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Golden State Warriors: Ranking the 5 toughest Eastern Conference opponents

By Tony Pesta

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 5: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on March 5, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 5: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on March 5, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

4. Philadelphia 76ers

Now it’s time to look at the real contenders. The Philadelphia 76ers made some power moves at the NBA trade deadline and have forced their names into title contention.

With a starting lineup of Ben Simmons, J.J. Reddick, Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid, the 76ers arguably have the most loaded starting five of any team. Embiid is an MVP and DPOY candidate while Simmons is a borderline superstar.

Meanwhile, Butler is a certified closer and Harris is having the best season of his career. All of these players have unique specialties and can work together to pick apart opposing teams.

The two biggest concerns for Philly are health and bench production. Simmons and Embiid have a history of injuries that could derail the entire season. While the starting five is elite, the second unit for the 76ers is not very strong and will likely cause them problems in the playoffs.

Philly is going to make a serious run for the title this year and the Warriors will have to be prepared to deal with the upcoming tandem of Simmons and Embiid.

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