2018-19 NBA Season Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder

Predictions for the Season

The Thunder will grind their way to the playoffs

The Thunder finally have the roster Billy Donovan thought he had last year, before the Melo trade. A team built from hard-working players, led by two All-Stars who can push them through the postseason. What they did earn during that year is the development of players like Steven Adams and Jerami Grant, who both will play a big role for the team this year.

Overall, OKC looks like a more talented and fast-paced version of the "Grit 'n Grind" Grizzlies; a tough defensive team, yet limited offensively. That Memphis team was good enough to have three +50-win seasons and make a conference finals appearance. Even though they will battle through a tough Western Conference, they should return to the playoffs and try to make amends for last year.

I predict the Thunder will have an OK start, at least until Andre Roberson is 100% healthy. They will finish with 50-52 wins and have home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, which they will use to advance this time. Making the Western Conference Finals won't be a stretch, but only if everything lines up perfectly.