The NBA’s Western Conference is undergoing a seismic shift at the top of the power rankings, for a number of reasons. The Utah Jazz started 22-2 — and have gone 8-9 since then. The Los Angeles Clippers walloped the Lakers in the season opener, but they have had a difficult time maintaining consistency. The Phoenix Suns have shot up the standings in recent weeks, and it will be interesting to see if this young team can keep playing at a white-hot level. The Lakers had already started to lose more games in the absence of Anthony Davis, and losing LeBron James to a high ankle sprain will not help matters.
Let’s take a closer look at the top five teams in the West at this writing, along with thoughts about their NBA betting prospects as the season grinds ahead.
NBA News: Top 5 Teams in the Western Conference
Utah Jazz (30-11)
Over the last 12 games, Utah is just 21st in the NBA in terms of defensive efficiency, permitting 113.9 points per 100 possessions. Thursday night, the Jazz fell to the Washington Wizards, and Rudy Gobert went into the postgame press conference noting that the disrespect that the national press and the NBA fan base show to the Jazz means nothing more than that the Jazz must respect themselves and play hungry down the stretch.
Phoenix Suns (28-13)
Chris Paul became just the sixth NBA player ever to dish out at least 10,000 assists. Career leader John Stockton (15,806) is followed by Jason Kidd (12,091), Steve Nash (10,335), Mark Jackson (10,334) and Magic Johnson (10,141). Paul would pass Magic later this season if he keeps piling up assists at his current pace and would pass Jackson and Nash next season. The leadership that Paul has brought to a young Suns team has been invaluable, as he has provided a steady hand for Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton.
Los Angeles Clippers (27-16)
Marcus Morris Sr moved into the starting rotation last week, moving Nicolas Batum to the bench, in order to boost consistent play, and the team’s defense has improved, as their last three opponents have averaged just 100.6 points. Patrick Beverley remains out with a knee issue, so it would not be a surprise to see the team make a trade move to add depth at the point guard position. Serge Ibaka (back) is also on the shelf, but having 11 of 13 games at home means less stress for the team as they try to heal up.
Los Angeles Lakers (28-15)
On Sunday, the Lakers had a starting lineup of Dennis Schroder, Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Wesley Matthews and Markieff Morris — definitely a different look than what they have with LeBron and AD on the floor. Marc Gasol is still working himself back into playing shape after a few weeks out due to COVID-19 protocols. This could end up paying dividends for the Lakers in the postseason, as AD and LeBron could come back with fresh legs after recovering — assuming that those two major injuries heal.
Denver Nuggets (25-17)
Nikola Jokic has emerged as a new favorite to win the MVP trophy this season, as Joel Embiid (back) and LeBron James (ankle) have gone down to injury. Denver had three wins in a row before falling to the Pelicans — in a game where Jokic posted another triple-double. New Orleans held Denver to 108 points, but the Nuggets had scored 381 points in their three-game winning streak. Michael Porter Jr is clicking, shooting at least 50 percent in 12 of his last 14 contests.
