NBA 2018/19: 3 Reasons why the OKC Thunder are a major threat to the Warriors

#2 Strength of the second unit

Noel is among the big additions to the OKC bench

In a playoff series against the Thunder, the Warriors will be able to keep at least two All-Stars on the court at all times, although there is no denying that OKC's bench could give the Thunder the advantage over a lengthy series.

After years of having one of the weakest benches in the NBA, the Thunder made huge improvements over the past offseason, adding both Dennis Schroder and Nerlens Noel. Both players had been regular NBA starters before landing in Oklahoma, and the pair were instrumental as the Thunder were able to win without Westbrook in the early part of the season.

In comparison, the Warriors bench is made up of low round draft picks, and ageing veterans. Both Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston have been poor this season, and the Warriors second unit will likely be overpowered by the Thunder's new depth. This spells major trouble for Steve Kerr, as in recent seasons the Warriors have been able to beat the Thunder while Russell Westbrook has been resting.