We are officially on to meaningful basketball for the NBA season. It is officially NBA Playoffs time! The first-round matchups in both conferences are going to be a lot of fun, especially at the Western Conference. Below are my Suns vs. Timberwolves and Mavericks vs. Clippers series preview and predictions.
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Suns vs. Timberwolves & Mavericks vs. Clippers Series Preview & Predictions
Minnesota Timberwolves (3) vs Phoenix Suns (6) Series Preview
The 3rd seed vs 6th seed matchup this season features the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Phoenix Suns, who were able to avoid the play-in tournament this season.
During the regular season, these two teams matched up three times, and the Suns won all three games and, more importantly, covered all three games. Anthony Edwards, in particular, struggled against the Suns during the regular season. In fact, Edwards scored a total of 43 points, averaging 14.3 per game, shooting it at only 31%.
The Phoenix Suns come into this series playing arguably their best basketball of the season, and importantly, they are healthy. Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant are at full strength and will be a tough defensive matchup for the Timberwolves.
If there is a team that can put in the defensive game plan it is the Timberwolves who were one of the season teams defensively. However, the difference in this series will be if the Timberwolves will have someone other than Edwards step up offensively. The Timberwolves lack a shot creator outside of Anthony Edwards.
For the Suns if will come down to two things. One, can the “Big 3” stay healthy and two can the supporting cast of the Suns provide enough to the “Big 3” on both sides of the basketball? Lastly, if the Suns can close out games in the clutch moments with Booker and Durant they will advance to the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Best Bet: Suns Series -115 and Suns in Six Games +310
Los Angeles Clippers (4) vs. Dallas Mavericks (5)
This series will be one of the most exciting ones in Round 1. These teams played each other three times during the regular season, and the Clippers won and covered two out of three games.
However, the biggest concern going into Game 1 will be the status of Clippers All-Star Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi missed the final eight games of the regular season, and the Clippers have not had success in the playoffs without him.
On the other side, this is the most complete team the Mavericks have constructed around Luka. Kyrie Irving has had a phenomenal season and the supporting cast around Kyrie and Luka have played well.
For my money, I can not bet against Luka, who has been incredible this season. He poses a difficult defensive matchup for the Clippers. Furthermore, I am not sure I can trust the Clippers to play a consistent 48 minutes against the Mavericks.
Best Bet: Mavericks To Win Series -125
