It’s over, and yet it’s just about to begin. With the NBA regular season finished, the league shifts gears into Playoff mode, the time of year when the best clubs come to the fore and the games truly begin to matter. 2017 has, like most seasons, delivered some incredible storylines, from the compelling MVP race between Russell Westbrook and James Harden, to the latest implosion of the two New York-based teams. That seems set to continue in the Playoffs where, despite the absence of the Knicks and the Lakers, the seedings have delivered some truly impressive match-ups.
Western Conference
Golden State (1) vs. Portland (8)
Clinching the eighth-seed in the West means Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers will be headed to Oakland’s Oracle Arena in the first round, something the guard will relish. "Blazers in six,” was his brash response when asked about his expectations for the series, but really, what is he supposed to say?
As much as the confident Lillard backs himself, these two teams met four times during the regular season, with Golden State emerging victorious every single time, while they were also paired together in the second round of last year's playoffs. There, even without Kevin Durant who became a Warrior last summer, the Blazers were eliminated in just five games, and they have looked just as formidable with the former MVP in the lineup.
Prediction: Warriors win series 4-1
San Antonio (3) vs. Memphis (6)
A real clash of styles here, the ruthlessly efficient Spurs looking to survive another meeting with the “Grit and Grind” Grizzlies who have experience of what it takes to overcome the mighty machine Gregg Popovich has created. However, Kawhi Leonard is in ominous form and will not be an easy opponent, particularly as it looks as if Memphis defensive stalwart Tony Allen will miss most of the series with an injury.
Marc Gasol and Mike Conley remain a potent threat, but this series will likely be a step too far for a beat up Memphis team who simply don’t have the bodies to matchup well against one of the NBA’s very best teams.
Prediction: Spurs win series 4-2
Houston (3) vs. Oklahoma City (6)
This has to undoubtedly be the most exciting matchup in the entire first round, pitting two MVP candidates against each other. For the Rockets, shifting James Harden to Point Guard in Mike D’Antoni’s system has given “The Beard” a new lease of life, blossoming into a calm and calculating offensive force. Houston has surrounded him with shooters and rebounders, allowing their star man to navigate each possession however he chooses.
Standing across the court from him is Russell Westbrook, a Tasmanian devil of a player who appears hellbent on taking revenge on the entire league for Kevin Durant’s decision to join Golden State. He has averaged a triple-double this season, which is insane to even contemplate, and with his team viewed as heavy underdogs, he will once again be on a mission to defy the odds.
Prediction: Rockets win series 4-2
Los Angeles Clippers (4) vs. Utah (5)
While carrying none of the blockbuster feel of the Golden State-Portland or Houston-OKC clashes, this matchup is certainly a fascinating one in its own right. Utah have grown into a formidable team after missing the playoffs altogether last season, the likes of Rudy Gobert, Gordon Hayward and co. registering 50 wins and putting the league on notice.
Awaiting them is a veteran Clippers bunch hoping to finally live up to the lofty expectations that have always followed them. With a core of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and JJ Reddick perhaps in their last year together if they fail, the contrast to a Jazz side who could also break up if they don’t enjoy success is going to be intriguing.
Prediction: Clippers win series 4-2
