'Magnificent 7': How the 'brutal' West will be won

• Nuggets and Rockets prepared for a surge at the Western Conference crown
• Aussie hopefuls ready to earn extra minutes and contribute on contending sides
• Oklahoma City Thunder primed to kick off the NBA’s next dynasty
• Check out NBA Scores and Schedules here

Seven Australians including rookies Rocco Zikarsky and Alex Toohey are gearing up to face the cut-throat standards of the National Basketball Association's Western Conference this season.

Dante Exum and Duop Reath could see increased minutes as their teams look to fill lingering gaps in their rosters. Meanwhile, Joe Ingles, Matisse Thybulle, and Jock Landale are set to play prominent roles as they help lead their respective teams in the race to make an impact out West.

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. The Houston Rockets are pulling out the big guns, adding offensive juggernaut Kevin Durant in a bold bid to claim the crown. Meanwhile, contenders like the Nuggets, Lakers, and Joe Ingles’ Timberwolves remain in close pursuit, having re-signed key players and strengthened their rosters with smart offseason pickups.

NBA Western Conference Power Rankings

15. Utah Jazz

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.

14.  Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns’ 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.

13. New Orleans Pelicans

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 earlier this month bode well for the Pelicans.

12. Sacramento Kings

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’Aaron 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’ 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.

11. Portland Trail Blazers

Aussies on the Portland Trail Blazers: Duop Reath; and Matisse Thybulle

Letting go of their star scorer Anfernee Simons will be a significant blow to the Blazers’ 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 to battle for heavy minutes at centre and cement himself in this rising team, joining Matisse Thybulle who plays vital minutes off the bench.

10. Memphis Grizzlies

Aussies on the Memphis Grizzlies: Jock Landale

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.

9. San Antonio Spurs

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’ll 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’Aaron 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.

8. Golden State Warriors

Aussies on the Golden State Warriors: Alex Toohey

Post All-Star break last season, the Warriors were in strong form, finishing with a 20–7 record. Their ageing stars, Jimmy Butler, Steph Curry, 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’s 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.

7. Dallas Mavericks

Aussies on the Dallas Mavericks: Dante Exum; and Kyrie Irving

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 and guard Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks will be without Irving for part of the season as he recovers from a torn ACL, but the acquisition of D’Angelo Russell, a proven scorer and capable ball-handler should help offset the loss of offensive production. Australian Dante Exum has been a steady part of the guard rotation when healthy, and his contribution is set to grow in Irving’s absence. Dallas’ 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.

6. Los Angeles Clippers

As the oldest team in the league, questions have been raised about the Clippers’ competitiveness heading into next season. However, with James Harden ageing like fine wine and Kawhi Leonard 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’s success, but it’s hard to imagine the Clippers maintaining the consistency and stability required to be labelled true championship contenders.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

Aussies on the Minnesota Timberwolves: Joe Ingles; and Rocco Zikarsky

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’re 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 and Rocco Zikarsky could see some court time this year, with Zikarsky earning the spotlight after a string of impressive performances in preseason. As Anthony Edwards’ game continues to rise, so too do the Timberwolves’ prospects, putting them firmly in the mix as a potential top four seed this season.

4. Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James is set to miss the first month of the season, leaving the heavy lifting to Luka Dončić to ignite the Lakers’ 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 50–32 record and have proven themselves as a consistent regular-season force. While LeBron’s 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.

3. Houston Rockets

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’s arrival in Houston is a game changer, one that could completely transform the team’s 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.

2. Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets boast one of the strongest and most robust starting lineups in the league. From Nikola Jokić’s jaw-dropping playmaking to the two-way talents of Cam Johnson and Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets could be a tough team to outwit in the upcoming season. They’ve strengthened their bench, with Jonas Valančiūnas on deck to give Jokić some much-needed rest, and the return of Bruce Brown adds a versatile player who can contribute on both ends of the floor. The Denver Nuggets remain one of the favourites for the Larry O’Brien, with remnants of their championship DNA still alive and thriving in the current roster.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder look poised to begin a dynasty, keeping intact the core group of players who carried them to a championship last season. The Thunder are only getting stronger, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in his prime and young pieces in the midst of developing their game, a dynasty seems on the horizon. Their disruptive defence fuels a relentless transition offence, making them an incredibly tough side to contain. Add to that their pace, athleticism, physicality, and a touch of class, and the Thunder embody a brand of basketball that purists can’t help but admire.