NBA Playoffs - Western Conference Preview

The depth of the West is Amazing - Who will emerge? Hey , It is time for a preview of the Western Conference! Be sure to check out my preview for the Eastern Conference, I sent that out earlier today!  - The Western Conference as a whole, looks to be a wide open race.  An argument could be made that the top 8 teams all have the makings of a deep run in the postseason.  The key then is to narrow down the most likely victors, of which I like 2 teams – Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns.  For Denver their game plan revolves around their efficient offense and the trio of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr, and back to back MVP Nikola Jokic.  The offense will be able to score points, so that won’t be a problem.  The question for Denver is about their defense.  Currently the Nuggets are ranked 15th overall in defensive rating, which is about average.  Of course, there are only 16 teams (minus the play-in losers) who play in the playoffs so put another way Denver has the second worst defense in the postseason.  That raises red flags for me and is why I think they will fall short of the NBA Finals.  The reason they stand a chance is because no one team really stands head and shoulder above the rest, and combine that with Denver having home court advantage as well as an elite offense and maybe the Nuggets get to the Finals.  However, I REALLY doubt the Nuggets can beat the Suns, who are the team I believe in.  Prior to the Kevin Durant trade the Suns were another one of the ‘pretty good but not overwhelmingly good’ teams in the West.  That trade has changed everything.  In games Durant has played the Suns are 7-0, it is a small sample size, but in the NBA talent and experience wins championships, and I’m not sure there’s another team with more talent than Phoenix.  I believe the Devin Booker and Kevin Durant duo, with assistance from Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton, will lead the Suns through the West to the NBA Finals.  Quick Note: I want to throw in two wildcard teams – Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers. Golden State’s core of Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson is one of the best the NBA has ever seen and has helped yield 6 Finals appearances and 4 NBA Championships.  The Warriors will be a tough out for anyone, and other than Phoenix or maybe Denver I’m not sure who can beat Golden State.  The issue for the Warriors all year has been their play on the road, as well as their defense.  My guess is most believe the Warriors essentially slept through the regular season and will step it up come playoff time.  If that turns out to be the case, then Golden State will not be a team anyone wants to face.  Speaking of teams no one wants to face – the Los Angeles Lakers.  I think the Lakers are a year, and more specifically, a good summer free agency away from competing for a Championship (quite remarkable given how the season started for them).  However, they have been playing better since making multiple trades at the trade deadline.  The trades surrounded Lebron James with three point shooters, which is one of the best way for Lebron to succeed.  Combine that with Anthony Davis being great recently and it is not unfathomable that the Lakers could make a run this year.  This NBA Playoffs will be exciting and wide open … something we have not always been able to say. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the postseason! Best regards, Olin G. Head of Research at Juicy Wagers       JuicyWagers.com is a publisher and the information provided through its products and services are for informational purposes only. To the extent any such information is deemed to be advice, such information is impersonal and not tailored to the needs of any specific person. JuicyWagers.com and its affiliates are not responsible for any actions taken by a user of their published information. Headley Investment Analysis, Inc., 201 West Vine Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40507, United States You may [unsubscribe]( or [change your contact details]( at any time.