2025 NBA Western Conference Playoffs: Each team’s biggest question in the playoffs

As the 2025 NBA Playoffs begin, the Western Conference presents no shortage of compelling narratives and unanswered questions. Each team comes in with a storyline that could define their entire postseason. From young squads making their playoff debut to experienced rosters led by superstars, here's the biggest question facing each Western Conference playoff team.

Oklahoma City Thunder — Can their historic defense carry over to the playoffs?

The Oklahoma City Thunder have fielded the league’s best defense this season, boasting a 106.6 defensive rating — the lowest mark in the NBA and one of the best over the past decade. Anchored by a core of versatile perimeter defenders like Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, Jalen Williams, and MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, along with interior enforcer Isaiah Hartenstein and shot blocker Chet Holmgren, the Thunder built a defensive identity predicated on length, switchability, and relentless pressure.

But as history has shown, regular-season defense doesn’t always translate to playoff dominance. Matchups become more intentional, rotations tighten, and elite scorers are given room to manipulate even the best schemes. For a team like OKC that leans heavily on team defense rather than individual stoppers, their system will be tested in a postseason series where adjustments are key. Moreover, the Thunder’s youth – despite being a strength in the regular season – may also be a vulnerability when the game slows down and every possession is magnified.

This Thunder squad has the makings of a historically great defense, but now comes the true test: whether that same system can hold up when a superstar like Luka Doncic or Steph Curry start hunting matchups in isolation. If OKC can sustain their defensive intensity in a seven-game series, their path to a deep run remains wide open.

Houston Rockets — Will their inexperience hinder them from going too far?

After years of rebuilding, the Houston Rockets are finally back in the playoffs — and this time, with a young core brimming with talent. Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson are all making their playoff debuts, and they’ve formed a competitive group that finished with the fifth-best defense in the league (110.3 DRtg) and earned the second seed. Their turnaround under head coach Ime Udoka has been remarkable, fueled by a defense-first identity and the emergence of Sengun as one of the best passing bigs in the league.

However, playoff basketball is a different beast. It’s about adjustments, discipline, and poise under pressure – things young teams usually need time to learn. In their first-round matchup, the Rockets face the battle-tested Golden State Warriors, a team that features championship experience across the board. Houston’s youth could be exposed if the moment becomes too big, especially with Golden State’s ability to dissect inexperience through smart off-ball actions and defensive schemes.

Players like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, the Rockets’ veterans, will be counted on to provide leadership and stabilize the team when things go sideways. But this postseason will ultimately serve as a litmus test for how ready the Rockets’ young stars are to take the leap. Even if they fall short, the experience could be invaluable moving forward.

Los Angeles Lakers — How viable is their roster construction?

The Lakers shocked the league by acquiring Luka Doncic midseason, pairing him with LeBron James and Austin Reaves to form a high-powered offensive trio. Since then, they’ve leaned heavily into small-ball, often starting lineups with Rui Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith alongside the core trio, while Jaxson Hayes remains their only true center. First-year head coach JJ Redick has installed a modern, five-out system that prioritizes spacing and switchable defense — a style tailor-made for the postseason.

But viability is still a concern. While the offense has thrived, their defense has some slippages, particularly when LeBron and Luka are on the floor together. Their lack of rim protection and size could be exploited by teams that boast elite drivers to the rim. Additionally, the wear-and-tear of postseason play could take a toll on their aging core, especially LeBron, who is playing his 22nd season and logging heavy minutes in the postseason

Ultimately, the Lakers’ playoff ceiling hinges on whether their current roster configuration – heavy on wings, light on bigs – can hold up when the game slows down and physicality ramps up. If it works, Redick could be hailed as a tactical genius. If it doesn’t, questions about roster balance and long-term direction will resurface.

Denver Nuggets — Do they have enough help around Nikola Jokic?

Nikola Jokic is once again doing everything for the Denver Nuggets — and doing it at an MVP level. He finished the regular season averaging a triple-double and top 3 in every major statistical category. His ability to control the game as both scorer and facilitator remains unmatched, and he remains the engine of everything Denver does offensively. But after a sluggish finish to the season, the biggest concern for the Nuggets is whether Jokic has enough help to mount another deep playoff run.

