Welcome to InSzn's 2024 NBA Playoff Preview and Predictions. In this preview, we will be discussing the storylines behind each playoff series, the x-factor players and our overall predictions for each conference playoffs and then the NBA Finals.
Western Conference Playoffs Preview + Predictions
Western Conference Playoffs First Round - #1 OKC Thunder vs. #8 Pelicans/Kings
The #1 seeded Thunder go into the series with a 7-3 record in their last 10 games, including a 49-point blowout of the Dallas Mavericks and an impressive win over the Milwaukee Bucks. If the Kings win in the play-in game, this series becomes much more intriguing and exciting. The Kings would have their star players healthy, and their recent win over the Warriors makes me think that the Kings could get on hot offensively against the Thunder. However, the biggest concern for the Thunder in this series is their inexperience in the playoffs. OKC has an average age of 23.9 years old on their roster, which is the youngest mean age to achieve a #1 seed in NBA history (SI).
The X-Factor Players: Jalen Williams (OKC Thunder), Keegan Murray (Sacramento Kings), Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans)
Overall, I believe the OKC Thunder will win this series regardless of matchup, but not as smoothly as a normal top seed. With the duo of De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis potentially challenging them in the first round, the Thunder's defense could experience some major difficulties. But, considering the depth and talent the OKC Thunder have on their roster, I believe the Thunder win in 5 games regardless of matchup.
Western Conference Playoffs First Round - #2 Denver Nuggets vs. #7 Los Angeles Lakers
The #2 Seed Denver Nuggets are in the top 5 for Offensive Rating this season (NBA.com). Led by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, Denver excels at scoring the ball efficiently as a team, shooting 49.6% from the field (StatMuse). On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers are led by their superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Although they made the Western Conference Finals last year, this Lakers team does not feel the same. In their Play-In win against the Pelicans, LeBron showed signs of his old age and the team was lucky that Zion got injured. Despite saying this, the Lakers still have a chance to give Denver a run for their money.
The X-Factor Players: Aaron Gordon (Denver Nuggets) and Cam Reddish (Los Angeles Lakers)
In this series, the Nuggets will cakewalk the Lakers without any struggle due to their team chemistry and offensive prowess. Jokic is a top 5 player in the world, and will most definitely prove it this series. As a result, the Nuggets will crush the Lakers in 4 games.
Western Conference Playoffs First Round - #3 Minnesota Timberwolves vs. #6 Phoenix Suns
With the breakout of Anthony Edwards into superstardom, the Timberwolves sit comfortably as a 3 seed. However, their matchup could easily upset them and expose their playoff struggles in previous years. The Phoenix Suns obviously have the KD, DBook and Bradley Beal big three, but they also have the best three-point shooter based on percentage in Grayson Allen. For the Suns, their biggest concern is their depth and overall defense this series, which are two things Minnesota prides themselves on. But, anything could happen in the postseason and the Suns are legitimate threats to the T-Wolves, as they are Minnesota's kryptonite.
The X-Factor Players: Jaden McDaniels (Minnesota Timberwolves) and Jusuf Nurkic (Phoenix Suns)
Overall, I believe this series will be one of the best first-round series in the Western Conference. The Suns have the better star talent, but the T-Wolves have incredible roster continuity and depth. However, the Phoenix Suns will come out as winners in a narrow 7-game battle of a series.
Western Conference Playoffs First Round - #4 Los Angeles Clippers vs. #5 Dallas Mavericks
In any other year, Luka Doncic is the runaway MVP with no competition at all. Luka is putting up 33.9 points per game on 48.7% from the field (StatMuse), which is unprecedented considering his volume of shots each and every game. However, the major question mark of this series is whether or not James Harden and Russell Westbrook will carry over their regular-season success into the playoffs. Despite winning the regular-season series 2-1, the Clippers have historically crumbled against the Mavericks in the playoffs.
The X-Factor Players: James Harden (Los Angeles Clippers) and Dante Exum (Dallas Mavericks)
This series will probably be the most entertaining series in the entire playoffs. Considering all of the storylines and history between these two squads, a 7-game series is a guarantee. But, even though they are considered an underdog, The LA Clippers will come out on top due to Paul George's amazing offense and Kawhi's clutch defensive possessions against Doncic.
Alex Bailey
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