The Western Conference might just have its next great rivalry - and it’s heating up fast. The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, two of the NBA’s youngest and most exciting teams, are turning heads not just because of their talent, but because of the tension and competitiveness building between them. And with both squads led by generational stars and stacked with depth, this isn’t just a passing storyline - it’s shaping up to be a long-term battle for Western supremacy.
Now, things are getting even more interesting. As we hit the midway point of the 2025-26 season, the Spurs are making a serious push. According to a bold prediction from Bleacher Report, San Antonio is poised to overtake the defending Western Conference champion Thunder and claim the top seed out West by season’s end.
Spurs Gaining Ground, Thunder Facing Stormy Skies
Let’s start with the facts: Oklahoma City is in a tough spot right now. Injuries are piling up, and they’re missing some serious firepower - most notably their MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and standout rookie Ajay Mitchell.
With those two sidelined, the Thunder have already dropped back-to-back games in February, and the road ahead doesn’t get any easier. Five of their next eight matchups are against legitimate playoff-caliber opponents.
And it’s not just the short term that looks rough. The Thunder are staring down the second-toughest remaining schedule in the league. That’s a brutal stretch for any team, let alone one trying to hold onto the top spot while key players heal up.
Meanwhile, San Antonio is surging. The Spurs have been steadily climbing the standings and now sit just four games back of OKC.
Victor Wembanyama, their franchise cornerstone, is finally ramping up after being on a minutes restriction for the past two months due to a calf injury. With Wemby back to full strength, the Spurs are looking more dangerous by the day.
And here’s the kicker: head-to-head, the Spurs have dominated the Thunder this season. In five matchups, San Antonio owns a commanding 4-1 record, with an average margin of victory of about 12 points in their wins. That gives them a clear edge in any tiebreaker scenario - though with two months left in the regular season, that might not even be necessary.
A Rivalry Built for the Long Haul
This isn’t just about standings or seeding - it’s about two teams on a collision course, each with something to prove. The Thunder, even with their recent success, are trying to cement themselves as the new standard in the West. The Spurs, with Wembanyama leading the charge, are out to show they’re not just the future - they’re ready now.
There’s also the question of approach. Some around the league believe OKC might ease off the gas a bit down the stretch, prioritizing health and long-term readiness over regular-season accolades. If that’s the case, and San Antonio keeps pushing, the door is wide open for a changing of the guard atop the conference.
But let’s be clear: as much as the No. 1 seed matters, what really counts is what happens in the playoffs. These two teams are built for postseason battles, and if this regular-season rivalry is any indication, a playoff series between them could be must-watch basketball.
Whether the Spurs complete the climb or the Thunder weather the storm, one thing is certain - the West has a new rivalry, and it’s only just getting started.