2017 NBA Playoff Predictions: Breaking down each series

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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Nov 10, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) stands on the court against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Thunder won 125-101. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) stands on the court against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Thunder won 125-101. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2017 NBA Finals

(4) Washington vs. (6) Oklahoma City

Neither teams that I see making the NBA Finals are well-represented by their seeding. By being ranked fourth, it’s assumed that the Wizards can’t out play the top three in their conference, when in fact it’s just the opposite.

Then, with the Thunder, a sixth overall seed downplays how explosive their offense can be when led by Westbrook.

Now we’ve gotten to the point where all the marbles are on the table. Obviously, Westbrook’s historic season comes down to this while the Wizards find out if their championship material.

If this were to happen, another story line worth noting is that Wizards coach Scott Brooks would get to coach against his former team. This provides the ultimate quagmire for stopping Westbrook, as no coach may know that better than Brooks.

It’s not the revenge we were hoping for, but it’s the nail in the coffin for Westbrook’s redemption tour against former Thunder players or personnel. And it’ll end with a bang.

Consequently, a great series from John Wall will be overshadowed by Beal not playing to his full potential. In a championship moment, the feeling is that Wall could step up while Beal’s contributions aren’t as certain.

Either way, these teams match up great and will go the distance in June.

Next: 3 Reasons Lakers Shouldn't Tank

Prediction: Thunder in seven

Finals MVP – Russell Westbrook, OKC