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2017 NBA Playoff Predictions: Breaking down each series

By Keith Rivas

Oct 17, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard JJ Redick (4) dribbles up the court during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 104-78. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard JJ Redick (4) dribbles up the court during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 104-78. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 20, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20, right) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30, left) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 20, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20, right) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30, left) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Western Conference – Second Round

(1) Golden State vs. (5) Utah

Before you jump to conclusions, the Warriors aren’t a lock to win this series. Sure, call me crazy if you want, but the Jazz have a fighting chance. They can hang with Golden State, but tempo isn’t the problem. This series will come down to how their big men perform.

Also, not to mention that chemistry problems could come back to the surface with Kevin Durant back.

Additionally, should Rudy Gobert come up big, then Utah will be a force to be reckoned with. Golden State lost twice as many games on the road this season as opposed to at home. This means that the Jazz getting one of the first two games in Oracle changes everything.

Prediction: Jazz in six

(2) San Antonio vs. (6) Oklahoma City

It’s not a popular belief to go against two of the best teams in the league before the conference finals. In alignment with that belief, however, the Spurs could fall to the Thunder. Like the aforementioned series, the Thunder present a problem that San Antonio might not be able to solve.

Additionally, Russell Westbrook has proven this season that he’s his own man. Without much star power help, he’s put the entire team on his back. After taking down Houston in the first round, they’ll have enough in the tank to take out another Texas team and advance.

Prediction: Thunder in seven

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