NBA: Predicting The 2016-17 Western Conference Playoff Field

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May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) during the third quarter in game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Oklahoma City Thunder

Projected Starting Lineup: Russell Westbrook, Victor Oladipo, Andre Roberson, Ersan Ilyasova, Steven Adams

The Oklahoma City Thunder are a difficult team to gauge at this point in the summer. For one, we don’t exactly know if Russell Westbrook will still be on the roster on opening night. And two, we don’t know what type of negative impact losing Kevin Durant will have on this team even if they keep Russ.

However, assuming that Westbrook will still be on this roster on opening night, let’s not act like this roster can’t compete. Sam Presti might not have done enough to keep Durant in OKC, but he certainly knowns how to put together quite the deep roster.

Plus, are you betting against Russ?

Next: No. 7

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