The Oklahoma City Thunder are on track to finish the 2023-24 NBA season as the number-one seed in the Western Conference.
The Thunder are currently tied for the best record in the West, as they are 46-20 this season.
On paper, the Thunder are a dominant team and should have an easy trip to the Western Conference Finals, yet there are a few teams that could trouble them.
One would assume that organizations like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, or Denver Nuggets are the top teams that could cut the Thunder’s season short.
However, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal believes two lower-seeded teams are actually bigger threats to the Thunder, via “Inside the NBA.”
“The Lakers or the Warriors could beat the Thunder in the first round,” O’Neal said.
O’Neal thinks the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors could upset the Thunder in the playoffs.
As things stand right now, the Thunder can finish the season as the No.1 seed.
The Lakers and Warriors have a shot at clinching the eighth seed after playing in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Keeping that in mind, either team could face the Thunder in the first round of the postseason.
O’Neal’s prediction could prove correct.
The Thunder haven’t made the postseason in the last three seasons.
Sure, they have an excellent regular-season record, but when it comes to the playoffs, the team is relatively inexperienced.
On the contrary, the Lakers and Warriors are full of veteran players, who have earned their flowers in the postseason.
It could lead to the Thunder getting eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
NEXT: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reacts After Breaking Kevin Durant's Record