12. Utah Jazz (17-11)
After dropping four of their first five games during the month of December, the Utah Jazz has recovered nicely and has won four games in a row. They are currently sitting in the 6th seed of the West, and Donovon Mitchell is having a great start to the season.
If he can keep this pace up, there’s a good chance we see the Jazz move up the West standings in the coming weeks and months. The big question, however, revolves around whether or not this team will make a move at the trade deadline.
11. Houston Rockets (20-9)
The Houston Rockets are one of the NBA’s most hot button topics in the NBA. Many love them (mostly their fans) and a good amount doesn’t. Whatever you think about the way they play offense or defense, or James Harden, there’s no question that the Rockets, one way or another, will be a factor in the West playoffs.