My Predictions for the First Round of the Western Conference Playoffs
The NBA western conference is so overpowered this season that you could watch just about any playoff game and have a good time. With super teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder and, of course, the Golden State Warriors, it is hard to tell which teams will be making it past the first round. I mentioned in my last blog that LeBron is going to take over the east, but what about the west? Here in this blog I will explain my picks for who will make it to the second round of the western conference playoffs.
First, I want to start out with the number one seed, the Houston Rockets, and the eighth seed, the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Rockets have had such a successful season with their dynamic duo of Chris Paul and James Harden. With Harden averaging thirty points per game and being the favored MVP candidate this season, there is just no way I do not see them in the second round. The Timberwolves are a young, well put together team of several superstars like Karl-Anthony Towns and Jimmy Butler, but their defense just isn’t enough to stop Harden’s deadly step back move. Honestly, I expect nothing less than a sweep from the Rockets
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Let’s move on to the most loved, and hated, franchise in the west, the Golden State Warriors, versus the fundamentally sound San Antonio Spurs. Even though I am a huge fan of Popovich and his fundamental style of play, it just will not be enough to beat the Warriors especially without Kawhi Leonard. Leonard has proven himself many times before that he is among the elite players in the league and his defense is nothing short of clamps. So without the Claw, there is no one on the Spurs that will be able to stop Kevin Durant. I have heard many times that they may have a chance due to Steph Curry’s absence, but there are three other superstar caliber players that are more than capable of picking up the slack. So sadly, you should almost count on seeing the Warriors in the second round.
Next, I want to talk about Dame D.O.L.L.A. and his Portland Trailblazers against Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans. This may be the series to watch in the first round. It also may be the only series that I have not chosen a for sure winner for. With Lillard’s ability to both attack the rim and drain three pointers from anywhere it is hard to say that they won’t be able to make it past the first round. On the other hand, the Pelicans’ defense is top tier this season. Just the sheer length of Davis’ wingspan is enough to deter anyone from coming into the paint. Also, you cannot forget that Jrue Holiday has been an all-defensive-team worthy player this season.
Both Davis and Lillard have proven themselves be top tier players, but Davis has taken a step forward and established himself as one of the top five players in the league this season. So, I want to see the Pelicans move past the first round, but that will only happen if they are able to keep Dame and the rest of his team from getting too hot around the arc.
Finally, we have the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz. This should also be a great series to watch in the west, but there is little doubt in my mind that the Thunder will not come out victorious. For one, they get home court advantage in the first game. Second, they have Paul George, one of the league’s best wing defenders, guarding Donovan Mitchell. Even though Mitchell is having an incredible rookie season, it is a lot to ask of him to be the leading scorer in the playoffs against an all-world defender like George. So, even though it may be a lengthy and entertaining series, I expect to see the Thunder in the second round.
Ultimately, the western conference is more up in the air than the eastern conference. There are so many extraordinary players in the west that you will see a good series no matter which team you are watching. And if we are being honest, all I want is to see Golden State falling just short of the western conference finals.
