NBA CONFERENCE FINALS: EARLY SCENARIOS

Even though the NBA conference finals do not start until May 15, 2018, I think it is necessary to predict potential matchups.

 

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

1. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS V. SAN ANTONIO SPURS (AGAIN)

The 2017 Western Conference Finals ended in a way no one could imagine. Golden State swept San Antonio on rout to their 3rd consecutive NBA finals. However, in everyone’s mind was “What would’ve happened if Kawhi Leonard did not get hurt”? The Spurs had the Warriors on their heels the majority of Game 1. The Warriors were down as much as 25 until Leonard left in the third quarter after he reinjured his left ankle. Golden State came back to win 113-111. If Kawhi did not go out with an injury, the Spurs would have won Game 1 easily and change the course of the series. It was an already exciting matchup cut short by injury. Spurs vs. Warriors would have easily made it to Game 7 with all players from both sides healthy. Both teams are my favorites to make it back.

2. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS V. HOUSTON ROCKETS

The last time Golden State played Houston in a conference finals was 2015, the year the Warriors won their first championship in 40 years. Things are different now. Golden State in 2015 did not have Kevin Durant and Houston did not have Chris Paul. This series would be filled with three point shoot-outs and tons of fast breaks. If somehow Chris Paul and James Harden click in the playoffs, the series against Golden State should be an interesting one. This will also be the first conference finals for Chris Paul who has dreamt of a chance to play in it. Both teams have a deep bench so expect every possession to be worthwhile.

3. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS V. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

This series is the most explosive out of these three scenarios. Russell Westbrook has backup with him this time around when the Thunder acquired Paul George and Carmelo Anthony via trade. Last year Golden State beat Oklahoma City all 4 times during their season series. We have seen what Russell Westbrook can do when Kevin Durant departed OKC during free agency in 2016. Kevin Durant went on to win his first championship as the member of the Warriors. Durant’s departure fractured the relationship he had with Westbrook. Kevin Durant essentially joined the bullies to bully Westbrook. Now Westbrook can fight back. The firepower with Paul George and Carmelo Anthony is a dual-threat. Both players can create offense for themselves which can take the pressure off Westbrook when games come down to the wire.

 

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

1. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS V. BOSTON CELTICS (AGAIN)

The Cavs took care of the Celtics in last year’s conference finals 4-1. If both teams face each other again, both rosters would have a different feel. The Cavs now have Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder who they acquired in a trade with the Celtics in exchange for Kyrie Irving and a 2018 first-round draft pick. The Eastern Conference is not very strong so the chances for Celtics making the playoffs is inevitable. The odds of them making it to the conference and/or NBA finals is slim because of Gordon Hayward’s injury on opening night. There is no timetable for his return but his return could help them with a playoff run. A Cavs-Celtics matchup would involve a young Celtics team versus the veteran Cavs, who is the oldest team in the league. Kyrie Irving would be playing against LeBron this time instead of with him.

2. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS V. WASHINGTON WIZARDS

I wanted to see this matchup last year because Washington is an underrated threat in the East. The backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal gives defenses nightmares. John Wall is fast as lightning and can make plays for others. Bradley Beal is a consistent three-point shooter who also has a knack to play on the defensive side of the ball. However, is it enough to stop the Cavs from reaching the NBA finals for a 4th consecutive year? The Wizards do have the power to make it to the conference finals. Beating the Cavs will be a tough task for them. The bench for Washington has to step up because the Cavs have a veteran bench consisting of multiple All-Star and playoff appearances. Wall and Beal cannot do it by themselves.

3. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS V. MILWAUKEE BUCKS

The Bucks have a chance to make the conference finals behind the leadership of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak is having himself quite a season so far with MVP caliber numbers. This year is a breakout year for him. Bucks head coach Jason Kidd believes Giannis can lead his team to a deep playoff run. The Bucks gave the Cavs trouble in their first matchup this year. Even though they lost, the Bucks know what they are capable of when it comes to elite teams. Giannis and LeBron is a matchup waiting to happen. The Bucks have the tools to make it the conference finals but beating the Cavs in a seven-game series is a long stretch.

 

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