NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Preview
We’re underway with the 2014 NBA Playoffs at this very moment as the Brooklyn Nets just beat the Toronto Raptors 94-87 in Game 1. Following up at this moment is Game 1 of the first Western Conference series between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors, a match up indicative of the high-octane, uptempo themed complexion of the West this year. Here’s a look around the Western Conference first round match ups with previews and predictions. Happy Playoffs!
(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Dallas Mavericks The Spurs hit full stride towards the end of the regular season to reach the top of the Western Conference mountain again. Their depth, discipline, chemistry, and efficiency are too much for Rick Carlisle’s Mavericks to counter. Offseason acquisition Monta Ellis has been crucial by aiding a heavy scoring load for Dirk Nowitzki, including inspired play from Vince Carter off the bench, but the Spurs are the better team with more options. Spurs in 5.
(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (7) Memphis Grizzlies A rematch of last year’s Western Conference semifinals, the Grizzlies seem to embrace the challenge of matching up with the Thunder. This time around they will have to deal with Russell Westbrook and the full force of Oklahoma City’s offensive attack. Whether or not Memphis can load up and neutralize with both stars healthy is questionable, and whether or not they can dictate the pace and keep the games low scoring will largely determine their success. With the Thunder at full strength I don’t think the Grizzlies can keep up. Thunder in 6.
(3) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (6) Golden State Warriors This is will be the gunslinging event of the playoffs between two teams that have become true rivals. Without center Andrew Bogut, Golden State is undersized and outmatched internally. We might see Mark Jackson go smaller and look to utilize Andre Iguodala, Draymond Green, and Harrison Barnes in mismatches, similar to what gave them some success in their first round series against the Spurs last year. This match up will feature plenty of offense and three-point shooting, but the difference will likely come down to which team is more capable of earning stops when they matter. Clippers in 7.
(4) Houston Rockets vs. (5) Portland Trail Blazers Here’s another potential shoot out. The average score in the four regular season games was 116-110 in favor of the Rockets. Portland is fueled by a youthful chemistry led by the one-two punch of Damian Lillard and LeMarcus Aldridge, looking to combat the James Harden and Dwight Howard duo for Houston. The Trail Blazers started the season hot enough to earn a temporary #1 seed in the conference but were grounded due to time, injury, and what I feel is their true vulnerability in depth. Houston has the edge in that regard, but Portland will need their heady defenders Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews to try and make life difficult for James Harden if the young Trail Blazers are to advance. Rockets in 7.
Previously: NBA Playoffs: Eastern Conference Playoffs
