SneakerReporter 2023-24 NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Finals Prediction

SneakerReporter 2023-24 NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Finals Prediction

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by | Apr 20, 2024 | Featured, NBA

The NBA playoffs are here and the playoff seeding is now set in stone. Eight NBA Teams from the Western Conference will fight for their right to reach the NBA finals this season.

 

 

 

No. 1 OKC Thunder Vs No. 8 New Orleans Pelicans

 

The Oklahoma City Thunder finished the season with the number one seed in the Western Conference as it came down to the last day of the NBA season. The Thunder are way ahead of schedule as they didn’t make the playoffs last season and this season they’re at the top of the conference. Huge shoutout to Sam Presti as he’s been able to make the great draft picks and he has added pieces like Gordon Hayward for veteran leadership when it’s needed. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the MVP in my eyes this season as he’s carried this OKC team throughout and has been able to have a career season with 30 PPG, 5.5 REB, 6.2 AST per game. The Thunder are the favorites in this mathcup against the Pelicans as Zion Williamson’s health will be a huge factor in this one as he got hurt in the play-in against the Lakers. The Thunder have the quickness and they have the youthful legs to out run the Pelicans in this series. If Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum can score 25+ per game this will give the Pelicans a chance to be close in this series. If Zion comes back this could be subject to change but SGA is on a mission this season and he’s one of the toughest to guard in the NBA. I don’t see any scernerio where Shai doesn’t average at least 35 points per game in this series because no one on the Pelicans can slow him down and that will open up things for Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Josh Giddey.

 

Series Prediction: Thunder win the series in six games (4-2)

 


No 2. Denver Nuggets vs No. 7 LA Lakers

 

The rematch of the Western Conference Finals from last year where the Denver Nuggets got rid of the Lakers in quick fashion. The Lakers have heard all the talk and what’s happened in the past but this is the playoffs now which is a new season. The Lakers are finally getting healthy as Gabe Vincent just returned and if Jared Vanderbilt can come back that will help as well. LeBron has been special all season and I expect for him to show up in a big way against the Nuggets as this will be looked at to me as a legacy series. LeBron can’t and won’t let the Lakers get swept and if that’s going to happen he needs Anthony Davis to be a monster in the paint against Nikola Jokic. Anthony Davis has to really step up against the Nuggets because LeBron can’t do this all by himself. If Anthony Davis gives the Lakers that double-double average with DLO and Reaves adding in the Lakers should be right where they need to be. The Nuggets are the defending champions and they will have the best player on the court with Nikola Jokic. If Joker controls the pace of the games in this series it’s going to be extrememly tough for the Lakers. The Lakers will need to control Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr in order to make this win happen. It’s going to be interesting to see how the Lakers play vs the champs. The Lakers are coming in hot and they have been waiting for the revenge and the Lakers also know that LeBron’s championship window is slightly closing. I think the Lakers have the better team and they can do the unthinkable. The Lakers just need to limit Nikola Jokic’s impact on the games and if they do that they will be in charge but you can’t let him average a triple double in the series because it could get ugly.

 

Series Prediction: Lakers win in six games (4-2)

 


No. 3 Minnesota Timberwolves Vs No. 6 Phoenix Suns

 

The Minnesota Timberwolves led the West in the standings for majority of the year and showed that they can hang with anyone in the league. The only thing that they didn’t do this season was defeat the Phoenix Suns. It was a tough matchup during the season but I’m looking forward to the adjustments that Coach Finch will make in this series. The Timberwolves have a great team during play and on paper so they can get it done. The Timberwolves Karl Anthony-Towns is getting back into the groove of things after his knee injury. KAT had some time to get ready for this matchup and even Anthony Edwards said that they need KAT to be the MVP of this series. Anthony Edwards is the ultimate teammate and we know he will be trying to get his teammates involved but it’s also going to take him to be the man. Anthony Edwards has to make the right decisions in this series when he’s doubled so they can make the Suns pay. Anthony Edwards can get in takeover mode and if that happens the Suns can be in trouble too. Naz Reid is going to be the X-Factor for me in this series as I want to see him show the world what Minnesota has already knew and that’s the fact he can beat any mismatch thrown at him. The Timberwolves have the defensive anchor in Rudy Gobert to add that defense and if the Wolves can stay home and trust that defense that includes Jaden McDaniels they will be right where they need to be. This is going to be a tough series against the Suns but the Wolves can get it done. The Suns will look to continue to take advantage of the Mike Conley matchup during this series as Bradley Beal was able to shoot over Mike during the season but the Wolves will need to slow down KD, Booker, and Beal if they want to get the series win. Looking forward to this series and seeing what the Suns do without the bigs inside if Nurk gets in foul trouble. This is going to be a dogfight of a series so it can go either way but I’m going with the home court advantage in Minnesota.

