NBA contender rankings are shaken up as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets stand alone at the top, leaving fans to question—can any Western Conference rival truly threaten their dominance? Rylan Stiles and Michael Martin revisit the pecking order, breaking down the strengths and flaws of teams like the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and Los Angeles Lakers as they jockey for playoff position. Will rookies like Reed Sheppard and standouts like Victor Wembanyama elevate their squads, or are roster holes and playoff inexperience too much to overcome? Eastern Conference contenders get their due, with the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks earning recognition as finals threats, while the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, and Boston Celtics face scrutiny for depth and star-power concerns. The crew also explores OKC’s recipe for success, including Chet Holmgren’s growth, three-point shooting volatility, and upcoming adjustments before crucial matchups with the LA Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! SKIMS Shop SKIMS Men’s now at https://SKIMS.com . When you place your order, choose “podcast” in the post-purchase survey and select our show from the dropdown to let them know we sent you. The SKIMS Holiday Shop is open — so if you’re looking for the perfect gift this season, SKIMS has you covered. Gusto Try Gusto today at https://gusto.com/lockedonNBA and get three months free when you run your first payroll. Rugiet Visit https://rugiet.com/lockedonnba to get 15% off your first order. And don’t forget to use our code LOCKEDONNBA so they know we sent you. Rugiet — stop making excuses and start making moves. Rocket Money Take control of your finances and cancel your unwanted subscriptions with Rocket Money. Go to https://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON today. Wayfair Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Robinhood You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney . Your money. Your move. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
