1. Who Wins: Warriors or Spurs?
Sam Esfandiari
GSW in 5. The Warriors caught a break with a favorable match up but flipping the switch won’t be that easy. I am expecting it to take GSW a few games to find a flow but ultimately to win because of superior talent.
Andy Liu
GSW in 4.
Sheed
W’s in 6.
Mek
Dubs sweep.
Jesse Taylor
Warriors in 5. The Spurs main threat, LaMarcus Aldridge, played some of his best basketball against the Warriors this season (27 and 11 in four games), but expect a playoff-ready Draymond Green to lock him up and force other players to step up.
Alex Torres
Warriors in 6. The Warriors are obviously the better team, but Coach Pop will have them prepared to win two games.
2. Predictions For All 1st Round Matchups?
Sam Esfandiari
Houston over Minnesota in 4/5
New Orleans over Portland in 6
OKC over Utah in 7
Washington over Toronto in 6
Cleveland over Indiana in 5
Philly over Miami in 7
Boston over Milwaukee in 6
Andy Liu
Hou in 5. Portland in 7. OKC in 6. Toronto in 6. Milwaukee in 7. Philly in 6. Cavs in 5.
Sheed
March 8, 2018; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots the basketball against San Antonio Spurs forward Kyle Anderson (1) during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Spurs 110-107. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Hou in 5. Portland in 6. Utah 6. Raptors 4. Celtics 5. Philly 5. Pacers 6.
Mek
Rockets, Blazers, Jazz, Dubs, Sixers, Raps, Cavs, Bucks.
Jesse Taylor
Houston in 4
Portland in 6
Utah in 7
Toronto in 5
Cleveland in 5
Philadelphia in 6
Milwaukee in 7
Alex Torres
Houston in 5, Portland in 6. OKC in 7. Toronto in 6. Milwaukee in 7. Philly in 7. Cleveland in 7.
3. Which Warriors Player Has To Step It Up The Most?
Sam Esfandiari
Draymond Green. GSW’s survival without Steph is tied to becoming the elite defensive team they are capable of. Draymond is the captain and lynchpin of that defense.
Andy Liu
Draymond Green has to show up and defend.
Sheed
Klay Thompson. He’s gotta consistently score the ball and be aggressive. His defensive load will be lighter than past playoff series sine the Spurs Guard/Wing play isn’t all that intimidating.
Mek
Nicholas.
Jesse Taylor
Time for Kevin Durant to return to form as a dominant two-way player. Sure, Quinn Cook needs to step in like he has in Curry’s absence, Andre Iguodala will play better in the playoffs like he always does and Draymond will make his impact. But Durant is the most important player with Curry out and the Warriors need him to play at an MVP level like he did to begin the season.
Alex Torres
Draymond Green. He’s the heartbeat of this squad and when he’s playing with energy, he ignites the effort on the defensive end.
4. Warriors MVP In The First Round?
Sam Esfandiari
Kevin Durant.
Andy Liu
Kevin Durant.
Sheed
Draymond Green. Its go time and Dray will deliver.
Mek
Kevin.
Jesse Taylor
Kevin Durant.
Alex Torres
KD.