NBA Playoffs 2018: Power ranking all 16 playoff teams

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 8: Zaza Pachulia #27, Stephen Curry #30, Kevin Durant #35, Klay Thompson #11 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors face off against the Sacramento Kings on January 8, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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SACRAMENTO, CA – FEBRUARY 22: Josh Huestis /

9. Oklahoma City Thunder

On paper, the Oklahoma City Thunder have the talent to make serious noise in the playoffs. Given how inconsistent they’ve been this season, however, it’s difficult to have much faith in them as a serious threat to either the Warriors or the Rockets, provided they make it out of their first-round matchup against the dangerous Utah Jazz.

While Russell Westbrook’s scoring output dipped compared to his MVP campaign last season, he still managed to average a triple-double for the second straight season — a feat no one in NBA history has ever managed prior to him — and he finished inside the top 10 leaguewide in a host of advanced metrics. His shot selection often leaves much to be desired, but he’s also proved capable of single-handedly swinging a game in OKC’s favor.

The Thunder’s biggest offseason pickup, Paul George, likewise possesses the potential to take over on any given night and help the Thunder emerge victorious. While his efficiency has been horrendous since the All-Star break—he’s shooting only 38.5 percent overall despite taking 17 shots per game—he’ll be OKC’s best wing defender in the absence of Andre Roberson.

Steven Adams will provide the Thunder with a rugged interior force who cleans up on the glass and chips in as a roll man and on putbacks, which makes Carmelo Anthony and Corey Brewer the Thunder’s two biggest X-factors heading into the playoffs. The former is setting new career lows in points (16.2), field-goal attempts (15.0) and field-goal percentage (40.4 percent) this season, while the latter has slowed down as of late after providing an immediate offensive burst upon joining the Thunder in early March.

If the Thunder’s starting five play up to their standard, they’ll have a legitimate chance of moving past the first round and putting a scare into either the Rockets in the conference semifinals. A first-round upset isn’t outside the realm of possibility, though, especially if Westbrook and/or George struggle to score against Utah’s stifling defense.

Next: 8. Boston Celtics

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