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Utah Jazz (28-13): Utah has the same continuity that ensured the NBA’s best record last season: a dynamic point guard (Donovan Mitchell), a strong rim protector (Rudy Gobert), a solid veteran (Mike Conley) and dependable secondary scoring (Jordan Clarkson, Joe Ingles). The Warriors are also trying to restore depth with their young talent (Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman). And there’s a trusted veteran (Andre Iguodala) and standout coach (Steve Kerr) in the mix, too. Klay Thompson is back from his two season-ending injuries and is eager to prove he can still play like an All-Star. They have Stephen Curry contending for Kia MVP and Draymond Green in his Kia Defensive Player of the Year form. But they have all the familiar faces that made their 2014-15 title run so special. Golden State Warriors (30-10): It’s too early to say the Warriors are beginning another dynasty. They have strength in numbers (Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, Cameron Payne, Cam Johnson, JaVale McGee) and a strong coach (Monty Williams) that inspires his players. They have established young talent that is still just scratching the surface (Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton). They have a trusted veteran point guard that can still play as if he’s in his prime (Chris Paul). Phoenix Suns (31-9): They have all the ingredients to run it back to The Finals, and even win the title. Phoenix’s core of talent has it looking ready for another deep playoff run in 2022. 10 trade deadline.īelow is a breakdown of the Western Conference landscape midway through the season. It all depends on those teams’ collective health, chemistry and if they can make a deal before the Feb. The Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves all have a case to both make the playoffs and possibly even make some noise. Nonetheless, the Western Conference still has a strong middle class. The Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs may as well worry more about developing young players than chasing empty wins.

But midway through the NBA’s 2021-22 season, there are already a handful of teams that have no shot at making the playoffs. And the Utah Jazz can finally translate regular-season dominance into postseason success. The Golden State Warriors can become an NBA championship contender again. The Phoenix Suns can return to The Finals. For better and for worse, the NBA’s Western Conference has featured a wide disparity between the haves and the have-nots.