 

Series Prediction: Timberwolves win in seven games (4-3).

 


No 4. LA Clippers Vs No. 5 Dallas Mavericks 

 

The Clippers are built for this moment and the addition of James Harden/Westbrook this year will come in clutch during the postseason. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have had a little trouble with this matchup in the past but the Clippers went and got Harden/Westbrook to help in those clutch moments. Those fou have a lot to prove as a unit and this will be the series they can do just that. Norman Powell has been amazing off the bench as well and he will be huge in this series as well from an offensive standpoint. The Mavericks have been hot this last month and Kyrie/Luka look to be clicking on all levels but so have the Clippers as they have finally gelled it all together. I’m looking for this to be a great series but the Clippers defense will show up big time in this one as they have what it takes to make it to the WCF but it will depend on the play and consistency. In the first round I see no issues getting past the Mavericks with the players on their roster that have already proven to be clutch in the postseason.

Series Prediction: Clippers win in six games (4-2)

Apr 20, 2024 No Comments
2024 NBA Playoffs: Eastern Conference Predictions

2024 NBA Playoffs: Eastern Conference Predictions

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by | Apr 20, 2024 | Featured, NBA

The NBA playoffs are here and the playoff seeding is now set in stone. Eight NBA Teams from the eastern conference will fight for their right to reach the NBA finals this season.

No. 1 Boston Celtics Vs No. 8 Miami Heat

The Boston Celtics are yet again the number one seed in an uncompetitive Eastern Conference and were clearly the best team in the East. They are a much different team than last season and have a lot of experience and veteran presence heading into the playoffs. They will have to rely on Jayson Tatum and their defense to win this series and it will be smooth sailing. As for the Miami Heat they come off a blowout win against the Chicago Bulls in the Play In tournament, they will likely be tired and fatigued in this series and they’ll be without Jimmy Butler who is out with an MCL injury. It’s unfortunate that the Heat are without their superstar and are not at full strength.

Series Prediction: Celtics win the series in five games (4-1)


No 2. New York Knicks vs No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers have been without Joel Embiid most of the season and now that they have him at full strength, this team might be the dark horse in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks have had themselves quite a season securing the number three seed and Jalen Brunson leading the way. If the Knicks want to win this series they’ll have to limit Embiid and his ability to score in the paint. The 76ers are a lot bigger and physical compared to the Knicks but that doesn’t mean the Knicks can’t hold their own. This series will be a tough battle between the two and I believe it will come down Six games.

Series Prediction: 76ers win in six games (4-2)


No. 3 Milwaukee Bucks Vs No. 6 Indiana Pacers

The Milwaukee Bucks struggled heavily towards the end of the season and are a completely different team from last year. The Bucks may be without Giannis Antetokounmpo for a few games so that’s a significant factor in the series. The Bucks defense is not all there and will have to rely on their offense to score points. As for the Indiana Pacers they are a young team that has played very well this season led by Tyrese Hailburton. The Pacers will have to take advantage of Giannis not playing the first few games, they’ll have to limit Damian Lillard’s scoring abilities to win and rely heavily on their offense to keep them in prime position to steal games one and two.

Series Prediction: Indiana Pacers win in seven games (4-3).


