The NBA playoffs are finally here so let's get ready to rumble! I think this time the road to the championship is tougher in both conferences and there will be an upset or two, but here are my five biggest questions heading into the 2018 NBA playoffs.
Can the Warriors go back to back?
The champs battled injuries down the stretch including their star guard Steph Curry, who missed nearly and entire month. The warriors went into a slump down the stretch with one of the worst in the NBA. Curry will miss the first round of the playoffs which is no big deal but how will he hold up? Steve Kerr will have to keep damage control to a minimum.
Could LeBron finally get eliminated before the NBA Finals?
The Cavs cleaned house at the trade deadline and they have adjusted pretty well as a team but can they get it done in the East? LeBron is an unstoppable force in the playoffs but can he carry a team through a grueling playoff run at 35? He played all 82 games for the first time in his career, so that's means he may run out of gas.... right? It'll be interesting to see how the rest of the conference will match up.
Can the Sixers actually make it to the Eastern conference finals?
Philly will have a tough road because of their youth but in reality they have a good enough team to pull it off. They play the Miami Heat in the first round which is a mismatch considering Miami has no answer for Ben Simmons when he's running at guard. They also match up well with the Celtics who are without Kyrie and will have a tougher time scoring to keep up. Milwaukee could be scary but will someone besides Giannis step up when needed? This will be something to look out for in the East.
Can the Spurs run Golden State to 7 games?
The Spurs are always a hard out in the playoffs and even though they don't have Kawhi Leonard, Greg Popovich is still roaming the sidelines. San Antonio picked it up late in the season after it seemed they wouldn't make the playoffs but now they have a little steam going they could be a handful for the world champs. The key to take down Golden State is defending Kevin Durant and keep the Warriors shooters of balance on the perimeter. This series is going to be upset alert from beginning to end, but don't be surprised if the Spurs advance.
Could the Thunder be the sleeping giant in the NBA playoffs?
The OKC Thunder big three may be the most dangerous trio in the playoffs and here's why:
*Russell Westbrook can beat you on both sides of the floor.
* Carmelo Anthony is waiting for the right opportunity to put his scoring skills on display.
* Paul George could be a match up nightmare no matter if he's playing the 3 or the 4.
Keep in mind that they also have one of the best big men in the game in Adams, so the Thunder have all the right pieces in place they just have to execute. Western conference keep ya eyes open, I'm just saying!
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