NBA Playoffs Round 1 Predictions: Western Conference

I honestly cannot remember the last time I was this excited for the playoffs – maybe in 2021 when my Nets had a rare moment of relevancy. Anyways – I’m hyped. So many great legacy pieces in play. Rivalries ready to be renewed. Seasoned vets against hungry young guys. I expect upsets, historic performances and the occasional feisty moment. Like many of you, this is my Christmas Eve.

Here are my predictions for all of the first round matchups in the Western conference with a brief summary (100 words or less) of why I expect the series to go that way. Let me know your predictions in the comments below.

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (8) Memphis Grizzlies

With all due respect to the Memphis Grizzlies, this might be the most one-sided series of the first round. OKC are by far the best team in the league and I see Memphis struggling to win just one game. The Grizzlies will bring the heat, relying mostly on Bane and Ja for their source of offence, but the different looks OKC can throw at them will be too overwhelming for the star backcourt. The Grizzlies will need to rely predominantly on Edey to control the glass for them, a tall task for the rookie against bigs like Chet and Hartenstein.

Prediction: Oklahoma City in 4

(2) Houston Rockets vs (7) Golden State Warriors

We all saw this matchup on April 6th. When Amen Thompson held Steph to 3 points on 1-10 shooting. When Ime went at Steph, calling him a crybaby to his face. When this youthful, hungry Rockets team went into Chase Center and played physical and unafraid against this experienced Warriors team. This is gonna be a close series and we’ll see if the aging Warriors can keep up with the young bulls of Houston. Whatever you think, I expect Golden State’s playoff experience and clutch ability to prevail. Warriors players – 22 combined finals appearances. Rockets players – 3 combined finals appearances.

Prediction: Warriors in 7

(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs (6) Minnesota Timberwolves

Another great matchup. Three of the four first round matchups in the West would honestly make a great conference finals – we’re spoiled. The Lakers will play small ball, forcing Rudy to either sit on the bench, or guard the perimeter. When playing small ball, I expect the Lakers to hunt the weakest defender between LeBron, Luka, and Reeves. As a result, Ant and Randle will most likely be heavily involved on defence, meaning they’ll be significantly more fatigued. The Lakers will be slow and methodical on offence and I expect their high IQ to get them to the next round.

Prediction: Lakers in 6

(4) Denver Nuggets vs (5) Los Angeles Clippers

This is the matchup I’m most excited for. If not for The Joker, this would be over in three games – ’90s style. But that man is so good that this series is honestly a coin flip for me. We’re all wondering if Kawhi can stay healthy as he hasn’t played a full postseason since the bubble. Altogether, with Kawhi healthy, Los Angeles has a deeper bench and perhaps the best coach in the league. However, Jamal Murray is the ultimate wildcard and the Nuggets will need 2023 Murray for any chance at the second round.

Prediction: Clippers in 7