NBA Western Conference Playoff: Thoughts and Predictions

It's the NBA playoffs and here are some of my thoughts on the Western Conference.

(1) Warriors vs (8) Clippers - Warriors win, 4-2

The unexpected rise of the LA Clippers has been one of the more compelling and mind-boggling stories of the NBA this year. How exactly does a team who loses their acknowledged superstars in consecutive years (first Chris Paul, followed by Blake Griffin, then DeAndre Jordan, and finally, Tobias Harris) manage to not only make the playoffs in the ultra-competitive Western Conference but also cement their reputation as the team no one wants to face in the first round? Well, excellent coaching, defined roles, and skilled players would be the answer you'd be looking for. Still, the Golden State Warriors have more than enough to beat the Clippers, but not before the Clips make them sweat buckets.

Matchup to watch out: Pat Beverley vs Steph Curry. The NBA's peskiest defender versus one of game's best shooter ever.  

NBA Eastern Conference Playoff: Thoughts and Predictions

It's the NBA playoffs and here are some thoughts before we start with our do-or-die games.

Eastern Conference

(1) Bucks vs (8) Pistons - Bucks win, 4-1

The Bucks are the scariest team in the league. Yes, scarier than the Warriors, the Rockets, and the Sixers. And that's because they not only have the current best player in the world, Giannis Antetokounmpo, but also stud players like Khris Middleton, Eric Bledsoe, and Brook Lopez, with starter-quality role players in Malcolm Brogdon, Tony Snell, and Nikola Mirotic ready to contribute. The Pistons, on the other hand, are of the Eastern team favorites who underperformed in the regular season. There were modest expectations of this team, considering their roster, and they barely lived up to it. As things get tougher in the playoffs, there is no indication that they will suddenly find that higher gear they need to move up.

Matchup to watch out for: Giannis Antetokuonmpo vs Blake Griffin. The best players of each team will need to be even better. The Greek Freak should have no trouble stepping up while Griffin needs to fire up on all cylinders to give the Pistons a fighting chance.