2019 NBA Playoff Thoughts: West Preview

1. Golden State Warriors (57–25) vs. 8. Los Angeles Clippers (48–34)

Here’s how the Clippers pull off the biggest playoff upset since 1994, when the Denver Nuggets upended the top-seeded Seattle Sonics: Clippers forward Danilo Gallinari shoots 70% from deep and averages 35 points per game (odds: 1 in 524). Clippers guard Patrick Beverley “accidentally” takes out Steph Curry in Game 1 (odds: 1 in 200). Warriors center DeMarcus Cousins gets ejected early in the series and then gets into a verbal altercation with Draymond Green before leaving the court, turning the media into a beehive of malicious gossip on the chemistry issues surrounding the most talented basketball team on the planet )odds: 1 in 20). Clippers rookie chameleon Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averages 4 steals per game, locking down Klay Thompson on the perimeter and somehow making 40% of his own threes (odds: 1 in 150).

Semi-Educated Guess: Warriors in 5

2. Denver Nuggets (54–28) vs. 7. San Antonio Spurs (48–34)

Denver won’t get the respect of most NBA experts until they advance a round in the playoffs, and that’s okay. Despite the vast backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Denver isn’t a media market that brings much attention. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic is Bill…