NBA Western Conference Winner Odds Update: Nuggets Favored to Repeat

The Western Conference is loaded with teams that are considered to have a chance to advance to the NBA Finals.

With the regular season approaching the three-month mark, we have a better grasp of how certain teams are capable of performing.

Let's take a look at the Western Conference winner odds from FanDuel Sportsbook and see where everything sits near the end of January.

NBA Western Conference Odds

Here is a list of the top-10 odds, with a breakdown of the top three teams.

Denver Nuggets (+185)

The Denver Nuggets are the reigning champions after securing the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference last year with a 53-29 record. After hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy last season, the Nuggets are on an even better pace this season with a 30-14 record through their first 44 contests.

Nikola Jokic has the second-best odds (+250) to win MVP, per the NBA MVP odds on FanDuel Sportsbook, amid another stellar campaign for the two-time MVP. The five-time All-Star is currently averaging 26.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game on 58.7% shooting from the field.

At the moment, the Nuggets have the 7th-best offensive efficiency (120.2) and the 13th-best defensive efficiency (115.1), per numberFire's metrics. Denver also leads the league in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.32) and own the eighth-best true-shooting percentage (59.2%).

Aside from Jokic, Jamal Murray is capable of catching fire at any moment. Murray missed 14 games earlier this season, but the talented guard has been active in 19 consecutive games for the Nuggets.

There is room for improvement on the defensive end of the court for a Nuggets squad that has gone 15-5 in their last 20 games. As long as Jokic and Murray remain healthy, Denver has a legitimate chance to be in the NBA Finals again this season.

Los Angeles Clippers (+390)

Expectations weren't high for the Los Angeles Clippers when the team acquired James Harden via trade from the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this season. The Clippers proceeded to lose their first six games when Harden joined their lineup.

Since that six-game skid, the Clippers have gone 24-7 in their last 31 contests. Harden has grown more comfortable with his new team, forming a solid trio with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

With a player like Harden, one who can generate offense for himself and create for others, Los Angeles has the fifth-best offensive efficiency (121.4). Meanwhile, the Clippers are likely hoping to improve on defense as they have the 14th-best defensive efficiency (115.4) through their first 41 games.

The Clippers have been an extremely efficient team, producing the fourth-best true-shooting percentage (60.6%) and a league-leading three-point percentage (39.8%). Harden (42.1%), Leonard (44.5%), and George (41.8%) are all shooting career-best marks from beyond the arc. If that translates to the postseason, LA will be a tough out.

Injuries have been a major concern for Leonard and George since the tandem joined forces. While the Clippers have fallen short in recent years, they have a great shot to make a deep postseason run if they can stay healthy.

Phoenix Suns (+650)

Even though the Phoenix Suns are currently the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference with a 25-18 record, there is still confidence in them competing for a title. No other team in the league can say they deploy a lineup that features Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.

Phoenix's star-studded trio has all struggled with injuries this season, limiting them to only 12 games played together. When the Suns have all three of Durant, Booker, and Beal available, they have tallied an 8-4 record.

Besides injuries, the lack of depth on the roster is a concern for the Suns. Even with an All-Star trio carrying the offense, the Suns are 11th in offensive rating (117.2) and 16th in defensive rating (115.2) through the team's first 43 contests.

The Suns are currently on a six-game winning streak after Durant hit an impressive game-winner to defeat the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. It unquestionably helps that the Suns have three different players they can turn to in clutch moments.

For the Suns to have any chance of making a push for the NBA Finals, they'll need Durant, Booker, and Beal to avoid injuries down the stretch. When it is at full strength, Phoenix can compete with any team in a seven-game series.

Looking for more NBA betting opportunities? Check out all of the NBA odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.