After an interesting season with the Heat's 27 game winning streak to Kobe Bryant torn Achilles its that time of the year again its time for the NBA playoffs. So lets preview the NBA playoffs starting with the Western conference which is like an March Madness bracket wide open this year.
(1)Thunder vs. (8)Rockets
Its fun how things workout sometimes as James Harden returns to Oklahoma City with his own team for the first round. Although Harden played good throughout most the playoffs last year everyone remember his performance in the Finals lets see if he can carry his team in the playoffs. Look for this series to very fast pace and up and down. The key matchup is going to the point guards Westbrook vs Lin can Jeremy Lin keep Westbrook in front of him on the defensive end. Its going to be interesting to see to going the aggressor between Durant and Westbrook. And don't forget about Kevin Martin!
Triple Double's prediction: 4-2 Thunder
(2) San Antonio vs. (7) L.A. Lakers
It may not be the season the Lakers were hoping for but at least they made the playoffs right? With Kobe Bryant out and Steve Nash unlikely, Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard have to play like they did the last two games of the regular season especially Dwight Howard. The key matchup in this series with Tony Parker not being 100% now focus on the big men Duncan vs Howard. But the key player for the Lakers is going to be Gasol can the Lakers play their offense through him. When its all said and done Greg Popovich is going to out coach Mike D'Antoni which isn't hard to do and the Spurs is be too deep for the Lakers. Steve Blake may get hot one game but Duncan and Ginobili will be consistent throughout this series.
Triple Double's prediction: 4-1 Spurs
(3) Nuggets vs. (6) Warriors
If you like offense and no defense fast pace entertaining basketball with this is the series for you every game should be in the scored in the 120's. The key matchup for this series is the point guards Stephen Curry and Ty Lawson its going to be fun to watch. Kenneth Faried is hopeful to be ready by Game 1 and he is the X-factor for Nuggets with his rebounding and hustle. For the Warriors, Clay Thompson is their X-Factor with his outside shooting. But the Nuggets have the biggest advantage their home court one of the best in the NBA with their fans and the attitude.
Triple Double's prediction: 4-3 Nuggets
(4) Clippers vs. (5) Grizzles
If you can't wait for the Nuggets and Warriors series then Clippers and Grizzles series probably isn't for you. Sorry Clippers' fans "Lob City" will not be en affect in this series because we all know that the pace slows down in the playoffs especially with a team like the Grizzles the best defense in the NBA. The key matchup is going to Mike Conley and Chris Paul for this series how Conley guards Paul will be huge Conley is a great defender always near the top of the league in steals. Grizzles will beat them up inside and on the defensive end with Mac Gasol but when you got Chris Paul you always have a chance to win as we saw last year. This is going to be another seven games grit and grind series like last year.
Triple Double's prediction: 4-3 Grizzles
Triple Double's prediction Western Conference Finals: Grizzles vs Spurs
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