IllustrativeWestern Conference contender tiers: Thunder stand alone at the top, but Spurs aren't going down easy
✦ NabkaNews BriefAuto-summarized from multiple outlets · verify with the source
The thunder are considered to be at the top of the western conference contender tiers. The spurs are also seen as a contender, although their chances are not considered as strong as the thunder's. The spurs are expected to put up a fight, however, and not give up easily.