Western Conference Playoffs – First Round
The NBA regular season has drawn back its curtains, and the postseason is about to make some noise!
This fact is especially true in the Western Conference! Every series in the first round has the potential of becoming an instant classic with equally fantastic betting odds! While it may be too easy to put your free bets on the Houston Rockets winning this thing, Golden State, Portland, Utah and the rest of the chasing pack have just as much of a chance at coming out of the West.
A great rumble awaits basketball fans, and postseason can’t start any sooner!
Houston Rockets (No.1) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (No.8)
Houston’s first opponents offer an interesting challenge.
The last time the Timberwolves were in the playoffs was the year Kevin Garnett was still donning a member of the franchise. Now, the Wolves will be fighting with Karl-Anthony Towns, Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins at the front.
However, I think their lack of playoff experience will hurt them in the long haul. Chris Paul and James Harden have plenty of postseason experiences between them and should be able to lead their team where it counts the most. I think the Wolves can get a W, but the Rockets should win the series without any hiccups.
Prediction: Houston in five games
Golden State Warriors (No.2) vs San Antonio Spurs (No.7)
The Warriors haven’t been their usual selves this season. Not one Warriors starter managed to play in all 82 games, costing them several easy victories. Their embarrassing loss to the Utah Jazz in their final regular-season game also builds some frustration among the coaching staff and fans.
However, it is undeniable that the Dubs are still the same Dubs that overwhelmed the Western Conference playoffs last season. As long as they flipped their postseason switch on, Gregg Popovich and the Spurs shouldn’t be able to touch the Warriors.
Kevin Durant will have to do a bit of heavy lifting, but they should be able to cruise past the struggling Spurs.
Prediction: Golden State in five games
Utah Jazz (No.3) vs Oklahoma City Thunder (No.6)
The Jazz are on a high after Donovan Mitchell carried a team that was supposed to enter the lottery into the third seed. Salt Lake City’s high times, however, will be put to the test when they square off against Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While Utah have the home court edge, Mitchell will have a tough time trying to overcome the cumulative playoff experience of OKC’s three big stars with just energy and hustle alone. Without any supporting man beside Rudy Gobert to give him a hand, it’s inevitable for Utah to see this as a mere learning experience for the future.
Prediction: Oklahoma City in five games
Portland Trail Blazers (No.4) vs New Orleans Pelicans (No.5)
This matchup is tough to call as both squads have outstanding players that can turn the tides of the game in a snap of a finger.
Anthony Davis has been playing unbelievable basketball for the Pelicans ever since DeMarcus Cousins bowed out of the season. Fans can expect him to assert his presence on the court as he will be facing an uphill battle with the Blazers.
I see this going to Game 6, but I don’t think Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum will choke at this point of the season. They will do everything they can to outrun Davis and advance to the next round.
Prediction: Portland in six games
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