As of this morning, the first game of the first round of the playoffs is all complete, with the first-place Suns and third-placed Warriors in the West both winning easily, while the fifth-place Jazz and seventh-placed Timberwolves have completed the counterattack on the following grams. Although this is a series, we can also see some trends from the first round of the first game, although the coach and players will adjust in the following games, but the general direction remains unchanged, we can still basically analyze who can qualify.
The Suns, with no suspense, could sweep
Although the Pelicans broke out of the playoffs, the gap between the rookie and the old bird was immediately reflected in the real playoff game. At the end of last year, the Western Conference champion Suns gave the playoff rookie Pelicans a downside in the first game, leading by 12 points and 19 points in the first quarter, Paul firepower scored 30 points, Booker and Ayton also scored 20+, such a Suns big three is the Pelicans can not bear. In contrast, CJ, who has playoff experience on the Pelicans, played steadily and scored 25 points, while the playoff rookie warbler song only scored 18 points and shot only 6 of 17. There is a huge gap in strength between the two sides, and all the Pelicans can do is try not to be swept out.
Warriors, there is no suspense, the probability is 4-1
With Curry still playing, the Warriors won the Nuggets by 30 points on Poole's playoff debut. Mr. Jo is really alone, and he should miss Murray and Little Potter very much at this moment. There is a gap between the Nuggets' outside line and the Warriors' outside line, this side is Morris + Rivers Jr. + Barton, and the Warriors are Curry + Klay + Poole, how can this be played?
What if Curry also regained his touch? When the Warriors put a small lineup on the floor, when Curry, Klay, and Poole played at the same time as three outside shooting points with great threats, how could the Nuggets defend? Obviously how to prevent and defend, the Nuggets' target is the same as the Pelicans, don't be swept away.
Grizzly Bear vs Timberwolves, the collision of talent and talent, bullish Grizzlies
The first time the Grizzlies played the playoffs as second in the West, they were hit in the head. The talent advantage they rely on the most in this game is not so big, because the opponent Timberwolves are also a talented team, Towns and Edwards are both champions, and Russell is the top show. When talent can't crush an opponent, the Grizzlies need to think of something else.
But I'm still bullish on the Grizzlies, not only because they have Morant, but also because they have a better system than the Timberwolves, especially the defensive system, they can defend each of them, everyone is very active in defending at all costs, the rotation speed is faster than the opponent, and the frame is stronger. In terms of strength, the Grizzlies still have an advantage.
Lone Ranger vs Jazz, fate is tied to Doncic alone
It is true that when the Lone Rangers have no Doncic are completely different from the two teams. The first game was taken advantage of Doncic's inability to play, and while it was not easy to win, it did take home advantage. Whether Doncic can return will be the decisive factor in determining who can reach the Western Conference semifinals. If Doncic makes a comeback, then I'm bullish on the Lone Ranger winning, after all, he's a bit more capable than Mitchell on the other side; if he doesn't make a comeback or doesn't make a comeback at 0-3, then it must be the Jazz in the end. Although the Jazz are not as strong as last year, there are two All-Stars, Mitchell and Gobert, and the Lone Ranger has nothing.