<\/p>\n 10. Memphis Grizzlies<\/a><\/p>\n Aussies<\/a> on the Memphis Grizzlies: Jock Landale<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n The high-energy, highly talented Grizzlies head into the upcoming season with a new look. Trading away offensive weapon Desmond Bane for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and four unprotected first-round picks is a clear move with a long-term focus. The formidable duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. is more than capable of leading this Grizzlies side to a playoff spot, with their league-leading pace a suffocating feature of their offence. Australian Jock Landale could see significant minutes as backup centre this season, with his size and scoring ability proving a vital asset for the second unit.<\/p>\n 9. San Antonio Spurs<\/a><\/p>\n The San Antonio Spurs are gearing up for a big year as they look to break their six-year playoff drought. To do so, they\u2019ll need to make a significant leap after finishing last season in 13th place. Victor Wembanyama missed nearly half the season, but this year could finally see his partnership with De\u2019Aaron Fox come to life and possibly mark the beginning of a campaign worthy of Defensive Player of the Year honours. Spurs fans have plenty to be excited about, with Stephon Castle expected to take a leap in his second season and high hopes riding on number two pick Dylan Harper to make an immediate impact.<\/p>\n 8. Golden State Warriors <\/a><\/p>\n Aussies<\/a> on the Golden State Warriors: Alex Toohey<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Post All-Star break last season, the Warriors were in strong form, finishing with a 20\u20137 record. Their ageing stars, Jimmy Butler, Steph Curry<\/a>, and Draymond Green are still performing at a high level, though maintaining that consistency remains the key challenge. In desperate need of size, the Warriors acquired Al Horford, putting them in a better position to push for the playoffs this season. They also boast a talented pool of guards who have the chance to develop under one of the game\u2019s greatest in Stephen Curry, while also possessing the ability to keep the team steady when leading the second unit. Canberra native, Alex Toohey will also have the opportunity to sharpen his game in his rookie season as an understudy to Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green as well as in the G-League.<\/p>\n 7. Dallas Mavericks<\/a><\/p>\n Aussies<\/a> on the Dallas Mavericks: Dante Exum; <\/a>and Kyrie Irving<\/a><\/p>\n Number one pick Cooper Flagg headlines a new era for the Dallas Mavericks as they look to blend his talent with big man Anthony Davis<\/a> and guard Kyrie Irving<\/a>. The Mavericks will be without Irving for part of the season as he recovers from a torn ACL, but the acquisition of D\u2019Angelo Russell, a proven scorer and capable ball-handler should help offset the loss of offensive production. Australian Dante Exum<\/a> has been a steady part of the guard rotation when healthy, and his contribution is set to grow in Irving\u2019s absence. Dallas\u2019 depth at forward and centre is second to none, with no shortage of talent or defensive presence, ensuring their paint remains a stronghold throughout the season.<\/p>\n 6. Los Angeles Clippers<\/a><\/p>\n As the oldest team in the league, questions have been raised about the Clippers\u2019 competitiveness heading into next season. However, with James Harden<\/a> ageing like fine wine and Kawhi Leonard<\/a> fit and ready to go, the Clippers are more than capable of securing a playoff spot. Paired with the explosiveness of John Collins and the discipline of Ivica Zubac, they form a well-balanced unit that will be tough for opponents to break down. The experience that veteran guards Chris Paul and Bradley Beal bring will be crucial to the team\u2019s success, but it\u2019s hard to imagine the Clippers<\/a> maintaining the consistency and stability required to be labelled true championship contenders.<\/p>\n 5. Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a><\/p>\n Aussies<\/a> on the Minnesota Timberwolves: Joe Ingles<\/a>; and Rocco Zikarsky<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n A Western Conference powerhouse in recent years, the Minnesota Timberwolves have enjoyed sustained success, led by high-flyer Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves’ strength lies in their two-way ability, from the rotation of their bigs to the energy injected by their bench, they\u2019re primed for another big season. Minnesota often does its best work in the playoffs, typically qualifying as a middle-to-high seed and pulling off upsets against higher-ranked opponents. Aussies Joe Ingles<\/a> and Rocco Zikarsky<\/a> could see some court time this year, with Zikarsky earning the spotlight after a string of impressive performances in preseason<\/a>. As Anthony Edwards\u2019 game continues to rise, so too do the Timberwolves\u2019 prospects, putting them firmly in the mix as a potential top four seed this season.<\/p>\n 4. Los Angeles Lakers<\/a><\/p>\n LeBron James<\/a> is set to miss the first month of the season, leaving the heavy lifting to Luka Don\u010di\u0107 to ignite the Lakers\u2019 campaign. The Lakers finally secured their big man in the form of DeAndre Ayton this offseason, with pressure on him to fill the physical void left by Anthony Davis last year. Despite a mid-season shake-up, the Lakers still posted a strong 50\u201332 record and have proven themselves as a consistent regular-season force. While LeBron\u2019s absence and the uncertainty surrounding Ayton could impact their early form, the Lakers still have enough talent on hand to push for a top four finish.<\/p>\n 3. Houston Rockets<\/a><\/p>\n Already one of the strongest regular-season teams in recent years, the Houston Rockets have added an abundance of quality to their young squad. Kevin Durant\u2019s arrival in Houston is a game changer, one that could completely transform the team\u2019s previously underwhelming offence. The news of Fred VanVleet going down with a torn ACL is a blow, but the depth of ball-handlers on deck could help mitigate the impact at the point guard position. Still, the absence of a true playmaker may disrupt the flow and fluidity of their offence. Even so, with expected leaps from their young stars, the Rockets look like a shoo-in for a top four seed.<\/p>\n