The odds of the Golden State Warriors getting into the Finals for a fifth straight year will make many happy and some frustrated. With no LeBron James, no Boston, and no Philadelphia, they could punch their ticket easily next month. But is there anyone that can stop them? I'm not sure if there is one.
Portland might have CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard, but you need more than that to get past them. Unless Stephen Curry's brother Seth spills some secrets, it's a tough buy to say that the team can get past the Warriors. They haven't been to a Finals since 1992. It could make them hungry, but if they can group together and fix problems in previous series, they could fight for the title.
Even with Serge Ibaka and Kawhi Leonard, Toronto has never been to a Finals ever. Most playoff runs ended in first or second round eliminations. Their buzzer beater against the 76ers will be one for the ages and another accolade to Leonard. They are in the top ten in scoring on both sides. Cleaning up the defense a little bit will be needed. That and being calm without having the spotlight get to them.
Leonard is the X factor for Toronto. Giannis Antetokounmpo is that case for Milwaukee. A big scoring team and not giving up many points either could make them a huge underdog if they advance. They are a bit better than the Warriors in a few categories, but numbers may not mean much if they can't keep up. I do believe that it will be a Milwaukee-Golden State Finals.
Closing up this blog, health will need to be something the Warriors have to keep eye on. Kevin Durant may miss quite a bit of time depending on how bad his injury is. DeMarcus Cousins could return, but how much he can help them will be another factor. Whatever the case, it won't be as mundane as it has been the last two years for the Finals.
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