NBA playoffs 2018: Western Conference first-round previews, predictions

No. 1 Rockets vs. No. 8 Timberwolves

Minnesota’s Jimmy Butler called out his team for being too soft in a close game against the Grizzlies in the final week of the season. The team needs to target Karl-Anthony Towns to be able to beat the Rockets,  The big 3 of the rockets Clint Capela, James Harden and Chris Paul were on the court at the same time, the Rockets were 21-1. Which will lead them to the first seed in the conference.

No. 2 Warriors vs. No. 7 Spurs

LaMarcus Aldridge reemerged as a viable No. 1 scoring threat this season, and he will mean everything to the Spurs’ success or failure in the playoffs. The Warriors are a heavy favorite to repeat this year in the finals after a strong showing in the finals last year even with stars battling injuries.

No. 3. Blazers vs. No. 6 Pelicans

The Pelicans’ Anthony Davis is the best player at his position that we have seen in a long time. Damian Lillard will have to be shooting lights out to keep up with Davis  and he has been known to make impressive plays, if the games get down to final seconds.

No. 4 Thunder vs. No. 5 Jazz

You probably haven’t seen Donovan Mitchell a whole lot since the Jazz don’t get a whole lot of time on the air, but he is in contention for rookie of the year. OKC’s Russell Westbrook has once again averaged a triple double this year in back to back years and will be a big threat in the playoffs this year.

NBA playoffs 2018: Eastern Conference first-round previews, predictions

No. 1 Raptors vs. No. 8 Wizards

Guard John Wall is back for the Wizards, which means Washington instantly has a better chance against the Raptors. However, Demar Derozan and Kyle Lowry are one of the best back court duo in the NBA this year and will be a big threat.

No. 2 Celtics vs. No. 7 Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo was in the MVP conversation early in the season, and with slowing down teams are still finding it hard to stop the “Greek Freak”. Jaylen Brown has been a big part of the offense since Kyrie Irving went out in March.

No. 3 76ers vs. No. 6 Heat

Ben Simmons is one of the best candidates for Rookie of the Year and has put the team on his back early in his career to a number 3 seed . The Heat’s team experience in the playoffs will be an advantage against this young 76ers team.

No. 4 Cavaliers vs. No. 5 Pacers

Victor Oladipo has been the shining star after the trade for Paul George but you can forget about Miles Turner who missed a lot regular season action because of injuries but has made his presence known in the playoffs. The Cavaliers after an odd year trading a a lot of trades that shocked the NBA , but even with that LeBron James is the best player in the NBA especially when it comes to clutch time in the playoffs because this is LeBron’s league.