Tank's NBA Second Round Preview Western Conference

Western Conference

• 1. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 4. Denver Nuggets
• Thunder in Five

The Thunder look like a team ready to dominate. After posting the best record in the regular season, they dominated the Grizzlies, winning four straight, as Shai Gilgous-Alexander continued his MVP play. The Thunder have the bodies and the size to neutralize Nikola Jokic, with the underrated Isiah Hartenstein providing the size needed to win games in the paint. The Nuggets needed seven games to beat the Clippers and showed some of the same issues that led to a late-season coaching change. This series will not be close, as the Thunder will close it out quickly, needing just five games. 

• 6. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. 7. Golden State Warriors
• Timberwolves in Six

This could be the best series of the second round, after the Timberwolves took down the Lakers in five, while the Warriors needed seven games to shoot down the Rockets. The Warriors have experienced winners with Stephen Curry leading the way, along with Jimmy Butler, who looks like a man possessed. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, are led by Anthony Edwards, who pushed around LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Edwards quickly shows that he has a deep hunger and desire that will eventually land him a ring. The Timberwolves served notice last season, reaching the Conference Finals for the second time in team history. Look for them to return, as Edwards' youth will be too much for Curry to handle, with the Wolves winning in six.