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The Semi’s are here after an absolutely electric first round for the Western Conference. Every series provided us with jaw dropping performances, headlined by the insane back and forth battle between Donovan Mitchell and Jamal Murray and capped off by an OKC meltdown in clutch time. The blocked 3 pointer from Dort followed by a failed attempt to hit James Harden while already having possession inbounds was a shocker, the Thunder failing to get an inbounds play to work was a devastating way to watch the kings of clutch time go down in game 7. Regardless we’re ready for the next round, we’re ready for Jamal Murray to attempt to keep his hot streak going, we’re ready for the Claw/PG experiment to add a chapter, we’re ready for The King vs The Beard.
Game One Lines: LA (-6.5) O/U 226
After a game one which saw the blazers look dominant on offense and the Lakers being non-existent from the 3 point line we watched the Lebron led Lakers dismantle Portland. The Lakers have the second highest points per game average at 117.2 and the second most assists per game through the first round of the playoffs. Lebron facilitated all series, he has the most assists per game in the league and was also top 10 in rebounds. These two factors combined are gonna be a major problem for a smaller Rockets team that struggles rebounding the ball.
Russell Westbrook is back and looked a little rusty, he struggled with turning the ball over including a game losing turnover in game 6. I think he’ll shake off the round one performance and get back into the groove. His mid range game is going to be vital when the rockets go cold from the three and his rock you to sleep move is absolutely essential to them having a chance. The Rockets live and die by the three as they attempted 51.0 threes per game in the first round, almost ten more than every other team in the league besides the Nets. Houston converted 18.3 of those chances, LA only gave up 11.6 threes per game in the regular season and have a pretty good perimeter defensive squad. The absence of Avery Bradley will show but I think if they can force players not named James Harden or Russell Westbrook to drive and take contested threes they’ll be in the driver's seat for a Western Conference Finals appearance.
Starting Lineup Advantage: Lakers
The height and skill of Anthony Davis gives the Lakers the nod here. Lebron and AD are both top 15 in rebounding through round one, and have spearheaded a versatile Laker attack on the offensive end. Danny Green and KCP need to convert their open threes at a higher rate and play great perimeter defense against the run and gun Rockets. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Lakers start Kuzma this series to try and get some more perimeter help instead of Javale being a liability out there.
Overall Depth: Lakers
I want to be very clear, I don’t think either bench is deep or very good. The rockets ran an 8 man rotation if they stayed out of foul trouble. Jeff Green is by far the best player off the bench for both teams but the lack of depth causes concerns for their “second unit.” In game 2 and 4 the Lakers played 13 guys, at the very least they played 10 a game. Frank Vogel isn’t afraid to divy up the minutes, especially on the wings. Kuzma is their top player off the bench despite only averaging 10.8 points per game in round 1. The Lakers also have a big veteran presence including JR Smith, Dwight Howard, and Markieff Morris. Alex Caruso had big minutes for them as well in round one off the bench, LA is definitely the deeper team here.
Series Prediction:
Patrick: Lakers in 6
Ryan: Lakers in 5
Vince: Lakers in 5
James: Lakers in 6
Game One Lines: LA Clippers (-9.0) O/U 222.5
The Nuggets finished off a great series against the Utah Jazz and will quickly have to start a new series with the Los Angeles Clippers with only 2 days off. The Nuggets have been playing great basketball as of late lead by Jamal Murray scoring an insane 159 points from game 4 through 7. The question for the Nuggets will be how they will defend against Kawhi Leonard. Paul George hasn’t been the player we are accustomed to see so far in the playoffs but he is still a force that needs to be at the top of Mike Malone’s defensive assignments. Jerami Grant, Torrey Craig, Gary Harris and Michael Porter Jr. are capable defenders but Kawhi and Paul George are top scorers in the league so whoever is on them will have a tough night. On the other hand Nikola Jokic is going to have a much easier time against the Clippers than he did against the Jazz. The Clippers saw Luka Doncic score at will against them and Porzingis was having a great series before going down with a torn Meniscus. Patrick Beverly, who should be back, and Marcus Morris will provide a great defensive blanket that could be huge against Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.
Starting Lineup Advantage: Los Angeles Clippers
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are two of the best players in the game and can easily take over a game. Denver has a great starting lineup as well but I have to give the slight advantage to the Clippers because of the evident star power that will come at you.
Overall Depth: Denver Nuggets
This one might shock some people but Denver’s depth was a key to them coming back from a 3-1 deficit. With Gary Harris back that gives Denver yet another option to have on the court in crunch time when you need a stop or a big bucket. The Clippers depth is definitely good and have been getting a huge boost from guys like JaMychal Green and Reggie Jackson.
Series Prediction:
Patrick: Clippers in 5
Ryan Clippers in 6
Vince: Nuggets in 6
James: Lakers 6
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