Predictions for the First Round of the Western Conference Playoffs

The Western Conference playoffs start today and while there is a distinct separation between the elite and the pretenders, there is no doubt that the first round will be physical and might be filled with a few surprises. My prediction for the first round of the Western Conference playoffs below.

• 1) Oklahoma City Thunder versus 8) Houston Rockets: James Harden is returning to OKC as the leader of Houston Rockets is a story in and of itself but I wouldn't count the Rockets out. They are a team that can score a lot of points and I just have a feeling that James Harden's homecoming will allow him to blow past the OKC defense. Then again, they turn the ball over like crazy because of point guard Jeremy Lin and with Russell Westbrook following him around on the court, there will be a lot of turnovers. The Thunder on the other hand are a complete team with Kevin Durant leading the charge. Their bench can out perform almost anyone other team. The only thing I worry about is Russell Westbrook. If he can take fewer shots than the Durant the Thunder will breeze through the first round.
  Prediction: Thunder win series 4-1

• 2) San Antonio Spurs versus 7) Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers looked like they weren't even going to make the playoffs last week when they lost Kobe Bryant to a torn Achilles Tendon, but then Dwight Howard took charge and led the Lakers to the 7th seed to play a team they've had success against. The Spurs were dominate most of the season behind a rejuvenated Tim Duncan but last half injuries to Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker might cost the Spurs a couple games in the series. Although I think the Spurs will win the series, the Lakers will likely show the NBA that they have what it takes to win without Kobe leading the charge. Dwight Howard was brought in for the future Lakers squad, and by beating an elite team like the Sours two or three times in the playoffs will show that next season, they will be ready for anything.
  Prediction: Spurs win series 4-2

• 3) Denver Nuggets versus 6) Golden State Warriors: I honestly thought that the Warriors could pull the upset in this series but then I saw that the nuggets had a 20+ game home winning streak this season. The Nuggets are probably one of the only teams in the league that go 9 players deep, with their amazing starting five and the best backup center in the league in JaVale McGee. Ty Lawson will have the daunting task of guarding superstar in the making, Steph Curry for the Warriors and his great perimeter shooting. But since the second half of the regular season began, the Warriors' defense pretty much fell apart. Both teams score a lot of points but because of Denver's depth the Warriors won't stand much of a chance.
  Prediction: Nuggets win series 4-2

• 4) Los Angeles Clippers versus 5) Memphis Grizzles: A repeat of last year, this is going to be the best series of all the playoffs. The Clippers had the best season in their franchise history behind the best point guard in the league Chris Paul and the high flying dunks from Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. The Clippers have issues off the bench with lack of production and that's what going to hurt them in the long run. The Grizzles are the most underrated team in the playoffs and yet, they are considered to be contenders. They are large in size, athletic, and again, have an underrated point guard in Mike Conley. This series will go to 7 games again and the team with the most physical play will win the series. I honestly don't know who will pull out the series win but I have a gut feeling the Grizzles will toughen it out and move on to the second round.
  Prediction: Grizzles win series 4-3

Questions or Comments?
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