Western Conference Playoffs Prediction

Published 04/14/2018, 1:52 PM EDT

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With the regular season over, the seeds are decided. We now know which teams play each other and their likely path during the playoffs. The Western Conference playoff race was competitive, with 5 of the teams securing their spots over the last 2 games of the season. For the 5 consecutive season, a Western Conference team secured the best record in the NBA. This time it was the Houston Rockets. 6 teams participated in the 2017 NBA playoffs. New Orleans and Minnesota are the new teams this season. Minnesota had to fight for its playoff spot until the last day of the season, and ended the longest NBA playoff drought.

First Round Playoffs

Houston Rockets (1) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (8)
Regular Season record: Houston 4 – 0 Minnesota

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After 13 seasons, the Minnesota Timberwolves are finally in the playoffs. Their 8 seed will see them face the NBA’s best team this season, Houston. The Rockets have swept the Timberwolves in the regular season with 4 wins.

The Timberwolves have got talent in Jimmy Butler, Towns and Wiggins leading the line up. Teague and Gibson, along with Crawford and Rose pull their weight as well. What is a concern is the apparent lack of defensive effort, as the younger players have been called out by Butler several times this season.

The Rockets have transformed themselves this season. One of the best attacks but a reliable defence thanks to the trades they made this season. The first 60 win season in franchise history, a healthy MVP candidate and star point guard. The Rockets should have no issue washing the Timberwolves away.

Verdict: Houston 4 – 0 Minnesota

 

Oklahoma City Thunder (4) vs Utah Jazz (5)
Regular Season record: Thunder 3 – 1 Jazz

The series against the Jazz is when the Thunder’s free agency will seemingly have worked or failed. The teams met early in the season, thus the regular season matches are not going to indicate the real potential of the teams.  Over the second half of the season, with the return of Gobert, The Jazz were one of the best teams in the NBA. Their main perfromers also included Mitchell, Ingles and Rubio.

The Thunder have their big 3, Steven Adams and Corey Brewer. Their second unit is not strong. A big concern for the Thunder big 3, is their maverick like nature. There are days either of George, Westbrook or Anthony can shoot 30% or 70% from the field.  Of course, with playoff time, they can now play 40 minutes or so a night without concern.

It would be a difficult match up for the Thunder against the Jazz, but their big 3, have more experience and skills to push the series in their favour.

Verdict: Thunder 4 – 2 Jazz

 

Portland Trail Blazers (3) vs New Orleans Pelicans (6)
Regular Season Record: 2 -2

Another interesting matchup in the Western Conference playoffs. Portland and New Orleans could have been the best front court against one of the best back courts. With Cousins injured, that’s not going to happen. The Pelicans have reached the 6 seed in no small thanks to the Herculean effort of Anthony Davis. The Brow, led the team well after Cousins went down.Nikola Mirotic was a smart acquisition by the team Jrue Holiday is justifying his big contract and Rondo has always been a reliable veteran, pass first point guard.

On the other hand, Portland have always been considered an underdog team led by Lillard and McCollum. Lillard, who has spoken on staying with the team till the end of his career has a big front court man in Jusuf Nurkic and Ed Davis. This makes Portland a team that can pull its weight on the board.

Verdict: Portland 4 – 3 New Orleans .

 

Golden State Warriors (2) vs San Antonio Spurs (7)
Regular season record: Warriors 3 – 1 Spurs

On Paper, this would be a match worthy of the conference finals. Yet, the Spurs are seeded 7 and are facing their first sub-50 win season since Tim Duncan. This time, the series between the two sides is not going to be some epic clash, but a sweep.

The Spurs are an ageing team of veterans and youngsters. The older members of the team such as Ginobili, Gasol, and Aldridge have done most of the heavy lifting. They are a team playing without their best player, Leonard.

The Warriors, are not the best team in the West anymore. While injuries to their stars have hampered them, they are a tough team. Durant, Green adn Thompson should comfortably lead them past San Antonio.

Verdict: Warriors 4 – 0 Spurs

Second Round Playoffs
Western Conference Semi-finals

Houston Rockets (1) vs Oklahoma City Thunder (4)
Regular Season Record: Thunder 2 – 1 Houston

This playoffs series pits an all-star back court against the Thunder big 3. Houston were known only for their offence but the addition of PJ Tucker, Mbah a Moute and Chris Paul added much needed defensive grit. The Houston Rockets possess the fastest pace in the NBA. They are the biggest 3-point shooters in the league, but surprisingly, they are rated sixth in points conceded per game. James harden, Eric Gordon and Chris Paul are the men running the show for Houston. Unfortunately, Mbah a Moute is set to miss 4 weeks.

On the Thunder’s side, they are worst team in free throw shooting. The big 3 as stated before, are erratic. However, George’s defensive contribution has been consistent. With Steven Adams, there’s no better team on the offensive rebounding in the league than the Thunder. The biggest question mark is their shooting. Carmelo has had a career worst season as the third point of offence. George and Westbrook have had big games, but also scored big on a highly inaccurate night. Their only real trump card over the Rockets is defense. The Thunder rank first in steals and forcing opponent turn overs.

Verdict: Houston 4 – 3 Thunder

 

 

Portland Trail Blazers (3) vs Golden State Warriors (2)
Regular Season Record:  Portland 2 – 1 Golden State

The Warriors have the best attack, averaging 113.5 points a game. They also are the most efficient in making field goals, free throws and 3-poitners. They lead the league in assists. Curry is likely to return for the conference semi-finals, but will take time to return to a 100%. They still remain a formidable team with the likes of Durant, Thompson and Green.

via Imago

Against them, Portland have two dynamic guards and a strong front court. The team are 3 in the total rebounds and 1 in offensive rebounds. The Trail Blazers also commit fewer turnovers than the Warriors. Their chances of success hinge on them getting more attempts from their offensive rebounds. They also have to defend heavily if they are to stop the Warriors. Portland should know that Curry will return during their series, but will still take time to get up to 100%. That’s their advantage. The Warriors have gone 4-6 since Curry was injured.

Verdict: Warriors 4 – 3 Trail Blazers

 

Third Round Playoffs
Western Conference Finals

Houston Rockets (1) vs Golden State Warriors (2)
Regular Season record: Rockets 2 – 1 Warriors

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This playoffs series could be one to remember. Both teams are good with the 3-point shot. The Warriors through efficiency, the Rockets through pace and volume. Both teams excel in scoring. The Warriors block more shots than the Rockets, who in turn steal the ball more often than the Warriors.

Warriors will likely have a fully fit Curry back for the series. Through the regularseason, without him the Warriors were 17-14. A marginal winning record. The Warriors have also turned the ball over more often than the Rockets, an ironic fact given that the Warriors pace is slightly slower than Houston.

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The Rockets will hope to welcome Mbah a Moute. The forward, a good defender was set to miss a month. If the Rockets reach the finals of the Western Conference, there’s a good chance he will be fit. Against the warriors he will be a valuable asset. The winner of this match will be the favorite in the NBA finals.

Verdict: Houston 4 – 3 Golden State

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