Oklahoma City Thunder: 2018-19 NBA season preview

Predictions

In all probability, the likely outcome for the Oklahoma City Thunder lies directly in between the best- and worst-case scenarios. The team will be good enough to get out of the first round and possibly into the conference finals, but taking down Golden State is too much to ask.

Westbrook will probably have an MVP-caliber campaign, and Oklahoma City will most likely boasts a top-10 defense with the return of Roberson and the departure of Anthony. The Thunder will finish fourth in the conference with a 51-win season, but will lack the ability to actually go the distance when faced with the likes of Golden State or the Houston Rockets clicking on all cylinders.

This season will be more of a transitional season, as the Thunder attempt to make the jump from very good to elite. Westbrook and George are stuck together for four years and it’s hard to imagine they won’t figure out a way to at least make the finals during that time, especially if more help arrives next summer. This season will be almost more of an exhibition season — a chance to showcase what OKC has to offer and hopefully lure a third superstar to the team in the future.

Oklahoma City’s time is coming, it’s just not quite here yet.