The Western Conference semi-finals are underway with the number 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder vs the 5 seed Dallas Mavericks. Both teams looked impressive in their first-round matchups as OKC swept the New Orleans Pelicans and the Mavericks disposed of the Los Angeles Clippers in six games. Both teams have faced each other 4 times this season with OKC winning three of the matchups. This series should be an exciting one as there is star power between both teams. Here is what to expect in this series.

Backcourt:

You have the presumable MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey for OKC vs The superstar duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Shai is tenacious in the mid-range game and is one of the best in the association at getting to the foul line. Shai has 649 Free throw attempts in the regular season, that’s second best only behind Giannis Antetokoumpo. If Shai can somehow get either Luka or Kyrie in foul trouble, it can be a long series for the Mavs. His counterpart Josh Giddey gives OKC a 6’7 Ball handler that can make plays on the drive and kick or for himself. Giddey’s numbers have taken a hit due to the emergence of Jalen Williams, but he is still a very capable playmaker with the ball in his hand and he has increased his shooting numbers every season. On the other hand, what more needs to be said about Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as they are as dynamic of a superstar duo in the league. Luka in his two games vs OKC has averaged a triple double with 34 Points, 11.5 Rebounds, and 13.5 assists. Luka has had no issues vs this OKC defense this season and I don’t see it stopping in this series. Kyrie Irving has been a flame thrower in the playoffs averaging 26.5 point per game while shooting 44.2 % from three. Kyrie has gotten off to slow starts so far in the post season but seemingly picks up the pace in the second half as expected. While Shai may be the MVP favorite. The advantage goes to the two superstars in the Mavs backcourt.

Advantage: Dallas Mavericks

Frontcourt:

Jalen Williams or JDub has come into his own this season, increasing all his numbers from his rookie season, but where he has flourished has been his playmaking ability as a primary ball handler. He has been key to Thunder’s success when it comes to getting open threes on drive and kicks as OKC leads the league in three-point shooting percentage. JDub has taken his game to another gear this season, especially in the playoffs where he has increased his averages across the board. Pair that up with Chet Holmgren who has been the straw that stirs the drink for Oklahoma City defensively. Holmgren was one of the leaders in blocks this season at 2.3 blocks per game and affects many shots that come his way.

Advantage: OKC Thunder

Coaching:

As much as I love Jason Kidd as a coach, I have to give these flowers to Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Coaching the second youngest team in the NBA to a number 1 seed in the west was a big feat. Helping to develop your young stars in SGA and Jalen Williams is a testament to great coaching. From the Billy Donovan coaching tree, Mark Daignault has turned these young OKC Thunder into championship contenders this season and when it comes to head-to-head matchups this season vs Kidd, Daignault is 3-1.

 Advantage: OKC Thunder

X-Factor:

We know how good Shai is, we know how good Jalen Williams has become, but my x-factor has to be Chet Holmgren. His ability to anchor the defense not only with his shot blocking, but the way he alters shots in the paint, the ability to switch on anyone in the pick and roll makes it so much easier for the other guys on this team to defend. If Chet can get his offense going every game, then this series will favor OKC.

Prediction:

OKC Thunder wins 4-2