Predicting the Western Conference Playoff Bracket

1 Seed: Denver Nuggets (58-24)

The Denver Nuggets entered the season as the reigning champs, and they have proven that last year was no fluke. With Nikola Jokic leading the charge, Denver remains one of the top offensive teams in the NBA, and they're no slouch on defense. As Michael Malone looks to lead his team back to another postseason run, the Nuggets are finding their stride again. Denver will finish the second half of the season strong and clinch the top seed in the Western Conference again.

8 Seed: Los Angeles Lakers (45-37)

The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a slow start this year. As Darvin Ham and the Lakers continue to adjust their lineup, hoping to find the right formula, Los Angeles will have to figure things out quickly. Ultimately, it's hard to count out LeBron James, especially after the team's run to the Western Conference Finals following their slow start last year. As the final seed in the West, LeBron looks to lead the Lakers on yet another run.

7 Seed: Dallas Mavericks (49-33)

The Dallas Mavericks got off to a quick start and looked like one of the best teams in the league to start the year. Nonetheless, the Mavs cooled off and have had an up-and-down last few weeks. With a 4-6 record in their previous ten games, Dallas has to figure things out in the second half of the season. But with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving driving the charge, it would be hard to imagine the Mavericks not in the postseason. As the seventh seed, Dallas will have a chance to leave their inconsistencies in the regular season and have a fresh start as the seventh seed.

6 Seed: Sacramento Kings (51-31)

The Sacramento Kings lit the beam for the first time in years with their first-round matchup against the Warriors last season. And after taking Golden State to Game 7, the hype around the Kings entering the year was warranted. Although the Kings haven't had quite the same start this season as last year, Sacramento has the talent to go toe-to-toe with any team in the league. They'll have the chance to do just that as the sixth seed in the West.

5 Seed: Phoenix Suns (52-30)

The Phoenix Suns entered the season as one of the betting favorites to win the NBA Championship. Introducing their new big three of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, the Suns looked like the team to beat in the West. However, after the year began with lingering injuries for Phoenix's stars, the team struggled early on. Nonetheless, as their trio has gotten healthier, the team has built on their chemistry and looks like the team everyone expected heading into the year. The Suns will clinch the fifth seed, looking to go on a playoff run.

4 Seed: Oklahoma City Thunder (53-29)

The Oklahoma City Thunder may be one of the youngest teams in the league, but that hasn't stopped them from putting their bright future on full display. Sam Presti has done an outstanding job rebuilding the Thunder. With many talented pieces headlined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, OKC still has an abundance of draft picks and cap room to make several moves at the deadline. Ultimately, with the postseason on their minds, the Thunder will finally clinch their spot as the fourth seed looking to make some noise.

3 Seed: Minnesota Timberwolves (54-28)

The Minnesota Timberwolves started the season off hot and have shown they're a real threat in the West this year. As their new core of Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert continues to gel, the T-Wolves have quickly put the league on notice. Their two former No. 1 overall selections look to put Minnesota back into the postseason, but this time as a top-three seed.

2 Seed: Los Angeles Clippers (57-25)

The Los Angeles Clippers made a significant move after the season began with the addition of James Harden in a trade with the 76ers. After the first few games, many questioned the moves as the Clippers struggled to win while they searched for their new identity and built chemistry with their new squad. Nonetheless, since Russell Westbrook accepted his new role as a sixth man, Los Angeles has been one of the most efficient and dangerous teams in the NBA. In their last ten games, the Clippers are 8-2 and playing at a high level. With a second half of the season surge on the horizon, LA will clinch the second seed in the East.

1 Seed: Denver Nuggets (58-24)

The Denver Nuggets entered the season as the reigning champs, and they have proven that last year was no fluke. With Nikola Jokic leading the charge, Denver remains one of the top offensive teams in the NBA, and they're no slouch on defense. As Michael Malone looks to lead his team back to another postseason run, the Nuggets are finding their stride again. Denver will finish the second half of the season strong and clinch the top seed in the Western Conference again.