NBA Western Conference Semifinals Predictions

The first round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs had some surprises, but the matchups mostly went as many people expected. The only surprising matchups were between the Mavericks, Clippers, and Suns, Timberwolves. Coming into the series, the Mavericks were picked against by some but ended up prevailing in 6 games over the Clippers to move on and play the Thunder. You could blame the injury to Kawhi Leonard as to why the Clippers were eliminated, but many people picked against them anyway (not us). The Suns had swept the Timberwolves in the season series coming into their matchup, which is why many people picked against them, even as the higher seed. The Timberwolves then turned the Suns upside down and swept them 4-0 to move on and play the defending champion Nuggets.

Western Conference Semifinals Predictions:

#1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #5 Dallas Mavericks | Mavericks in 6

After a dominant series sweep over the Pelicans, the Thunder look strong as they head into their second-round matchup against the Mavericks. Their stellar defense, ranking fourth in the league in the regular season, has been a critical factor in their success. This is shown by holding the Pelicans under 100 points in every game. of the series. Led by their young superstar, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder will put up a fierce fight. However, their struggles in rebounding the basketball could be their downfall. It is important to note that the Thunder's top rebounder, Chet Holmgren, only averages 7.9 rebounds per game. The Mavericks' superstar Luka Doncic averages 9.2. Doncic is also 6'7" compared to Holmgren being 7'1". Currently ranked 27th in the league, this could be the flaw that costs them the series. Unlike the Thunder, the Mavericks can rebound the basketball. Although they were ranked 14th in the league in rebounding, the Mavericks have shown significant strength in that category as of late. Just in game 6, the Mavericks hauled down 18 offensive rebounds, which is the very weakness of the Thunder. Their trade deadline acquisition of PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford has helped add more rebounding to this team and will shine bright against the Thunder. With all this said, the Mavericks will send the young Thunder home in 6 games.

#2 Denver Nuggets vs #3 Minnesota Timberwolves | Nuggets in 7

This series is a dream matchup for NBA fans, with many looking at it as whoever wins will most likely win the Western Conference. The Timberwolves are coming into this series as underdogs, but they feel that they shouldn't be. The Timberwolves just finished a forceful sweep over the "Superteam" Suns. Like the Thunder, the Timberwolves are led by young superstar Anthony Edwards, and they have no apparent weaknesses, having players that fit their roles perfectly. The Timberwolves have the number-one-ranked defense in the NBA, and based on their performance against the Suns, they look like they can stop anyone. Here is the thing, though: The Nuggets also have a perfectly built roster, with players who strive in their roles and can do whatever the team needs to win. They are led by Nikola Jokic, who will probably win his third MVP this season. He is a center who can do everything. He orchestrates their offense to perfection and has shown time and time again that he can go against anyone. The Timberwolves have their defensive anchor, Rudy Gobert, who will have the honor of guarding Jokic. And not to forget about their star point guard Jamal Murray. The Nuggets will rely on him to create his shot and to facilitate the offense a reasonable amount. Murray hit two game-winners against the Lakers in round one, adding to his shot-creating resume. The Nuggets' playoff experience will be too good for the Timberwolves to handle, so we pick the Nuggets to win in 7 games.