The Underdog previews the entire NBA Western Conference for the 2026–27 season, breaking down all 15 teams, every major offseason move, the biggest statistical trends and the questions each roster must answer before the season begins.
Chris Horwedel starts in the Northwest, where Oklahoma City remains the standard, Denver tries to improve its defense around Nikola Jokic, Minnesota adds LaMelo Ball alongside Anthony Edwards, Portland reshapes its backcourt with Ja Morant and Utah continues building around Darryn Peterson, Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Pacific features major changes across the division. Golden State continues to balance championship ambition with health concerns, the Clippers rebuild around a new group of veterans, the Lakers reorganize around Luka Doncic after LeBron James’ departure, Phoenix reshapes its supporting cast and Sacramento searches for a defensive identity.
In the Southwest, Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio headline a group that also includes a deep Houston roster, Cooper Flagg’s developing Mavericks, a rebuilding Memphis team led by Cameron Boozer and a New Orleans roster still centered around Zion Williamson.
The episode closes with division predictions and a Western Conference pick, weighing Oklahoma City’s proven defense against San Antonio’s two-way ceiling and continuity before selecting the team most likely to reach the NBA Finals.
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