The NBA’s Western Conference offers the best competition every year, which is why it is so challenging to predict which team will reach the NBA Finals. Will the top-seeded Thunder take the throne? Can the duo of LeBron James and Luka Dončić make a run? Its time for some predictions.
After a terrific performance against the Kings, the Mavs will play the Grizzlies to earn the honor to play the Thunder in the first round. Regardless of the winner in that game, OKC should advance easily. They’re the best team in the league for a reason. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a top MVP candidate, and the team is an incredible defensive unit. Needless to say, they look unstoppable. Prediction: The Thunder sweep the series.
The Nuggets-Clippers series is exciting. Both teams started the season slowly but eventually picked it up. The Clippers, especially, have quietly been one of the hottest teams in the league. However, the question with the Clippers is always health, specifically regarding Kawhi Leonard. Meanwhile, the Nuggets have arguably the best player in all of basketball, Nikola Jokić. When the lights are brightest, picking someone who tends to shine bodes well. Despite the early struggles, the Nuggets have multiple players with championship experience. Expect this to be a very close series, though. Prediction: Nuggets advance in seven games.
Anthony Edwards had one of the most entertaining postseason runs you will ever see last year. Unfortunately, that run was cut short in the conference finals by the Mavs. With a new number two option in Julius Randle, the Timberwolves look to make another run. Sadly, they go up against a juggernaut Lakers squad with LeBron James and Luka Dončić, with a steaming hot Austin Reaves as a third option. With those three players, a team must have the defensive capabilities to compete. While the Timberwolves are a solid defensive team, they aren’t good enough. Prediction: The Lakers win in six games.
Lastly, the Rockets take on the Warriors. Since the Jimmy Butler trade, Golden State has been firing on all cylinders. They’re one of the hottest teams in the NBA entering the postseason. With proven winners in Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler, a playoff run wouldn’t be surprising.
Compare that with the youth and inexperience of the Houston Rockets, and an upset may be on the table. However, the Rockets have grit and determination, with many pointing out the similarities to the Thunder team last year. A young team entering the playoffs as a high seed, they have such a strong defense but an inconsistent offense. With the amount of depth and weapons that the Warriors lack, the Rockets could surprise some people. Prediction: Rockets take the series in six games.
Continuing with the Rockets playing the Lakers. With a slightly better defense than the Timberwolves, Houston will undoubtedly put up a fight. Yet again, the Lakers’ trio on offense is just too good, especially for the young Rockets. With new motivation for LeBron and Luka, it will take a special team to stop the Lakers. It’s something the current Houston team isn’t capable of doing. Prediction: Lakers in five.
One of the biggest ongoing NBA debates is the MVP race between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić, meaning this series will draw plenty of attention. Sports media loves narratives, and no other series in the West could deliver on that better than this one. Nonetheless, great teams win playoff series, and quite frankly, no other team in the league has been as dominant as the Thunder.
Despite his greatness, Nikola Jokić isn’t Superman. His supporting cast isn’t good enough to compete with this OKC roster. Sure, they split the regular season series, but in the playoffs, defense matters, and no team is better at that end of the floor than the Thunder. They’re just too talented of a group to handle. Prediction: Thunder get it done in five games.
That leads us to the Western Conference finals, featuring the Thunder and Lakers. Everything has led to this point—a dominant offense against a dominant defense—a sports tale history has seen time and time again. So, who comes out on top? Ever heard the phrase, “Defense wins you championships?” That was Nico Harrison’s thought when trading away Luka Dončić to the Lakers for Anthony Davis.
Although Nico’s mindset for trading away a generational talent is flawed, it’s still true in the context of this series. The Lakers are poor defensively. The Thunder are potent on both sides of the ball. They’re truly unlike any team the league has seen before. That’s why they’re going to continue to keep winning. Prediction: Thunder will advance to the NBA Finals in six games.
Occasionally, an NBA dynasty emerges, and OKC looks the part. With their MVP candidate, incredible depth, and overall talent on both ends of the floor, no team should be able to stop them. Who in the Eastern Conference will try, though? Be sure to check out the predictions for the Eastern Conference playoffs.
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