How do the Philadelphia 76ers stack up against the other 29 NBA teams?

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers laughs during the second quarter of Game One of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 30, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers laughs during the second quarter of Game One of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 30, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Oklahoma City Thunder

2017-18 record: 48-34

2017-18 season series: 2-0, Thunder

2018-19 advantage: Neutral

Once Russell Westbrook and Andre Roberson are healthy, the Thunder should be prepared for a competitive season in the cutthroat Western Conference. Their defense alone gives them a top-four projection alongside Golden State, Houston and Utah.

With Carmelo Anthony out the door and Paul George settled in long-term, OKC’s chemistry should progress this season. For all the criticism he receives, Westbrook still guarantees success to some degree. The Thunder have a top-five defense and two top-15 players to build around.

Health will be the main concern this season. Westbrook has dealt with several knee issues in recent seasons. Roberson, who earned Defensive Player of the Year consideration before his injury last season, will miss another two months after surgery on his injured patella.

If OKC can get everything in order, though, their bench will improve after the additions of Dennis Schroder and Nerlens Noel. Coming in slightly behind Utah in most projections, OKC should make positive strides in 2018-19.