Good Matchups
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder won the fan vote and currently sit in the sixth seed in the Western Conference (perfect!).
Portland has had their way with OKC this season, sweeping the series for the first time in OKC history. The Blazers won all four games by an average margin of 6.5 points. Lillard dominated this series, scoring 26.7 points per contest plus 8.3 assists (he did miss one matchup though). Jusuf Nurkic also played well versus the Thunder, averaging 17.8 points and 8.8 rebounds.
Russell Westbrook and Paul George have been dominant against the Blazers, but a disappointing season by Carmelo Anthony has been difficult to overcome. Portland has proven they can handle OKC consistently and should like this matchup come playoffs.
Prediction: Portland, 4-1.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are currently the eighth seed in the West after losing its March hot streak. Portland split the season series with New Orleans 2-2, with both losses coming before the DeMarcus Cousins injury.
Cousins dominated the series, averaging 33.7 points and 13.3 rebounds per game against the Blazers before tearing his achilles. With Cousins’ absence, a first round series against the Pelicans is likely the most favorable matchup for Portland.
The only problem is, New Orleans needs a strong finish to end up with the sixth seed. Right now, it looks ready to drop out of the playoffs altogether.
Prediction: Portland, 4-0.
Denver Nuggets
Denver is the ninth seed in the West and sits a full game out of the playoffs. However, the Nuggets currently leads the series over Portland 2-1 with one game in Denver left to play.
Lillard averaged 20 points in this series, six points below his season average. He also sat out one of the three leading to a miserable performance by Portland.
Denver big man Nikola Jokic has dominated the boards with 9.3 rebounds per game. In addition, Denver has been balanced against Portland as six players average double figures.
Despite the season series closeness, expect the superior talent and experience of Portland to get a first round victory if Denver finds themselves in the sixth seed.
Prediction: Portland, 4-2.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are currently the tenth seed in the West and need a miracle to find themselves in a series with Portland. In fact, they need a miracle just to make the playoffs! We all secretly want an LAC – Houston first round matchup, though.
The Trail Blazers won the regular season series 3-1, with their sole defeat a 104-103 game in October before Blake Griffin departed. No current starter on the Clippers averaged more than 14 points per game against the Blazers this season.
Look for a comfortable first round win if the Clippers somehow find themselves in a series with the Blazers.
Prediction: Blazers, 4-1.