"NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Semi-Finals Preview"

The NBA playoffs have been exciting and we've seen some really good   
basketball. Let the semi-finals begin as we preview both matchups. If   
your team made it to this round, congratulations. 

1. Oklahoma City Thunder vs 4. Denver Nuggets   

Top seeded Oklahoma City boat raced 8th seeded Memphis Grizzlies in  
round one to get a full week off in preparation for round two. In which  
this team has been humming along momentum; playing fast and stifling  
defense. MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will look to continue  
make his case for the MVP award. It won't be an easy matchup, but  
they're the favorites in this series versus Denver. A team who enjoys  
playing together, fun to watch and root for. Can the young Thunder stay  
humble and make this a competitive series?

As for Denver, what a season of change after former head coach Mike  
Malone, nobody gave this team a chance in surviving. Roaring their way 
into the semi-round, defeating a very good Los Angeles Clippers team; 
Denver flexed their championship pedigree and took care of business. 
Redeeming themselves with Jamal Murray leading the way. Nikola Jokic 
looks to state his case for another MVP; as the Nuggets will look to steal 
home court in Oklahoma City. Russell Westbrook returns to his old 
stomping grounds in facing his former team; where he won the 2017 
league MVP and fan favorite upon the departure of Kevin Durant. A guy 
whose playoff shortcoming are well known, has settled into a role player 
in Denver. This will be an emotional series for Westbrook, but with this 
Nuggets team feeling revived, this series can go the distance. Trading 
wins on each court and seeing who'll make big shots down the stretch. 

6. Minnesota Timberwolves vs 7. Golden State Warriors

In a howling event of fate, Minnesota mauled the Los Angeles Lakers in
five games round one. Nobody expected them to claw their way into a
second round series. Led by young superstar Anthony Edwards, this
team goes as he does. Credit, attrition and lack of experience can
hinder any chances of winning round two. Minnesota has the depth of
Jaden McDaniels, Mike Conley Jr, Julius Randle and a guy who
destroyed the Lakers in Rudy Gobert.
Minnesota will have home court in this series; as they've had a few days
to regroup and prepare for Golden State. This matchup with the
Warriors will test everyone on both sides. With the media still pushing
the "young MJ" hype around Edwards' tenacious play on defense, will
the lights be too bright? They'll need a lot more howling on full moons to
defeat Golden State.

Golden State Warriors... Yes, the gold standard of 2010s and 2020s
rallied to defeat the Houston Rockets in seven games. A series which
some labeled "The Curry Stoppers," became laughable and discredited.
A team whose championship pedigree is well known, nothing phased
them. Newcomer Jimmy Butler is what the doctor ordered to propel
Golden State into championship form.

Stephen Curry playing elite basketball, even though his shooting
percentages have been down in the postseason, he's still a lethal potent
player. Once he gets into a rhythm and feeling it, the kitchen is open for
cooking. Draymond Green is still a solid defender and antagonist any
given night. One player who's been the unsung hero of Golden State's
playoff run: Buddy Hield. A strong performance in game seven lifted the
Warriors passed Houston. This team is primed and ready to flex their
muscles against Minnesota. You can't count them out and when Curry is

the greatest shooter we've ever seen, Golden State has every chance
to win each night.

I look for this series to be very competitive and entertaining.
Antagonizing each other, trash talking among Edwards and Green. Both
teams playing it close to the finish line. Sign me up!