The start of the 2025-26 NBA season is upon us, and with that, we look into our crystal balls to see how our teams will perform.
We take you through the entire Western Conference and predict how their season will pan out...
Dallas Mavericks - 41.5
Over.
The new look Mavericks line is set at 41.5 wins, after winning 39 games last year. Star Anthony Davis looks healthy to start the season, and they will add number one pick Cooper Flagg to this team. Kyrie Irving will miss most of the season, but the new addition, D'Angelo Russell, can hold down the fort in the meantime.
It's hard not to see the Mavericks get over this line with their depth. The main concern will be if their players/stars can stay healthy.
Denver Nuggets - 53.5
Over.
After winning 50 games last year, the Nuggets are expected to be better with more power and depth added to their lineup. They now have a good backup centre to help Jokic, while Cam Johnson looks like a perfect fit in this lineup. Nuggets are looking to be one of the contenders in the West, and they will need to win this many games to be right up there in the mix.
Golden State Warriors - 45.5
Over.
The veteran Warriors squad won 48 games last year, and their line seems to be below that total. Jimmy Butler will be with the team for a full season, and last year they had a 23-7 record with him. As long as Curry, Green and Butler are healthy, they would be likely to surpass this line.
Houston Rockets - 51.5
Over.
The Houston Rockets won 52 games last year after a breakout season. They will add star Kevin Durant to their young squad as he will bring some much-needed scoring. They do lose one of their main point guards in Fred Van Vleet, but they have enough depth to hold on. One of the better defences in the league will help them secure 52 wins back-to-back seasons.
LA Clippers - 48.5
Over.
The oldest team in the league has a high line once again, but after winning 50 games last year and adding some pieces in the offseason, it seems they can win 49 games to get the over. Kawhi Leonard also looks to be healthier, which makes the over look more convincing.
LA Lakers - 47.5
Over.
The Luka Doncic-led Lakers are ready to rock the NBA with new additions of guys like DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart. LeBron James is expected to miss some time, but Luka Doncic should carry this team throughout that time. Any team with a healthy Luka Doncic is going to be a great team.
Memphis Grizzlies - 39.5
Under.
The Memphis Grizzlies are already starting the season injured, with injuries to star Ja Morant and more. It's going to be hard to see this team win 40 games with losing Desmond Bane and having a bunch of injuries. Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, it might be a rough year.
Minnesota Timberwolves - 49.5
Under.
The Timberwolves' line is right at what they won last year with 49 wins. With the West getting better and the Wolves losing some depth pieces, it will be hard to recreate what they did with the West getting better. Expect them to win around 46 games.
New Orleans Pelicans - 30.5
Over.
Expect the Pelicans to have a better season this year, with their stars expected to be healthier. After winning 21 games last year, they need a 10-win increase, but with Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy looking to play most of the season, expect them to get 10 more wins at least.
Oklahoma City Thunder - 62.5
Over.
The defending champions' line is surprisingly low after winning 68 games last year. It will be hard to comprehend them losing six more games than last season, especially with the whole squad going to be back and healthy.
Phoenix Suns - 32.5
Under.
There is some optimism in the Suns organisation after trading Kevin Durant to the Rockets in the offseason. Booker will lead a team with a lot of great supporting players, expect them to win around 30 games, but unfortunately, it seems hard for them to get the over.
Portland Trailblazers - 34.5
Over.
The young Portland Trail Blazers team is going to impress a lot of fans this year. After being one of the better teams in the second half of last season, it is expected that they will be very competitive this season. In addition, Jrue Holiday will help, while the young players will take another leap.
Sacramento Kings - 34.5
Under.
Kings are in a very unusual spot with their current roster. On paper, they have some really great players, but the fit isn't there. They may also deal with some players at the deadline this year, so with a line of 34.5, it seems hard to reach that over with so many questions.
San Antonio Spurs - 44.5
Under.
The Spurs are one exciting team coming into the new season. Fans are expecting them to be very competitive, and their line of 44.5 expresses that. Victor Wembanaya is a big reason for this, but with co-star DeAaron Fox to miss the start of the season, they might not be able to reach 45.
Utah Jazz - 18.5
Under.
The Jazz is one team everyone knows is trying to lose and get a high pick once again. Expect them to play a lot of young players throughout the year, which will be the reason for them to lose a lot of games. It's hard to say they will win more than last year, so under seems reasonable to pick.
