Buying and selling the 6 Western Conference teams standing in the Spurs’ way

Air Alamo's Jahlil Williams assesses six Western Conference teams competing with the San Antonio Spurs, arguing that early-season records are misleading. Williams "sells" the long-term prospects of the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies, and Los Angeles Lakers, while "buying" the Portland Trail Blazers and Minnesota Timberwolves as legitimate threats.

Williams argues Houston's reliance on 38-year-old Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City's depleted depth and injury troubles, Memphis's weak schedule, and the Lakers' defensive flaws limit their ceilings. Conversely, Williams praises Portland's explosive backcourt of Ja Morant and Damian Lillard, and considers Minnesota a title contender once Anthony Edwards returns from knee surgery.