Top Western Conference Teams Set for Major Improvements This Season

Every NBA season, some teams surprise everyone by climbing up the standings.

Teams Ready to Rise:

Let’s look at three Western Conference teams that might see big improvements in their win totals this season.

Honorable Mention: Houston Rockets

The Rockets made a huge leap last year, improving from 22 wins in the 2022-23 season to a .500 record. However, they need another big jump to make the playoffs in 2024-25. Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green are developing well, but it might be too soon for them to lead the team to the postseason.

No. 3: Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks improved significantly after trading for P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, ending with an 18-9 record post-All-Star game—the fourth-best in the NBA. They carried this momentum into the playoffs, beating strong teams like the Clippers, Thunder, and Timberwolves before losing to the Celtics in the Finals.

Luka Doncic (28.9 PPG) and Kyrie Irving (22.1 PPG) formed an incredible offensive duo during the playoffs. Washington excelled defensively, holding opponents to 4.4% below their usual shooting average, while Gafford protected the rim effectively with opponents shooting only 59.1% from close range.

With their core players returning and adding Klay Thompson’s shooting prowess, they could surpass their 50-32 record from last season and aim for the top seed in the West.

Prediction: The Mavericks will improve by seven games to finish at 57-25.

No. 2: San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs ended last season with a poor 22-60 record but showed promise after head coach Gregg Popovich started Tre Jones. Their best lineups featured Jones alongside Devin Vassell and Victor Wembanyama.

Adding Chris Paul and drafting Stephon Castle further strengthened their roster. Wembanyama had an outstanding rookie season with averages of 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 3.6 blocks per game—making him a potential MVP candidate this year.

Fans believe Wembanyama is going to be amazing!

While Paul’s leadership will help them compete better this season, making it to playoffs might still be out of reach until next year.

Prediction: The Spurs will improve by twelve games to finish at 34-48.

No. 1: Memphis Grizzlies

In the previous season (2022-23), Memphis looked like title contenders until Ja Morant’s off-court issues disrupted their momentum despite finishing second in West with a solid record of 51–31 before being knocked out by Lakers early on during playoffs’ first round itself!

Last year was disastrous as Morant faced suspension followed by injury limiting him just nine appearances causing Grizzlies downfall towards lower standings end eventually…

However now healthy & motivated Morant returns along Desmond Bane/Jaren Jackson Jr., plus former Defensive Player Marcus Smart alongside promising Brandon Clarke back from injuries boosting roster strength significantly ensuring full squad availability first time over one year span potentially making them most improved league-wide team upcoming seasons ahead…

Prediction: The Grizzlies will improve eighteen games finishing at impressive mark around approximately forty-five wins thirty-seven losses overall…