NBA Western Conference tier rankings: Chasing the Golden State Warriors

HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 25: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs and James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets battle for position during their game at the Toyota Center on December 25, 2015 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Tier 2

2. Houston Rockets

3. San Antonio Spurs

These two teams are the only teams that can compete with the Golden State Warriors. And not just the only teams in the Western Conference, but the only teams in the NBA.

Houston plays a unique brand of basketball that could give the Warriors fits if they’re hitting 3’s and adding Chris Paul will only help their cause.

San Antonio had a terrible offseason by overpaying aging players (Pau Gasol and Rudy Gay) and letting cheap commodities leave (Jonathon Simmons). But they’re the Spurs, and they have Gregg Popovich. No matter what, they have a chance of beating any team in the playoffs.