The two Eastern Semifinals this spring pit the conference’s four powerhouses one another and have been awaited for months. Over in the Western Conference, the Rockets/Warriors showdown may be the most anticipated matchup of the postseason. That leaves one remaining semifinal which may ultimately fly under the radar, as a pair of Northwest rivals – the Nuggets and Trail Blazers – prepare to do battle.
A year ago, Denver missed out on the postseason entirely, while Portland was quickly dispatched in the first round by the Pelicans without winning a single game. It was the third straight first-round exit by the Blazers and the fifth consecutive season in which the Nuggets had finished in the lottery. In other words, by advancing to the Western Semifinals this year, these two teams can already consider the 2018/19 season a success.
Still, one of these clubs will play in the Western Finals next month against the winner of that Rockets/Warriors series. With Game 1 set to tip off tonight, we want to get your thoughts on how this series will play out.
The Nuggets finished the regular season as the No. 2 seed in the West, giving them home court advantage vs. the Blazers. That could give Denver a leg up in this series, since no NBA team posted a better home record this season than the Nuggets’ 34-7 mark. Oddsmakers have also made the Nuggets – who won the season series vs. Portland by a 3-1 margin – the slight favorites for the series.
Still, there are some potential red flags for Denver. As good as Nikola Jokic was in the first round vs. San Antonio, some key members of his supporting cast – including guards Jamal Murray and Will Barton – were a little more up and down. Going up against one of the league’s best backcourt duos this series, the Nuggets’ guards will face a daunting challenge.
Of course, while Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum should give the Blazers a chance to win this series, it will be interesting to see whether the club has an answer for Jokic. Enes Kanter has performed admirably in the absence of Jusuf Nurkic, but he’s battling a shoulder injury, and the Nuggets bigs – Jokic and Paul Millsap – will give the Blazers all they can handle. If Kanter is unable to play or is ineffective, that would put a ton of pressure on backups like Zach Collins and Meyers Leonard.
What do you think? Are you taking the Nuggets or Blazers to advance to the Western Finals? How do you see this series playing out? Vote in our poll, then head to the comment section below to weigh in!
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Nuggets struggled with spurs lmao who barely made playoffs.
Yeah but the only reason the Blazers Advanced is cuz Superman Lillard made a half-court shot.
Far from the only reason they advanced. Did you even watch the games? And last I checked, Superman is still playing in this series.
He misses that shot I think the Blazers are sitting at home on the couch right now. Did you even watch the last game?
So one missed shot would have been a three game swing in OKC’s favor? They got outplayed the entire series.
I have no doubt that the Blazers would have closed it out in OT or even the following game in OKC.
Ummm, not interested in engaging but Yes, I was AT the game.
Not interested in engaging? You asked me a question LOL.
I think it started when you came up close and asked me if I watch the games. Of course I watch the games. You watch the games, I watch the games. Just giving you my opinion. Maybe I put too much emphasis on momentum. Okay I’m wrong.
Blazers won the series 4-1. I doubt that GAME 5 game winner by Dame is the only reason Blazers advanced.
Like saying only reason Bulls won rings were because Paxon and Kerr hit the big shots. What about everything before the shot and it didn’t even take a game 7.
Looks like by the reaction that I put a little too much emphasis on momentum. Just my opinion. Looks like I’m wrong. Okay.
This series could go either way. The Blazers look pretty strong but I’m worried with Kanter hurt.
The home court will be a big advantage in this series.
Kanter’s injury might be just as well, versus Jokic.
The Blazer crowd has been bemoaning the Myers Leonard contract for years… he can redeem himself with good minutes versus Jokic, at least if the Blazers advance.
ML shoots 45% from 3 to make Jokic run, but he has an awful on/off.
Predicting Blazers. They’ve had a long run with their current lineup and the talent- limited frontcourters have experience and role knowledge. The best thing Aminu can do to maximize his next contract is to get exposure via winning.
Meanwhile Denver has to figure out who they are every game!
Denver is gonna win easy, maybe 5 or tops 6 games, this is a much easier match up for them. Jokic is a total beast, unplayable right now, he will be more decisive than Lillard… so Denver to the WCF, not even close, make no mistake!