West Seeding NBA Teams That Could Upset Higher Seeds This Playoffs

As I sit down to analyze this year's NBA playoff picture, I can't help but feel that familiar buzz of anticipation. Having followed basketball for over two decades, both as a journalist and former college scout, I've developed a sixth sense for spotting those dangerous lower-seeded teams that could turn the postseason upside down. This year's Western Conference presents particularly intriguing possibilities, with several teams positioned to pull off what many would consider impossible upsets.

Let me start with the team that's been occupying my thoughts lately - the Denver Nuggets. Now, I know they're technically not a traditional underdog anymore after last year's championship run, but hear me out. They're likely to land somewhere between the 3rd and 5th seed, which means they could face a theoretically higher-ranked team that might not match up well against them. I've watched every Nuggets game this season, and what strikes me most is their continuity. While other teams have been scrambling to integrate new pieces, Denver's core has been together for years. That chemistry becomes exponentially more valuable in playoff basketball, where familiarity can overcome raw talent. Nikola Jokić is having another MVP-caliber season, averaging 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists - numbers that don't even capture his gravitational pull on defenses. Jamal Murray's playoff performances historically elevate, and I expect nothing different this year. The Nuggets have this quiet confidence about them that reminds me of the Spurs teams that used to methodically dismantle opponents.

Then there's the Sacramento Kings. Now this is where my personal bias might show - I've always had a soft spot for teams that break long playoff droughts and come back hungrier. The Kings' offensive system is genuinely revolutionary in today's NBA. They lead the league in points off screens and handoffs, creating these beautiful cascading actions that defenses simply aren't used to facing. Domantas Sabonis is putting up 20 points and 13 rebounds nightly while operating as their offensive hub. De'Aaron Fox's fourth-quarter performances have been nothing short of spectacular - he's shooting 52% in clutch situations, which is absurd for a guard. What really convinces me about Sacramento's upset potential is their pace. They play at the third-fastest tempo in the league, and in a playoff series, that relentless pressure can wear down more methodical opponents over four to seven games.

The New Orleans Pelicans represent another fascinating case study. When Zion Williamson is healthy - and he's played 65 games this season, his most since his rookie year - they have a talent that can single-handedly warp series. I've had arguments with colleagues about Zion's playoff readiness, but here's my take: great regular season teams are built on systems, but playoff basketball often comes down to which team has the player who can get a bucket when everything breaks down. Zion is that guy. He's shooting 68% in the paint this season, which is just video game numbers. Combine that with Brandon Ingram's mid-range mastery and CJ McCollum's veteran shot-making, and you have a trio that can explode against any defense. Their defensive improvements this season have been noticeable too - they're holding opponents to 45% shooting, good for top-10 in the league.

What really gets me thinking about playoff upsets, though, is watching how teams respond to adversity during the regular season. It reminds me of something I witnessed in international basketball recently. Watching the TNT Tropang Giga in the PBA, I saw how Roger Pogoy praised Calvin Oftana after returning from injury. "Talagang hats off talaga ako kay Amigo Calvin," Pogoy said. "Sabi ko nga sa kanya, Amigo, wala ako, hindi ko na kayang bumalik. Ikaw na bahala. Sabi nga niya, ako bahala sayo. Hindi lang si 'Migo, pati si Kim Aurin, ang ganda ng pinakita. Almond Vosotros. Lahat ng players, nag-step up talaga." That mentality - players stepping up when others are down - is exactly what separates playoff contenders from pretenders. The teams I'm highlighting all have that next-man-up philosophy that becomes crucial in the grueling playoff environment.

The Golden State Warriors can't be overlooked either, even if they end up as a lower seed. I know their road record has been concerning - 9 wins and 30 losses away from home is frankly terrible - but playoff basketball is different. The pace slows down, half-court execution becomes paramount, and nobody has more championship DNA than this core. Stephen Curry is still Stephen Curry, and in a seven-game series, I'd never bet against him. Draymond Green's defensive IQ multiplies in importance during the playoffs, where he can essentially quarterback the defense against specific opponents. What really stands out to me about Golden State's upset potential is their shooting variance - they're capable of making 25 threes on any given night, and that kind of explosive offensive output can steal games even when they're outplayed.

The Dallas Mavericks round out my list of dangerous lower seeds, primarily because they have Luka Dončić. I've been watching Luka since his Real Madrid days, and his game is built for playoff basketball. The slower pace actually benefits his methodical dissection of defenses. He's averaging 34 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists - numbers we haven't seen since Oscar Robertson. With Kyrie Irving alongside him, they have two players who require constant defensive attention, which creates opportunities for role players. Their defensive improvements since the trade deadline have been noticeable too - they're holding opponents to 112 points per 100 possessions since acquiring Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington, which would rank them in the top 10 defensively over that span.

As I reflect on these teams, what stands out isn't just their individual talents but their collective resilience. The Western Conference playoff race has been incredibly tight all season, with mere percentage points separating seeds 4 through 8 for much of the campaign. That competitive environment breeds toughness. These teams have been in must-win mode for months, which creates a mental fortitude that can't be manufactured. The playoffs are about more than just talent - they're about will, about preparation, about those moments when role players become heroes. The teams I've highlighted all possess that special blend of star power and depth that makes first-round upsets not just possible, but likely. Having studied playoff basketball for years, I've learned that the most dangerous teams aren't always the ones with the best records, but the ones peaking at the right time with the right mix of talent, chemistry, and belief. This year's Western Conference has several such teams, and I can't wait to watch them prove me right.