NBA Playoffs: Predicting the Western Conference Champions

Apr 4, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Boris Diaw (33) handles the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) in the second half in Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

So far, we’re four games into the postseason, and things have been pretty crazy. The Nets just lost a triple overtime thriller to the Bulls, and now trail 3-1 in the series. It’s very unfortunate for the Nets, yes, but they’ll be glad to go back home to Brooklyn for a fifth game. That is, of course, the season-saving game for them.

Other than that, the other great series is the Warriors vs Nuggets, which Golden State leads 2-1. The excitement that those games have brought to the fans is really great, and the series is going to be a close one. If the Warriors can win the series, they’ll likely win in six at home. If the Nuggets win, however, they’ll win in seven at home.

Those two series have been the best so far, but those teams aren’t exactly equipped for a championship run just yet. The Bulls are eagerly waiting for the return of Derrick Rose, which could be next round, the Nets are a young team, who cannot be lead by just one all-star, the Warriors are too inexperienced and have the tendency to get injured, and the Nuggets don’t have a finisher. These are all great teams, but the teams that are dominating the series right now, those are the ones that could win the championship.

With the injury of Russell Westbrook, it seems less likely that the Thunder will be the Western Conference Champions. Let’s see who it will be.

1. San Antonio Spurs:

The Spurs now lead the Lakers 3-0 in the series, and the margin has always been greater than 10. Fortunately for the Spurs, they’re on a rampage, and age hasn’t seemingly been a factor. San Antonio also has some young life in guys like Kawhi Leonard and Gary Neal. It appears to me that they’re unstoppable, and would like to get one more championship in before their main guys retire. Who’s to say that experience doesn’t beat flash? The Spurs are my number one choice to represent the West in the NBA Finals.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder:

“Oh no! The Thunder lost Westbrook, now the season is over!” Thunder fans, don’t worry. Westbrook may be one of the most athletic and explosive point guards in the league, but the Derrick Fisher signing, and the Reggie Jackson emergence may be key factors in the Thunder’s attempt to win for Westbrook. There’s one other thing that the Thunder fans are overlooking as well. Kevin Durant is capable of being the scoring champion, and is absolutely unstoppable when it comes to the postseason. He may be good friends with Westbrook, but Durant may thrive from taking more and more shots, not having Westbrook hog the ball. I like the Thunder’s chances, but they may not be able to take down the Spurs with the loss of Westbrook and the hunger of the Spurs..

3. Los Angeles Clippers:

My third and final choice for the winners of the Western Conference are the Clippers, not only because they have a lot excitement, but because Chris Paul is the best point guard in the league. The Clippers are currently in the midst of a heated Game 4 with the Grizzlies, but even if the series is tied at two games apiece, the Clippers will come back very strong and win the series in seven, just like they did last year. Next round, the Clippers will have to play the Thunder, but it’s not going to be as hard knowing that the Thunder don’t have an amazing point guard to match Chris Paul.