NBA playoffs: Which would be the best matchup?

Let’s begin this by saying it’s strictly about the first round, because otherwise, there would only be two contenders. We would all be screaming about wanting to see the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Finals against the Golden State Warriors, and the Warriors also having to take on the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals.

However, before we get to either of those points in the NBA calendar, we have to get through the first round. Looking at the seedings at the moment (after all the Saturday action), it is tough to pick out anything in the Eastern Conference. Both the Cavaliers and Boston Celtics should absolutely roll anybody they come across to begin the postseason. Cleveland isn’t playing well, but that is only because it isn’t motivated in the least. Boston is a younger team with more to prove, so look for the Celtics to move on in four or five games.

This leaves us with the Western Conference. Right now, the best matchup would be between the Utah Jazz facing the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Houston Rockets taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder. For my money, give me the latter of the two.

Houston has really gone under the radar for most of the season, with everybody focused on Golden State and San Antonio in the West. Frankly, it is not that hard to understand. The Rockets are sitting at 50-22 but most don’t believe a roster of James Harden and a bunch of nobodies are going to beat either of the two aforementioned powerhouses.

Oklahoma City lost Kevin Durant and without him to support Russell Westbrook, who is averaging a triple-double, the Thunder don’t have enough punch. However, they are still dangerous for almost any opponent because of Westbrook, Victor Oladipo, Steven Adams and Enes Kanter.

This series would give us the two leading candidates for the MVP award in Westbrook and Harden, a pair of former teammates no less, to do battle. This season, the Rockets are leading the series over the Thunder by a count of 2-1, with a home date against them coming on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

Houston would be the favorite to win the series, and rightfully so. The Rockets have the home-court advantage, but the Thunder could cause some serious problems. When you look at the two rosters, it appears Oklahoma City has the deeper roster behind its megastar. Additionally, Westbrook could neutralize Harden’s prolific numbers, making it more about the team around them.

Either way, this has to b the best series of the first round. Now let’s hope that it actually happens, and the standings don’t move around over the last few weeks.