NBA’s Western Conference is loaded with title hopefuls


              San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, right, talks with Devin Vassell (24) by the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
            
              Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) drives between Miami Heat guards Jamaree Bouyea, second from left, and Marcus Garrett, right, in the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
            
              Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots over Orlando Magic point guard Cole Anthony, left, during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
            
              Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch directs practice for the NBA basketball team, while new Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) watches, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
            
              Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (9) drives as Phoenix Suns guard Duane Washington Jr. (4) defends during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
            
              Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, right, dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
            
              FILE - Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, jokes around with guard Jamal Murray during the NBA basketball team's Media Day, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, in Denver.  The team opens the season at Utah on Oct. 19. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
            
              Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry reacts after scoring a three-pointer against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a basketball game in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
            
              Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry presents teammate Jordan Poole with a trophy for the best free throw percentage in the NBA last season before the start of their preseason NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers in San Francisco, on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group via AP)
NBA’s Western Conference is loaded with title hopefuls