With the start of the 2015 NBA playoffs right around the corner, it is time for teams to prepare for the “second season” to begin. Below are INSCMagazine’s Western Conference quarterfinal predictions.
Golden State Warriors (1) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (8): After pulling of thrilling down-the-stretch wins against the Oklahoma City Thunder and defending champion San Antonio Spurs to wrap up the eighth seed in the rugged West, the New Orleans Pelicans draw 2015 MVP front-runner in Steph Curry and the high-scoring Warriors.
While fellow MVP candidate in Pelicans’ big man Anthony Davis will give Golden State problems down low, the prolific Splash Brothers duo will wash away the upstart Pelicans. PREDICTION: Warriors in 6
Houston Rockets (2) vs. Dallas Mavericks (7): Another MVP candidate, another potentially high-scoring first-round matchup in the form of Houston vs. Dallas.
Rockets guard James harden has played at an unbelievable high all season, which will be sure to give Dallas problems. While watching Rajon Rondo try to keep up with Harden’s scoring wise, the real matchup to watch will be between big men Dwight Howard and Dirk Nowitizki. PREDICTION: Rockets in 7
Los Angeles Clippers (3) vs. San Antonio Spurs (6): In what will likely be a matchup of premier point guards in Tony Parker vs. Chris Paul, the Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs meet in the post-season.
One of the hottest teams in the league, the Spurs are rolling into the post-season in winning 21 of their last 25 games, seem to be peaking at the right time.
While the inside matchup of Tim Duncan vs DeAndre Jordan will be one to keep an eye on, the x-factor in this series will be whether Blake Griffin takes his game to another leve vs. NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. : PREDICTION: Spurs in 6
Portland Trail Blazers (4) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (5): IN a series that features on of the NBA’s up-and-coming super stars in Damien Lillard, Portland vs Memphis will not be one to miss. While he doesn’t get as much “pub” as his contemporaries, Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley is one of the most underrated guards in the league today.
This series will likely be decided as to which team can establish dominance in the paint, which Memphis should be able to in Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. Portland’s inside duo of Robin Lopez and LaMarcus Aldridge should be able to hold their own, as Lilliard steals the show for the Blazers. PREDICTION: Blazers in 7