No 4. Cleveland Cavaliers Vs No. 5 Orlando Magic 

The Orlando Magic have been an underrated team this year sneaking their way into the playoff picture at number 5. The team is led by Paolo Banchero and this talented young team. But the Magic are more of a defensive team than a high scoring offensive team so keeping up with the Cavaliers will be a challenge. The Cleveland Cavaliers have the advantage in this series as they have the veteran experience and necessary depth to win this series. Garland and Mitchell will have to lead this Cavaliers team to victory in this series and a lot of the pressure will fall in their hands.

Series Prediction: Cavaliers win in five games (4-1).

Apr 20, 2024 No Comments
Anthony Edwards Career High 51 Points Propels Minnesota To Victory Over The Wizards (130-121)

Anthony Edwards Career High 51 Points Propels Minnesota To Victory Over The Wizards (130-121)

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by | Apr 9, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

The Minnesota Timberwolves came into tonight fighting to stay in 1st place in the Western Conference. What the Wolves didn’t know is that they would be fighting against the 15 win Washington Wizards in this game tonight.

From the tip-off Washington came out on fire hitting everything they put up. Kispert, Poole, and Avdija were making some tough shots to start this game out and they were contested with hands from the Timberwolves defenders. The Timberwolves started out slow tonight and the fast paced Washington Wizards took full advantage of it as they were winning the rebound/assist category in that 1st half.

 

The two players that made it tough on the Timberwolves defense all night for the Wizards was Jordan Poole & Corey Kispert. We know that Jordan Poole can make some amazing shots but the shots he was hitting in that 1st half just didn’t make any sense. Poole was able to showcase his shooting ability with his bright green light as he finished with 24 points and 6 assists. Corey Kispert was making some tough buckets too and finished with 25 points.

 

After that halftime adjustment from Coach Finch the Timberwolves cracked down on things and started playing their style of basketball. Naz Reid got ejected early in this game as he hit Johnny Davis with an elbow to the head that didn’t look like it was on purpose. Once Naz got ejected Anthony Edwards turned his game up to another level and was unstoppable.

The great thing about this huge performance is that Anthony Edwards still finished with 7 assists showing that he can share the rock with his teammates. Anthony Edwards had the mid range fadeaway working, attacking the rim working, and his 3 point jumper all clicking tonight. Edwards put on a shooting display and was able to put the team on his back all the way to his 51 points which are a career high.

Rudy Gobert was dominant as well tonight finishing with 19 points and 16 rebounds but the huge X-Factor tonight was Nickeil Alexander-Walker. NAW was able to make some big shots in the 1st half to keep the Timberwolves in this one and his play on both sides of the floor was clutch for Minnesota. It sucks that it had to happen when Naz got ejected but this is a huge confidence booster for NAW leading into the playoffs as he was able to help the Wolves in a major way with 23 points off the bench while creating for his teammates.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have a back to back as they will be heading to Denver for a showdown with the Nuggets to see who will get that 1st seed in the Western Conference. It should be a classic especially after this huge performance from Anthony Edwards.

 

(Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Apr 9, 2024 No Comments
Naz Reid’s 25 Point Performance Helps Timberwolves Defeat Houston (113-106)

Naz Reid’s 25 Point Performance Helps Timberwolves Defeat Houston (113-106)

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by | Apr 3, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

The Minnesota Timberwolves are fighting to get to number one in the Western Conference and they’re hoping to stay there. On the way to that path they will have to take on the Houston Rockets who have been on fire as of late. Jalen Green has been playing out of his mind as well. The matchup between Anthony Edwards and Jalen Green is always special and the Minnesota fans should be in for a great game.

 

 

 

 

 

(Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Apr 3, 2024 No Comments
The Minnesota Timberwolves Fall Short Tonight To The Bulls (109-101)

The Minnesota Timberwolves Fall Short Tonight To The Bulls (109-101)

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by | Mar 31, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

The Minnesota Timberwolves needed one win to be able to clinch their spot in the NBA Playoffs. All the Timberwolves needed to do was beat the Chicago Bulls tonight. The Bulls are playing tough but still far away from where they want to be especially with Lonzo Ball coming back next season.

