NBA Playoffs: Predicting Western Conference First Round Winners

Nov 28, 2012; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) and Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) look at the scoreboard during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Oklahoma City won 120-98. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s finally here! THE PLAYOFFS ARE HERE. I don’t want it to seem like I’m yelling, but yes, I’m very excited and I’m sure most of the folks at home are as well. Unless your team didn’t make the playoffs, NBA fans are scared, nervous, giddy, and excited, all at the same time. Being a bay area sports site, it’s difficult to be supporting the Warriors because they haven’t done so well, but we’re happy that they’ve finally qualified for postseason contention.

This is your basis list of teams who are battling each other and who will beat who. It’s going to be one of the best playoffs that the NBA has had in a while, so you’re not going to want to miss any of the games; even if you need to watch TV the whole day.

Oklahoma City (1) vs Houston (8): Thunder 4-1

Just a couple days ago, the Rockets were battling to be the 6th spot, and just like that, they’ve dropped to 8th. It’s funny because the would much rather play the Spurs, I’m sure, than the Oklahoma City Thunder, the western conference champions. Still, James Harden against Oklahoma City? That’s going to be a fun one.

Harden, who is frontrunner for MIP (most improved player) was traded by the Thunder to the Rockets for Kevin Martin. It was only because they couldn’t offer him enough money. If that’s so, then why did the Thunder extend Serge Ibaka? I’m sure Harden takes the situation lightly, but he’s going to compete against the Thunder. If they’re looking for a battle, they’re going to get a war. Still, the Rockets don’t have  enough magic to beat the number one seed.

San Antonio (2) vs LA Lakers (7): Spurs 4-2

Remember all those memes about the Lakers? The last time they went without a win in the preseason, they wont the championship? Well Dwight Howard hasn’t completely ruled that out yet. He claims that the Lakers could still win the championship, but they’re missing the Mamba. That’s a kind of important part of the offense. The Lakers are a good team altogether, but they don’t have what it takes this year.

Still, all-stars like Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard, Metta World Peace, and Steve Nash won’t mind giving San Antonio a run for their money. It could be the last run for both of these teams, so expect it to be a very good series. The Spurs will win one away game, and the Lakers will win one away game Those are our predictions for this series!

Denver (3) vs Golden State (6): Nuggets or Warriors 4-3

How did we get here, Warrior fans? At the beginning of the season, almost no analysts had the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs. Then, when the Dubs lost their home opener to the Grizzlies, it looked pretty ugly. They didn’t give up, however, and their fans, they didn’t give up. The Warriors are a team filled with hope, magic, and just a bit of luck. With a great coach, they have the potential to win at least one road game against the best home team in the NBA. How did we get here again?

The Nuggets, who have been attacked by injury this season, however, have enough depth in Corey Brewer, Javale McGee, and Wilson Chandler, to match the Warriors’ bench depth of Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry. For this reason, I can see this series going either way, so I’m not very sure. Either way, it’s going to a game 7, although the Dubs would like to put it away at home.

LA Clippers (4) vs Memphis (5): Memphis 4-2:

Ah, the old 4 vs 5 matchup. Supposedly, this is the best matchup there is, put perhaps the most boring. The reason I say that is because it’s expected to be the most exciting series. It’s not, however. It’s much more fun to watch a 1st seed and an 8th seed battle it out till they collapse. It may not be that case this year, but the other series will be far more interesting.

The Clippers beat the Grizzlies in 7 last year, completely destroying their hopes of escaping a 3-0 stranglehold. Well, I’m sure Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol remembered that. In fact, they’ve gotten a lot better, and are two of the biggest monsters on the glass. Excuse my informality, but that’s the best way to put it. With Mike Conley Jr. at the helm, they’re going to do very well.

Stay tuned for round 2 predictions…..