NBA Playoffs Recap: Western Conference First Round

There has been some great games in this years Western Conference Playoffs, as for today we will recap each series and try to predict who will come out on top and go through the next round.

1. LA Lakers vs 8. Portland Trail Blazers

Standing: Lakers lead the series 3-1

After the shocking victory of Portland in Game 1, the Lakers won the next 3 games. This could have been a great series in my opinion, it's just that the Trail Blazers can't catch a break, and many of their core players are playing with injuries, or are already out. Damian Lillard's latest injury looks to be the final blow, as he is doubtful to return in any of the games.

Prediction

With Damian Lillard out of the picture, the Lakers can seal the win, and advance to the next round.

2. LA Clippers vs 7. Dallas Mavericks

Standing: Clippers lead the series 3-2

After playing subpar in the first 4 games of the series, Paul George finally came up big on Game 5 leading the Clippers to a 154-111 win over the Mavericks, which erased the previous buzzer beater loss in Game 4 by Luka Doncic.

Prediction

I am 50/50 for Game 6 as the Mavericks will do everything to extend the series to 7 games, but Kristaps Porzingis will be a big factor he is currently questionable to play in Game 6. If Paul George plays like in game 5 again I can see the Clippers closing it out, with the playoff experience advantage coming into play, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will be looking to closeout the young Mavericks.

3. Denver Nuggets vs 6. Utah Jazz

Standing: Jazz lead the series 3-2

After winning game 1 the Nuggets suffered 3 straight losses to the Jazz with the stellar play of Donovan Mitchell. The Nuggets were able to pull one back in Game 5, and will try to mount a comeback and extend the series to 7 games.

Prediction

I think the Jazz will win the series, even if it goes to a Game 7, they won't be letting this one go.

4. Houston Rockets vs 5. Oklahoma City Thunder

Standing: Series tied 2-2

After winning the first 2 games Houston was on a roll even without start player Russel Westbrook sitting out with an injury, then the Thunder pulled 2 games back to tie the series at 2. This series is really hard to predict as I think it could go either way.

Prediction

I think the Houston Rockets will win it if Westbrook returns positively, there might be a little bit of rust to shake off, this series will be a tight one, the Thunder could win it if Westbrook plays poorly.

Final Notes

Do you have any predictions yourself? Let's discuss in the comments below.

Photo Credits

Photo by Edgar Chaparro on Unsplash