NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Round 2 Preview
By Tyler Watts
This article previews the NBA Playoff matchups for the Western Conference Second Round. It provides some nuggets why each team could win and my predictions.
The NBA Playoffs are in full swing, so I figured I would take a break from the Sacramento Kings content and appeal to all you basketball fans that are filling your voids with the games. Often, the second round is when things heat up, and a significant injury shakes up the playoff landscape.
Today, I will be covering the Western Conference matchups. If you are interested in the Eastern Conference matchups, then check out my article found here on those. We look at why each team can win, and I give my predictions for the series, so let us roll right into it.
(1) Golden State Warriors vs. (5) Utah Jazz
Why the Golden State Warriors will win
Unless you are new here (and if you are welcome) I think you know the Golden State Warriors are currently the best team in the NBA. Their roster features the last two players to win the MVP award in Steph Curry and Kevin Durant. They have the experience advantage of playing in the last two NBA Finals and winning the Championship in 2015. They, also, have one of biggest home-court advantages in the league. There are a lot of reasons why the Warriors will win this series, but below is perhaps my favorite.
MUST READ: Sacramento Kings Report Card: Buddy Hield
The Golden State Warriors greatness this season can be summed up in two stats if you ask me. They ranked as the NBA’s best team in offensive rating and the second best team in the league in defensive rating for this regular season. Predicting against the team that is the best on one end of the floor and the second best on the other is difficult to do.
Why the Utah Jazz will win
The Utah Jazz’s only chance to pull off the massive upset is to win ugly. They need to make the games defensive struggles and get inside the heads of the Warriors with their defensive play. The Jazz ranked third in the NBA in defensive rating this season and feature the NBA’s best defensive player in Rudy Gobert. Playing great defense will not be an easy task because Golden State is the premier offensive team, but it is Utah’s best chance to win.
Prediction
Golden State Warriors in 5 games. Props to the Jazz for going to Los Angeles and defeating the Clippers in game seven, but this Warriors team is on a different level. I expect some exciting and close games, but ultimately Golden State is just too much for Utah.
(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (3) Houston Rockets
Why the San Antonio Spurs will win
Coach Gregg Popovich leads the San Antonio Spurs on his quest for his sixth NBA Championship ring. Perhaps the best coach going in the NBA (Steve Kerr is quickly entering the conversation), this will be a big advantage for the Spurs.
Kawhi Leonard has transformed himself from being known as a defensive stopper to being perhaps the best two-way player in the NBA. According to Basketball-Reference, Leonard rated second in win shares per 48 minutes this regular season and seventh in value over replacement player (VORP). Leonard’s defense on James Harden will go a long way in disrupting the Rockets offensive flow in significant moments and winning San Antonio the seres.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
I mentioned my theory in the Eastern Conference Preview that often the team with the best individually player wins a playoff series and the Houston Rockets may have that in James Harden. Harden led the NBA in win shares and was second in VORP, according to Basketball Reference. Harden is the better offensive player, but Leonard may be better overall that is a matter of preference I suppose.
Harden will need to play well and lead this Rockets team to the next round. The Spurs are always a tough out in the playoffs and featured the NBA’s best defensive rating during the regular season. The only thing that defeats a great defensive team is crazy offensive performances by star players. The Rockets will be calling on Harden in this series for just that.
Prediction
San Antonio Spurs in 7 games. The Rockets will make life challenging and ride hot three-point shooting to three victories, but ultimately Kawhi Leonard leads the Spurs to the Conference Finals and a date with the Golden State Warriors.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, my preview of the Western Conference Semifinal Round. I am interested and intrigued by both these series. There should be plenty of great basketball on tap over the next few weeks, so enjoy the games. Go to sleep and dream of the Kings playing this late into the season shortly, but enjoy the exciting playoff moments now.
Next: Sacramento Kings Report Card: Darren Collison
A Royal Pain is just kicking off with all the offseason content you desire about the Sacramento Kings. We will be covering the draft, free agency, and all the juicy rumors, so please check back with us often. Thank you for reading.