While the Western Conference playoffs generated some drama in the first couple rounds, the Conference Finals matchup is the one we’ve all anticipated for months. After the Rockets eliminated the Jazz on Tuesday night, and the Warriors followed suit by dispatching the Pelicans, Houston and Golden State are set to meet in the WCF, with the series tipping off on Monday.
The Warriors, who were a single victory away from having won the last three NBA championships, have to be considered the favorites to keep winning titles until someone stops them. However, many fans and league observers believe Houston can be that team.
The Rockets claimed the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference this season, finishing seven games ahead of the No. 2 Warriors with a 65-17 record. Houston was virtually unstoppable when James Harden, Chris Paul, and Clint Capela suited up together — the Rockets only lost three regular-season contests when the trio played, so the Warriors will have to top that number in a seven-game series in order to eliminate the West’s top seed.
Despite the Rockets’ incredible regular season run and their home court advantage though, Las Vegas oddsmakers still favor the defending champions. As David Purdum of ESPN details, the Westgate SuperBook in Vegas has made the Warriors the initial favorites, and early bets have leaned in Golden State’s direction. With Stephen Curry now back in the lineup, joining Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson, that’s not entirely surprising.
This will be a fascinating series, one that could end up being more compelling than the actual NBA Finals. The Rockets have built their roster in recent years with an eye toward knocking off the Warriors, and they’ll have their best chance yet in this series. Still, Mike D’Antoni, Harden, and Paul have fallen short in the postseason in the past, and to reach the Finals this year, they’ll have to defeat a potential dynasty.
What do you think? Which team do you expect to represent the West in the NBA Finals this spring? Place your vote, then jump into the comment section below to discuss the series.
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The moment GS throws Livingston,West, and Pachulia our there the Rockets will eat them alive. Rockets in 6.
KD and Steph are going to have their way with Houston. Warriors in 5.
It wasn’t that long ago you posted “Can we just give Golden State the title already? Nobody stands a chance against them”.
Who are the Warriors?
The team that had to gang up on the GOAT and build the most stacked team ever.
The skill was acquired through the draft and they brought KD in. Who all did Lebron have to play with to win? Case closed sorry buddy
Lebron never joined a team that was within minutes of winning a second consecutive title 2016. Yes he left Cleveland but he never had a star the caliber of Westbrook, Durant up and left after being up 3-1 on the team he joined. That is just mind boggling and weak.
Goat has no chance against the powerful flavors of Curry.
Haven’t you ever had Jamaican food?
I don’t understand why it matters how a team was assembled .. whether draft .. or FA or trades ..and LeBron is the defacto GM in Cleveland .. he has no one to blame for his sh*t roster but himself.. he pushed for Thompson to be paid that big contract he would of never got anywhere else .. he pushed for love .. jr smith .. mike miller , Dwayne wade .. he did the same crap his first stint which is why he was stuck with andy varejao , Antwan Jamison among other bums he pouted his way to get .. anyone remember shaq as a cav ….
If both teams are healthy, I just have a hard time betting against the Warriors. GSW in a great 6 game series.
Golden State in 7
Is there a better mid range shooter right now than Kevin Durant? BC he is 7ft he can shoot it anytime over anyone. I’d give him a slight edge over Curry as a shooter.
they maybe 1a and 1b if anything… I would love to see my rox get past the warriors but I just don’t see how … I mean its one thing to win a game but to win a series typically the best team with the best players are going to do that .. and well Durant is the best player on the court .. followed by curry then harden ..
Have to give the nod to GSW. More talent, and they know what it takes to win it all. Harden and Paul have had their Raptors moments too much.
I totally disagree with that order. I think its KD, Chris Paul, Steph and Klay, and then its arguable between Harden and Draymond…but I can see thinking Harden over Thompson b/c of certain areas
capela has to play huge for the rox .. I am worried about green having his way with him.. as a rox fan I understand tucker and boute are great on D but they have to check Durant and I mean is there anyone who can really stop him ?
GS in 5 or 6 unless James Harden gets those regular season calls
Most intelligent thing said in all of this dribble……Harden is amazing….he WALKS, he palms/carries the ball blatantly, and he continually gets away with it….the refs will bring this series to a winner-take-all game 7…..NBA and TNT dictate that
Dont forget holding his arms out and under people, and then throwing them into them while flailing, and getting a foul call
You mean shooting a layup?
Seeing that Green has already stated he is looking at who they’ll play in the Finals says to me GSW have gotten ahead of themselves and will be in for a rude shock.
CP3 will lead Houston to an “upset”, if you will.
Houston in 6
CP3 can only make his shots if there not contested, take the ball out of his hands and eliminate his points.