Realistic Warriors Playoff Predictions

April 15, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors fans celebrate after a three point basket by point guard Stephen Curry (30) against the San Antonio Spurs during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the San Antonio Spurs 116-106. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Warriors have finally qualified for the postseason, and are going to be playing the Denver Nuggets in the first round. Upset possibility is definitely high, but chances are that the Warriors aren’t going to win this one. Unless they pull off some sort of magic, they man not win a road game. The Altitude of Denver is a bit hard to deal with, and the Nuggets are under .500 when they play road games. This is a good sign, which means the Warriors are going to have to push through the fatigue to secure a win with good play in the second half. Easier said then done, but the Dubs are capable of great things.

With that being said, the Dubs and Nuggets are two of the most exciting teams in the league, both showing flashes of brilliance with defense, as well well as offense. The depth of the Nuggets is incredible, ever since the trade of Carmelo Anthony, but health could be a huge factor in this series. For example, Ty Lawson has missed many of the games in April, and Kenneth Faried sustained a sprained ankle. As for the Nuggets’ finisher, Danilo Gallinari, he is out of the season with a torn ACL. Still, the Nuggets have Wilson Chandler and Corey Brewer coming off the bench.

Best Case: Warriors Beat Nuggets in 6:

Even if the Warriors come out of that locker room with some sort of amazing drive to win, the Nuggets aren’t going to go down without a fight. If the Warriors can catch the Nuggets at home for just one game, just one, they will have  firm grip on the series. If they win all their home games, which they are likely to because of the fans, they can win the series 4-2. It takes one road game, and the Dubs, along with their coach know that’s not going to be easy.

They’ll Take It Scenario: Nuggets Win in 7:

Most teams that get eliminated first round, that are  young, make it to the postseason the next year. For example, the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Spurs in the first round and came back stronger, and are now one of the NBA’s superpowers. If the Warriors give the Nuggets a run for their money, which I’m sure they will, they should be content with going to a game 7.

Worst Case: Nuggets Bring Their Brooms:

Of course, many analysts have the Nuggets in 5 games, but the Warriors are very good in the postseason, according to the 2007 playoffs. Still, there is always the chance that the Nuggets are still locked in superstar mode, and pulverize the Warriors. It’s unlikely that they’re going to win a decisive road game, but the Warriors could falter in the postseason. Experience is a huge factor here, and most of the Warriors have never been to the postseason before. Anyone call Richard Jefferson?

Game 1: Nuggets win by 13 or more:
As much hype as the Nuggets have, they’re not losing their first game at home. The Warriors are going to have to do something amazing if they want to win this one.

Game 2: Nuggets win by 5
The Warriors will be in much a better position, and will make it a close game this time. Unfortunately, close isn’t good enough in the playoffs.

Game 3: Warriors win by 10
First time in the playoffs since 2007? Well I think the Warriors want to feed off the crowd energy, and there will be plenty of that, I can personally guarantee you that.

Game 4: Warriors win by 10
It’s not going to be any different. The crowd is going to push the Warriors to a victory, one that they will desperately need to even the series.

Game 5: Nuggets win by 8
See where I’m going with this? No? Well the Nuggets are very good at home. That could be because of the altitude, it could be because of the fans. Whatever the case may be, the Warriors are going to have trouble in Denver.

Game 6: Warriors blowout
Nuggets come in here, ready to put the series away? Try again. The Warriors aren’t going to fall to the Nuggets at home, and they’re definitely not going to lose at home.

Game 7: Nuggets Win:
All you need to know about game 7 is that the fatigue is going to set in for the Warriors. It will set in.