Power ranking San Antonio’s toughest Western Conference opponents

The Western Conference is unbelievably competitive. It feels like most of the top championship contenders this year are in the West. Yet, the Spurs have been unbothered by the conference’s stacked state so far this season, taking down even the mightiest of opponents in their path.

Still, no team is invincible in a league with so much parity and talent. To win a championship this year, the Spurs will need to defeat some juggernauts. Which team will be the toughest foe for the Silver and Black? Here are all seven of San Antonio’s potential playoff opponents, power ranked by how much of a threat they pose.

The Western Conference is still a powerhouse

7. Los Angeles Clippers

This ranking was made in tandem with the prediction that the Clippers will outlast Phoenix and Portland in the play-in.

Kawhi Leonard has been unusually healthy this year, and he’s playing like one of the five best players in the world. With LA’s limited firepower outside of Leonard and their weak center room, though, a shocking upset in a potential series against the Spurs feels very unlikely.

6. Los Angeles Lakers

It may seem crazy to have a team led by Luka Doncic and LeBron James this low, but the Lakers are not as scary as you think. Their immense star power covers up for the fact that the rest of the roster is relatively weak, and they’re a poor defensive team as a whole. Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes are no match for Victor Wembanyama in the frontcourt. Remember what happened on February 10th?

5. Golden State Warriors

Steph Curry can never be counted out in the playoffs. The Dubs are more equipped than the teams below them to cover Wemby—they can throw a couple different looks at the Alien with Draymond Green, Al Horford, Gui Santos, and Kristaps Porzingis. Golden State’s overreliance on the three-ball makes them too inconsistent to be placed higher.

4. Houston Rockets

This would be an intense battle between true rivals. Defensive dominance and questionable shooting from both sides would turn games into grueling brick fights. Emotions would run high, but Wemby can be trusted to stay calm and rise above anything. Houston would need a lot out of Kevin Durant offensively to prevail here.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves

San Antonio versus Minnesota is always must-see TV. A full series of Wemby and Anthony Edwards going head-to-head would be incredible. The Wolves have the defensive foundation and flammable offense needed to give anybody a good fight.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

OKC is probably number one in a vacuum, but the Spurs don’t have to fear them as much as the rest of the league. The 4-1 head-to-head record this season is proof. San Antonio has the youth, athleticism, and versatility to match that of the Thunder. Wemby would certainly relish the chance to duel Chet Holmgren for a full series.

1. Denver Nuggets

With Nikola Jokic at the helm, "formidable" is an understatement for the Nuggets. Their offense has been as dynamically unstoppable as ever this season. Denver is a true title contender and a favorite for many. This would be a big test for the Silver and Black.

The Spurs are one of the league's best, so any of these teams would have a tough time taking this ball club out. However, the blade cuts both ways, and San Antonio will have their hands full with many of the West's elites.