Are the Thunder the best bet?
LAS VEGAS, NV (The Spread) – The NBA Playoffs are getting started this weekend and I would like to take a look at the team that I look to win it all.
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The Oklahoma City are currently a 9/2 favorite to win the Championship and I see them having no problem doing it. Kevin Durant has had a remarkable season and I do not see him being denied this year.
The Thunder have been overshadowed by the Spurs this season and yes, they more than likely will have to go through San Antonio to get to the NBA Finals. But the Thunder beat the Spurs in six games in 2012 and they simply have their number this season.
In 2012, the Spurs were on a 20-game winning streak (10 to close out the regular season and 10 to begin the playoffs), then met the Thunder, who dominated them. This season the Thunder ended the Spurs 19-game winning streak and are 4-0 vs. them this year. The Spurs have no answer for the point guard combo with a healthy Russell Westbrook and Reggie Jackson, who is the best backup point guard in the NBA.
Oklahoma City had a few injuries this season but kept winning and now that everyone is healthy, look for the Thunder to be the dominant team during the playoffs. Sefalosha and Perkins are two key role players that play a significant part to this team. Sefalosha is a great on-ball defender as well as a guy that can knock down the three point shot. Perkins is that rugged defender that brings a physical style of play to the court and can be the guy that is not scared to use all six of his fouls although he will contend every time the whistle is blown that he did not foul. I love this guy and he fits in with the Thunder nicely.
I mentioned Westbrook and Jackson at the point, but also let’s not forget about Derek Fisher who is a key veteran that can come in the game and play his role and knock down shots and dish some assist when needed.
While many contend the Spurs and the Clippers have the deepest bench in the West, I disagree. With Caron Butler, Nick Collison, and Steven Adams; this gives HC Brooks a 10 man roster that he can utilize with different teams to matchup with their strengths.
In the Finals, they will more than likely visit LeBron down in South Beach but I don’t see home court as being an advantage . These teams split this year 1-1 with each winning on the others home court. The Thunder lost in 2012 to the Heat in 5 games. I like the Thunder to get their revenge as Durant and Co. are a much more polished team and the Heat have looked terrible at times other than Lebron.
I also will question Wade’s health and if he isn’t 100% then Miami has no chance. The Heat will get beat on the boards, at the point guard spot, and will also get beat off the bench. I give Oklahoma City all of these advantages and as a generous 9:2 favorite to win the Championship this season, I will be looking for Durant to win his first ring and to make us some money in the Playoffs. Look for the Thunder to beat the Spurs in seven games, and to beat the Heat in six as they will close out in South Beach. While this will be a shock to many, it will not surprise me at all.
Play on : Oklahoma City (9:2) to WIN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP
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