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5 Western Conference Teams With The Best Chance To Upend Golden State Warriors In 2016 NBA Playoffs

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As the Golden State Warriors make a run at the best regular season record in NBA history, it’s basically a foregone conclusion they’ll at least reach the Finals for a second straight year. The playoff-caliber teams around the league surely disagree with that assumption, and here are five teams in the Western Conference that could beat the Warriors in a playoff series this year.

5. Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets Getty Images
If the season ended today, Houston would be Golden State's first-round playoff opponent. If James Harden gets hot for a series, Dwight Howard can be a factor on both ends of the floor and the team can find some harmony, an upset can't be ruled out.

If the season ended today, Houston would be Golden State's first-round playoff opponent. If James Harden gets hot for a series, Dwight Howard can be a factor on both ends of the floor and the team can find some harmony, an upset can't be ruled out.

4. Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers Doug Pensinger Getty Images
The Clippers are 22-7 since Blake Griffin was originally injured in late December, and he may be getting closer to returning. Getting one of their best players back could push the Clippers over Golden State in an eventual playoff series.

The Clippers are 22-7 since Blake Griffin was originally injured in late December, and he may be getting closer to returning. Getting one of their best players back could push the Clippers over Golden State in an eventual playoff series.

3. Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers Andy Lyons Getty Images
Outside of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the best backcourt in the West resides In Portland. Damian Lillard's 51-point performance spearheaded a win over Golden State in February, and the Trail Blazers may not be intimidated during the playoffs.

Outside of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the best backcourt in the West resides In Portland. Damian Lillard's 51-point performance spearheaded a win over Golden State in February, and the Trail Blazers may not be intimidated during the playoffs.

2. San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs Getty Images
The Spurs' 50-9 record to this point has been overshadowed by what the Warriors are doing, and their collective playoff experience is obviously notable. If San Antonio were to beat Golden State in a playoff series, it would not be a big upset.

The Spurs' 50-9 record to this point has been overshadowed by what the Warriors are doing, and their collective playoff experience is obviously notable. If San Antonio were to beat Golden State in a playoff series, it would not be a big upset.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder Getty Images
Oklahoma City has two close losses to Golden State over the last month, so any psychological intimidation when the stakes are higher should be out the window. It will take star power to beat Golden State in the playoffs, and the Thunder have it.

Oklahoma City has two close losses to Golden State over the last month, so any psychological intimidation when the stakes are higher should be out the window. It will take star power to beat Golden State in the playoffs, and the Thunder have it.

Brad Berreman is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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