The Timberwolves were in a dogfight all night with the Chicago Bulls from the beginning of the game. Alex Caruso started the game 6/6 from the 3 point line and was making some shots that he doesn’t normally make at that consistent rate. The Wolves gave him some wide open looks and he took advantage of it but just as his offense was good it was his defense as well. Caruso has become an elite defender and he has improved on the offensive end as well. On the night Caruso finished with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

The Chicago Bulls had a 16 point lead in this game at one point and DeMar DeRozan was a huge reason for that as he was able to get to his spots all night long. It didn’t matter who was guarding DeMar tonight from the Timberwolves it was either going in or he was finding a way to get to the line. DeRozan is one of the games best in the mid range and it seemed like every time the Wolves made a run he was able to hit a big shot. DeRozan finished with 27 points, 2 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Bulls had all five of their starters in double figures tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves and stayed the course throughout the evening. One thing that was learned about the Bulls is that they’re scrappy and they will defend/hustle when it comes to making winning plays.

The Timberwolves struggled tonight in the beginning of the game and were able to make some great adjustments in the 2nd half. Rudy Gobert had his fingerprints all over the game as he was able to dominate in the paint tonight against Drummond. It was Rudy that got the team going in that 2nd half and he was able to notch another double-double as he finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Anthony Edwards had another quiet night and had some miscues but it’s better to see this now than in the NBA Playoffs. Mike Conley had 19 points tonight for the Timberwolves and he’s been that consistent player that Coach Finch can go to when it comes to making winning plays and getting the team back on track.

The Timberwolves will try to bounce back and get back on track as they have Houston coming in Tuesday followed by Toronto on Wednesday. They are still looking to clinch a playoff berth and it should be coming one of those days.

 

(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

 

Mar 31, 2024 No Comments
The Timberwolves Get Their 50th Win Of The Season After Beating Detroit (106-91)

The Timberwolves Get Their 50th Win Of The Season After Beating Detroit (106-91)

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by | Mar 28, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

The Minnesota Timberwolves came into this game looking to make things closer in the NBA Western Conference standings. The Timberwolves would be able to get in within a half game from 1st place with a win. The Timberwolves had everyone available besides Karl-Anthony Towns and the Detroit Pistons were without Jaden Ivey. Cade Cunningham was a game time decision as well but he was able to go through pregame warmups and he is good to go.

This game started out neck and neck as the Timberwolves found themselves in an early dogfight against the Pistons. Cade Cunningham came to play tonight and he was hitting some tough contested shots against the Timberwolves number one defense in the NBA. It was impressive to watch Cade Cunningham on the offensive end as he was able to put the Pistons on his back all night. Cade has improved on his jumper and he was a problem for the Timberwolves. The Wolves put Jaden McDaniels on him and a sprinkle of Anthony Edwards but Cade was still finishing. The Pistons are a long way away but with Cade Cunningham heading this ship they should be back to those Bad Boys days really soon. On the night Cade Cunningham finished with 32 points and he almost willed the Pistons to a close victory before the Timberwolves were able to pull away. The future is bright in Detroit moving forward and with the tutelage of Monty Williams they should be back to winning ways. I look at the rebuild in Detroit like the one that’s happening in Houston right now and all they need is some veterans to come in and help the young core out.

The Timberwolves didn’t get much from Anthony Edwards tonight but that shows how much fire power this Timberwolves team has this year. Edwards had a quiet game and others stepped up which we don’t know if that would of happened in the past. Ant Man will rise to the occasion when it matters in April as he’s locked in for the playoff push. Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels stepped up in a huge way on the offensive end as well as the defensive end. Tonight Naz and Jaden combined for 41 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists. The Timberwolves were able to take over the game on 2nd chance points as they were able to out hustle Detroit tonight. Naz Reid has taken that step in his game and it has been a huge help. Since KAT got injured Naz has stepped right in to help take the scoring load off Anthony Edwards shoulders. Rudy Gobert had a great outing tonight as he was able to get another double-double on the season. This team is clicking at the right time and the Wolves have the Nuggets next on friday as this will be huge going towards their playoff seeding.

This postseason is going to be great and these last 10 games will tell us everything we need to know about the Timberwolves ASAP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)

Mar 28, 2024 No Comments