Thunder or Spurs: Who's the West's Playoff Favorite?

Experts weigh in on the top contenders in the NBA's Western Conference playoff race.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the action and energy of an NBA playoff game, with the colors and shapes of the Spurs and Thunder uniforms colliding in a dynamic, abstract composition.The intense battle for Western Conference playoff positioning between the Spurs and Thunder promises an epic postseason clash.San Antonio Today

As the NBA regular season winds down, the race for playoff positioning in the Western Conference is heating up between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder. Analysts are debating which team has the edge to make a deep postseason run.

Why it matters

The Spurs and Thunder are two of the top teams in the West, with passionate fan bases and championship pedigrees. Their battle for playoff seeding could determine which squad has the easier path to the NBA Finals.

The details

The Spurs have emerged as a surprise contender this season, led by their veteran core and the heroics of rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Meanwhile, the defending champion Thunder boast one of the deepest rosters in the league and are on the verge of 60 wins. Analysts are split on which team has the edge, with some favoring the Spurs' feel-good story and others backing the Thunder's championship experience.

  • The NBA regular season is winding down, with the playoffs set to begin in April.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

A rising star for the Oklahoma City Thunder who has emerged as a clutch performer this season.

San Antonio Spurs

A veteran NBA franchise with a long history of success, currently in the playoff hunt in the Western Conference.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The defending NBA champions, boasting one of the deepest rosters in the league and on the verge of 60 wins this season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Thunder. San Antonio is essentially America's team right now, but it will be a cold day down there before I discount the reigning champs and the deepest team in the league on the verge of 60 wins before 20 losses.”

— Iko

The takeaway

The battle between the Spurs and Thunder for Western Conference playoff positioning is shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines of the NBA postseason. Both teams have the talent and experience to make a deep run, but their contrasting styles and rosters make for an intriguing matchup.