The most anticipated matchup in the 1st round of the NBA playoffs is the Golden State Warriors against the Los Angeles Clippers. These two Pacific Division teams have been involved in a fierce rivalry the past two seasons. They've been involved in multiple altercations involving various players on both rosters, which always brings even greater excitement to NBA basketball.
The season series between the two teams was split 2-2. Both teams protected home court, each winning two games at home. There will be no shortage of exciting plays because of the amount of star power these two teams exhibit. Whether it's a Stephen Curry roof-scraping 3-pointer to beat the shot clock, or a Blake Griffin alley-oop, fans will be on the edge of their seats.
One of the bigger story lines that could have a large impact on the outcome of this series is the fact that Warriors center Andrew Bogut is out indefinitely. Bogut has been the best rim protector for the Warriors this season, which will be crucial for defending Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Without Bogut, the Warriors may struggle to defend the rim unless Jermaine O'Neal can find the fountain of youth.
It'll be very interesting to see how Mark Jackson decides to defend Jordan and Griffin. Jordan isn't necessarily a dominant post player, but he is a dominant rebounder that the Warriors have to box out. Defending Griffin will be the bigger issue. Draymond Green seems like the most likely candidate to defend Griffin. Griffin is too quick for O'Neal and David Lee can't defend Griffin one on one, which leaves Green who is certainly capable of shutting him down.
The two best players on the floor are the two point guards - Chris Paul and Stephen Curry. This matchup could be the deciding factor in determining who wins the series. If Paul is able to shut down Curry and prevent him from firing away from 3-point range, the Clippers have a great shot at winning. The Warriors will most likely use Klay Thompson to defend Paul so it'll be paramount that Thompson stays out of foul trouble and continue to be a solid scorer and distributor on the offensive end.
The Clippers have a definitive edge in coaching experience and credibility when it comes to the playoffs. Doc Rivers has been there and done that, including a championship ring with the Boston Celtics.
The one thing all NBA fans are looking forward to is the physical play these two teams have become known for in the past:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hoIRSPUacs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMxi870aRw4
Even though Bogut - who is often times the instigator in many altercations - isn't expected to play in this series, there will still certainly be some physical play because these two teams flat out don't like each other.
Prediction
The absence of Bogut is a much bigger deal than many people are making it out to be. The Warriors defense just isn't the same without him and will definitely suffer against the Clippers who love to score points in the paint. If Bogut were healthy and able to play in this series, the Warriors would have a much greater shot at winning. All that being said, Jermaine O'Neal and Draymond Green will step up in Bogut's absence and the Warriors will win the series 4-3 on the Clippers home court.
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