Best/Worst First Round Scenarios for Top NBA Western Conference Playoff Contenders

Best/Worst First Round Scenarios for Top NBA Western Conference Playoff Contenders

            The NBA regular season is winding down, and we have no clear idea of who is leading the race to the Finals. To get to the Finals, the teams need to get though the first round. Here are the Best and Worst Scenarios for the first round for playoff contenders.

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS:

Best Case: Oklahoma City Thunder

           

            A few weeks ago, the Thunder would have been the last choice on this list. I as the Warriors would have rather played the Grizzles in the first round. Russell Westbrook was on a tear picking up triple-doubles left and right. Serge Ibaka was producing his amazing defense. Newcomers Enes Kanter, Kyle Singler, and Steve Novak were exceeding expectations. This was happening when reigning MVP Kevin Durant was out injured. This last week for the Thunder has been a week to forget. Serge Ibaka underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, and Kevin Durant had a setback on his injured foot. Both are expected to miss the rest of the season for the Thunder. They are essentially a one-man team and will be relatively easy to take down in the playoffs.

Worst Case: New Orleans Pelicans

            This used to be the best-case scenario for the Warriors, but after this week, I decided against it. The Warriors played the Pelicans on Friday and handled them easily. Unfortunately, Jrue Holiday, Ryan Anderson, and Anthony Davis were not playing in that game. In the eight games after his injury, Anthony Davis has averaged 28.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.4 blocks, and 4 assists.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLES:

Best Case: Dallas Mavericks

 

            The Mavs are the best case because since the Rondo trade, the have been mediocre. Before the trade, they were on pace to have the most electric offense in the history of the game. They traded for Rajon Rondo and it has been downhill ever since. I do not see them pulling it together at the end, and they should be easy prey.

Worst Case: San Antonio Spurs

            The Grizzles bitterest rival is the Spurs, and this series will be a hard-fought physical seven game series. The Spurs have given Memphis fits over the past few years. The Spurs can match them at every position, even the frontcourt where Memphis has Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. If the Grizzles play the Spurs, I see the Grizz going down.