On Monday, Sporting News published an article detailing three teams that could challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference.

The Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets are the biggest threats to OKC in the Western Conference, according to the long-running publication.

After winning 57 games last season, the Thunder added to what was already an impressive roster and are favored to secure first place in the West for a second straight year.

After losing to Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals, Mark Daigneault The team still has to prove it can defeat the defending Western Conference champions in a postseason series.

In 2024, Oklahoma City’s lack of size and playoff experience showed against Dallas, as the team struggled to score late in games and lost the rebounding battle in the paint.

During the offseason, however, OKC addressed those concerns with the addition of Isaiah Hartenstein And Alex Caruso.

At 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, Hartenstein brings a size element the Thunder have been lacking. A former NBA champion, Caruso brings valuable playoff experience and another talented perimeter defender who can knock down 3-pointers.

It remains to be seen whether or not Sam Presti The additions to the team will be enough to push Oklahoma City past the Mavericks, the Thunder certainly have a better chance of defeating Dallas.

Likewise, Minnesota’s size could create problems for OKC when Hartenstein isn’t on the court, plus they’re led by a superstar guard. Anthony Edwards and a solid team defense.

While the Nuggets have lost a few key players in recent seasons, three-time MVP Nikola Jokic’s size and talent are enough to give any NBA team a run for their money when Denver’s supporting cast plays well.

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