My WC contenders are 1. Suns; 2. Warriors; 3. Mavs; with the other teams being 2nd round fodder.
The Suns put the West in check with the trade. They would be clearcut favorites if KD is durable throughout the season, but his recent track record makes it a real concern. KD will be a seamless fit on that Suns team and the closing lineup of Paul-Booker-Lee/Craig-Durant-Ayton will be formidable.
The Warriors are seriously underrated due to their performance this season, but they have everything in place to come out of the West including Curry’s injury leading to him resting at a great time during the season (Steph’s injury last season came around the same time and they breezed through the playoffs).
The Mavs have had a rough start to the Luka-Kyrie pairing, but with a healthy Kleber and J-Kidd steering the ship, I think that they will have their say and wouldn’t be surprised if they make it out of the West.
In the playoffs, the pace slows, space shrinks, and teams hone in on exploiting weaknesses. Denver is a solid team, everyone is having an above average shooting season except for the recently acquired Reggie Jackson. I see the other 3 executing better in that setting than the Nuggets. How far they make it this season will depend on the matchup and if Murray can go super nova again.