Rankings the Warriors top-five playoff threats

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 27: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after play against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 27, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 27: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after play against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 27, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
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(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors won’t have an easy route to their third-straight championship. That said, who do they need to look out for this postseason?

Unlike in year’s past, the Golden State Warriors aren’t head and shoulders above every other team. Last year, Houston began the process of closing the gap between the defending champs and themselves.

While they didn’t quite manage to get there, they put together a blueprint for teams trying to dethrone the Dubs. The Rockets took the Warriors to seven games by lining their roster with two ball-dominant superstars, an elite rim-rolling big, and a plethora of top-tier role players.

Now, a few other teams have mimicked Houston’s roster-creation strategy.

While many of league’s top teams have gotten the better of the Dubs this season, the Warriors have proven time and time again that they can flip the switch. They just don’t have the energy to get up for every primetime regular season anymore after four straight Finals appearances.

However, they know what’s on the line this time.

The dynasty could be what goes down if this team can’t figure out a way to three-peat. With DeMarcus Cousins, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson all free agents at the season’s end, it’ll be paramount for the Dubs to figure out how to conquer the league yet again.

That said, let’s break down the top-five opponents that could get in the way of that three-peat.