The remaining two teams in the NBA west had a good second round. San Antonio and Oklahoma City were more committed and better coached than the teams in Minnesota and Los Angeles. While the Thunder are on a roll, there’s a lot of hype on the Spurs because they figured out how to beat the reigning champions multiple times. One of these two teams must advance to the championship round. Time to break down which one has the best chance to represent the west in the finals.
#2 San Antonio Spurs v. #1 Oklahoma City Thunder
Similar to last series with Minnesota and San Antonio, the easy pick between a reigning champion versus an inexperienced playoff team would result in the former winning this round. In fact, history has shown this happening the majority of the time. However, the Spurs are not your average inexperienced playoff team.
If anything, this could be utter domination by San Antonio. Phenom center Victor Wembanyama could be held in check at times by Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert last series. At times. The centers who must face him in the conference finals don’t stand a chance. Wembanyama takes playing against Chet Holmgren personally, and Isaiah Hartenstein can only do so much against the Spurs best player.
If Victor Wembanyama doesn’t dominate each game, then Oklahoma City’s guard depth will have their hands full. Yes, reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso, Jared McCain and Jalen Williams are a great core of players. Yet, San Antonio’s core of Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell and Dylan Harper have put up record numbers throughout these playoffs.
The Thunder have playoff experience on their side and know what it’s like to play this late in the season. While the Spurs will have some struggles for at least two games, they are the better team. Center Victor Wembanyama takes playing against them personally and usually plays his best basketball against Chet Holmgren.
Prediction: Spurs win the western conference and series 4-2
Western conference second round playoff picks record: 2-0
JD's Sportscorner 