The Western Conference semifinals are decided as the Nuggets defeated the San Antonio Spurs in seven games and will now meet the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round. The Blazers had one of the more impressive series of the first round and both of these teams have their eyes on the Western Conference Finals, a huge boon to either franchise that hasn’t sniffed that round in years.
The Warriors and the Rockets may very well be the Western Conference Finals or perhaps even the Finals. These two teams were the favorites heading into the season and a lot of people think whoever wins this one could win it all. It should be great. Let’s take a look at the full odds and schedules for round two of the Western Conference NBA Playoffs.
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#1 Golden State Warriors vs. #4 Houston Rockets
These two teams met in the Western Conference Finals last season where the Rockets held a 3-2 lead at one point. The Warriors won at home in game six and then an all-time horrible shooting performance from the Rockets cost them game seven. This team was very, very close to knocking off the Warriors last season and now they get their chance to do it again.
The Warriors are perhaps more vulnerable than year’s past too. Kevin Durant is playing out his contract and that has caused issues. This team is also trying to flip the on/off switch from game-to-game, quarter-to-quarter. That just doesn’t work and the Rockets have tailored their defense specifically to beat this team. The Warriors have the talent, but can they get on the same page to capitalize on it? Seven games will tell.
| Warriors (-260) | Rockets (+220) |
| Warriors 4-0 +700 | Rockets 4-0 +3300 |
| Warriors 4-1 +300 | Rockets 4-1 +1600 |
| Warriors 4-2 +400 | Rockets 4-2 +600 |
| Warriors 4-3 +325 | Rockets 4-3 +750 |
Schedule:
- Game 1: Sunday, April 28, 3:30 p.m.: ABC
- Game 2: Tuesday, April 30, 10:30 p.m.
- Game 3: Saturday, May 4, 8:30 p.m.
- Game 4: Monday, May 6, 9:30 p.m.
- Game 5*: Wednesday, May 8, TBD
- Game 6*: Friday, May 10, TBD
- Game 7*: Sunday, May 12, TBD
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#2 Denver Nuggets vs. #3 Portland Trail Blazers
The Denver Nuggets blew up this season as a ton of their younger players matured at the same time and this team shot up to the second seed in the West. Just behind them were the Blazers who just continue to chug along and get it done.
This is a great match-up for both teams. They both are relatively deep teams who have played together for a long time and that makes the whole better than the parts at times. Damian Lillard is an absolute killer and I wonder if the Nuggets have what it takes to keep up with him. This man can will his team to win in a way that Jamal Murray is just not ready to do. That said, the loss of Jusuf Nurkic should really show up here and Nikola Jokic could run wild. I am really excited for this one.
| Nuggets (-140) | Blazers (+120) |
Schedule:
- Game 1: Monday, Apr. 29, 10:30 p.m.
- Game 2: Wednesday, May 1, 9 p.m.
- Game 3: Friday, May 3, 10:30 p.m.
- Game 4: Sunday, May 5, 7 p.m.
- Game 5*: Tuesday, May 7, TBD
- Game 6*: Thursday, May 9, TDB
- Game 7*: Sunday, May 12, TBD
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