Western Conference
Golden State Warriors vs New Orleans Pelicans (Golden State leads 3-1)
There isn’t much left to say about the Warriors after a record-breaking season which has seen them go 67-15 over the regular season. Steve Kerr should win Coach of the Year, Stephen Curry should be the MVP and they should be a leading contender in the post-season. However, they will need to stay focused and start afresh.
Led by Anthony Davis, the Pelicans are a threat to any team and they will feel like they have a point to prove after the Warriors supposedly preferred facing them over the Thunder. However, this is one war they won’t win even after such an impressive year with their star big man leading the way. Golden State too good and too deep.
Prediction: Warriors win 4-0.
Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks (Houston leads 3-1)
James Harden is firing and Dwight Howard is healthy. The Rockets are a legitimate threat this year and they will be desperate to avoid any more disappointment early on. They match up well against the Mavs and will be confident of advancing.
Dallas have had problems this year and they still haven’t quite figured it all out. It could blow up at any time despite having one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the league, but while it won’t be that dramatic, they won’t be seeing the semi-finals. Harden will be cooking this post-season.
Prediction: Rockets win 4-1.
Los Angeles Clippers vs San Antonio Spurs (Series tied at 2-2)
This is arguably the pick of the round as the Clippers look to finally make an impact in the post-season and avoid another early exit. Chris Paul is on fire, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan give them key inside presence in this match-up in particular, and they will fancy their chances with home-court advantage.
However, you can never write off the Spurs and they are back looking to repeat and hold the threat of winning on any given night regardless of whether it is at home or on the road. Back the defending champions to cause the ‘upset’ and advance with their bench scoring being key. Popovich will lean on his bench to make vital difference.
Prediction: Spurs win 4-3.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Memphis Grizzlies (Memphis leads 4-0)
With no Wes Matthews this post-season, things are a lot trickier for Portland and they will need even more from Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge. Injuries are an issue elsewhere too and they will struggle to compete in the front-court.
Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph will be key to continuing Memphis’ domination of the Trail Blazers this year, although they are struggling with injuries too with Mike Conley and Tony Allen still out injured. However, back them to grind their way through the series and advance. Portland won’t cope with the grit and grind.
Prediction: Grizzlies win 4-2.
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