How OKC Thunder compare vs. adversaries- dissecting Sports Illustrated top 100 by conference, division, team

Western Conference:

An overwhelming majority of the league’s elite players reside in the west with eight of the top ten in this Conference and half of those on two teams (Warriors – Rockets). Additionally, more than half of the 55 ranked players (29) land in the top 50 on the list.

Nine teams have four or more players ranked. while six teams ranked three or fewer. Unlike the Eastern Conference who has seven in this range this also points to the west being more competitive.  As you’ll note going through the individual division stats the west also houses the most difficult NBA division and arguably the easiest division.

Not to give too much away, but with every divisional opponent playing four times this means the Warriors and LeBron James have arguably the easiest schedule. Meanwhile, the OKC Thunder and every Northwest Divisional team have the most difficult list of Western opponents.

Breakdown by tier:

• 55 players of 100
• eight players in top 10
• eight  ranked 11 – 25
• 13 players in 26 to 50 range
• 15 players in 51 -75 range
• 11  players in 76-100 range