Jamal Murray has battled through injuries and hasn’t quite looked like the same dynamic scorer from their 2023 championship run. Michael Porter Jr. has been inconsistent, while Aaron Gordon’s offensive impact has waned due to multiple injuries. Denver’s bench has also taken a step back this year, with limited contributions outside of Russell Westbrook, Julian Strawther and Peyton Watson.

If Murray can elevate his game and Porter Jr. can knock down shots consistently, Denver remains a title threat. But the margin for error is much slimmer than last year. Jokic can only carry so much weight – the Nuggets need their supporting cast to deliver, or another early exit could be looming.

Los Angeles Clippers — Can we see James Harden and Kawhi Leonard lead this team to playoff glory?

After losing Paul George to free agency last summer, many assumed the Clippers’ title window had slammed shut. But the resurgence of James Harden and Kawhi Leonard has breathed life back into their playoff hopes. Harden has embraced the role of primary playmaker, averaging 22.8 points and 8.7 assists per game, while Leonard has quietly had one of the most efficient scoring seasons of his career in recent years, shooting 49.8% from the field and 41.1% from deep.

The Clippers finished the season strong with their offense clicking and defense holding steady. Yet the question remains – can their two stars carry them through the gauntlet of the Western Conference? Leonard’s health has always been a question mark, and Harden’s playoff track record has been a mixed bag at best. 

This postseason may be one of the last chances for this iteration of the Clippers to make a real push. If Harden and Kawhi can replicate their regular-season success and stay healthy, they could make noise. Along with steady role players like Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac, the Clippers are darkhorse contenders and will be dangerous out in the West.

Minnesota Timberwolves — How will Julius Randle perform in the playoffs?

Minnesota shocked many by acquiring Julius Randle at the trade deadline, moving on from Karl-Anthony Towns in the process. The Wolves hoped that Randle, a more physical and downhill-oriented forward, would provide a better playoff fit alongside Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert. However, Randle’s postseason history raises concerns — in 15 career playoff games, he’s averaged just 15.6 points on 34.4% shooting from the field.

Minnesota will need more than that if they hope to build on last year’s conference finals run. Randle must adapt his game to playoff basketball, where defenses are better prepared and isolation-heavy play often becomes less efficient. His ability to stretch the floor, make quick decisions, and play through contact will be tested, especially against elite defenses like OKC.

If Randle rises to the occasion, Minnesota could have one of the most balanced starting fives in the conference. But if he reverts to his inefficient playoff habits, the Wolves could find themselves stalling in critical moments – a risk that looms large in what could be a defining postseason for the franchise.

Golden State Warriors — How far can Jimmy Butler take them?

The Warriors made arguably the boldest trade of the deadline by acquiring Jimmy Butler from Miami, forming a star duo with Stephen Curry. Since the move, Golden State has looked rejuvenated, going on a tear to close the regular season and boasting the third-best net rating in the league during that span (+7.2). Butler’s leadership, defense, and shot creation have given the Warriors a legitimate second option and re-energized their playoff outlook.

Butler has a proven playoff track record – he led the Heat to two Finals appearances in four years – and is widely regarded as one of the most clutch postseason performers. His fit with Golden State has been seamless, and the team’s defense has improved significantly, ranking 6th in opponent points per game since the trade. The question is how far Butler can carry this version of the Warriors, who still lean heavily on their aging core.

If Butler can replicate his past postseason heroics and stay healthy, the Warriors have a real shot to upset higher-seeded teams and return to the Finals.

Memphis Grizzlies — Can they survive this tough season?

No team has faced more adversity this year than the Memphis Grizzlies. Between Ja Morant’s on-court antics, injuries to key players, and coaching instability and firing, Memphis stumbled to a slump at the end of the regular season but managed to squeak into the playoffs as the 8-seed. Despite the chaos, the team has shown remarkable resilience, with Jaren Jackson Jr. and rookie Zach Edey emerging as bright spots with their improved play.

Now they face the top-seeded Thunder in a first-round matchup that few give them a chance to win. But if there’s one thing the Grizzlies have shown, it’s that they won’t go down without a fight. Their defense could keep them competitive, and their physical style of play may pose problems for the Thunder.

Ultimately, the playoffs may serve more as a building block than a real title push. But if Memphis can steal a game or two — or even push OKC to the brink — it would be a testament to the team’s grit and foundation heading into next season.