Second Round Predictions Part I

(Sue Ogrocki / Associated Press)

The Second round of the playoffs starts today for the Western Conference. There will be two game 7’s in the east before I can predict them, so here are the Western Conference second round predictions.

Golden State Warrirors vs. Portland Trailblazers- The Trailblazers have a legitimate chance if Curry is unable to play in the series. The back court of the Blazers is their strong point but they get a lot of help from their supporting cast. Without Curry I see this series going six games, but I expect Curry to return at some point in this series. The Warriors can win this series without Curry and should rest him until an absolute emergency because they are going to really need him in the Western Conference Finals. I think Steve Kerr will sit Curry as long as possible and the Warriors win this series without him.

Prediction: Golden State Warriors in six

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs- This is by far the most intriguing matchup of the second round. This could easily be a Western Conference Final because both of these teams are that good. Russell Westbrook is playing like the best player in the NBA and Kevin Durant is playing like MVP Durant. It is hard to beat a team with two players this great, but again this is the San Antonio Spurs. The same Spurs who won 67 games and went 40–1 at home and a team coached by one of the greatest coaches of all time. I really think the Thunder can win this series, but what stops me is their inability at times to play defense. They also struggle to close out games in the fourth quarter. For these reasons I will stick with Spurs but not confidently.

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Prediction: San Antonio in 7