NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Title Favorites

Mar 19, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson (3) handles the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the first half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

This one may shock you a little bit. There are many teams in the Western Conference that are deserving of the title, but some of them just don’t have what it takes. For example, the San Antonio Spurs are good, but are too old to be making that much noise in the post-season. They’re missing one big piece for another chance at the championship. The Los Angeles Clippers are just starting to get it together, and may take another couple of years to become a dynasty. The Memphis Grizzlies are terrific, but not really. They are hot as of late, but that won’t continue in the playoffs.

This leaves two real teams that could possibly go for the title. One of these teams is the Oklahoma City Thunder, of course. The other, however, is the dark horse team, who is on the quietest 15 game winning streak I’ve ever seen. This would be the Denver Nuggets. This team is young, energetic, and I like their chance. A few nights ago, they were able to knock off the Thunder in Oklahoma City. That says something about the future.

Denver Nuggets:

The Nuggets are a young team, who are very willing to go all the way, of course. They don’t have an all-star, but they have players like Andre Iguadala and Danilo Gallinari, who are very clutch. This team likes to compete, and with a coach like George Karl, they’re unstoppable. Lately, they’ve been knocking teams off left, right, and center. This means that they will do well in the playoffs, and not lose a single game at home.

If they can do this, they will have a good chance because they have home court advantage for most of the playoffs. Their 15 game winning streak really says something because these games weren’t all home games, obviously. This means that not only do other teams have a tough team playing in Denver, but this team is one of the hottest in the league, and that’s the way it’s going to stay.

Oklahoma City Thunder:

What can I say? Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook? There’s almost no way that they can lose, but it’s possible. Kevin Martin is playing great right now, but hasn’t really been on a winning team before. Many may wonder if he can handle the pressure of the NBA Finals or not. Remember, the playoffs are a huge deal. Not like the regular season at all.

Martin is a key part of the Thunder offense. If he struggles, the Thunder will basically have to rely on Durant some more. Unfortunately, in the playoffs, Russell Westbrook isn’t as inclined to share the ball. Anybody regretting not giving Harden enough money? Look at him now. Personally, I like the Thunder and hope they thrive in the playoffs.

I think both these teams are good, but right now, I’m leaning towards Denver and I like their odds. This Nugget team may finally be ready to compete. Who would have thought that giving up a star player like Carmelo Anthony would actually be beneficial? What do you think about this? Thunder or Nuggets? Comment Below.