The Los Angeles Lakers won the inaugural cup during the 2023-24 NBA season, with the Milwaukee Bucks securing the honors this past campaign. The Warriors will undoubtedly have a chance to make a deep run in the tournament, that's if Steve Kerr and the coaching staff make progress a priority.

The groups are as follows: West Group A: Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz West Group B: Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans

The Rockets will be in the Western Conference's Group C along with the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs. The Warriors defeated the Rockets in a seven-game series in the first round of the playoffs last spring.