As the Portland Trail Blazers face the Minnesota Timberwolves this evening, they also have to face the reality that Minnesota is a legitimate, if dark horse, contender for the Western Conference Championship this season. Portland may win, but it’s going to be a tough matchup, tougher yet if the two teams happen to meet in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
The season is approaching the three-quarters mark now, making Minnesota’s status easy to identify. So, too, their fellow contenders in the conference. According
to most, they boil down to these four teams:
Oklahoma City Thunder—Reigning champions, once seemingly invincible, now seen as mortal. They carry the current NBA MVP, a punishing defense, and plenty of scoring ability.
San Antonio Spurs—Resident Thunder-spankers, fielding the next league-defining player in Victor Wembanyama plus a horde of young talent fit for all-rookie, and perhaps All-Star, discussions.
Denver Nuggets—Not a household name anymore, but former champs with an intimidating starting lineup led by the best player of the current generation, Nikola Jokic. Few would forecast Denver to run the table in the West, but they are a difficult “out” in any given series. It only takes three series wins to make the NBA Finals.
The Timberwolves—A niche choice for people who want to place “smart” money on teams that everyone else has forgotten. Anthony Edwards leads the ‘Wolves impressive offensive attack bolstered by a recently-resurgent Julius Randle. P.S. Minnesota has pretty good defense too.
Some will advance the glittery-star duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic in Los Angeles. Others will point out the Houston Rockets’ nice record (currently third in the conference, ahead of both Minnesota and Denver). I’ve heard few serious experts forecast either of those teams emerging from the West, but if you want to make an argument for them, feel free.
Either way, the question is easy for you today. Which team heads to the Finals as the champions of the Western Conference this year? Share your thoughts and reasoning in the comment section below.
