3 Western Conference first-round matchups we need in the NBA Playoffs
By Dalton Sell
Western Conference NBA Playoff matchups — Denver Nuggets versus Portland Trail Blazers
The Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers both have an MVP candidate leading the charge for their respective franchises this season.
Nikola Jokic, currently the frontrunner for this year’s MVP honors for many, holds the reigns for Denver. The big man is dominating the competition this year by averaging a near triple-double with 26.2 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game.
Along with the stellar play from Jokic, others like Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and the newly acquired Aaron Gordon have helped round out this roster and transform them into a formidable foe. Their collective efforts have the Nuggets currently sitting at fourth place in the standings with a 34-20 record.
Unfortunately, Murray’s devastating torn ACL will keep him out for the rest of the season, and the Nuggets will have to find a way to cope.
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On the other hand, Damian Lillard’s MVP case has gained traction recently right behind Jokic as he continues having one of the best seasons of his career. Averaging 28.7 points and 7.6 assists per game, Lillard’s case for the award has never been better, particularly as he kept Portland afloat after injuries decimated their roster early on this year.
Like Jokic, Lillard has a well-rounded supporting cast highlighted by CJ McCollum, Jusuf Nurkic, the newly acquired Norman Powell, and Carmelo Anthony. This unit could certainly be a daunting opponent on paper if they are at full strength, currently occupying the sixth spot in the Western Conference standings by means of a 31-22 record.
If the Nuggets could stay locked into that fourth slot and the Blazers slide up one to the fifth, these teams would square off right off the bat. Headlined by a pair of MVP candidates playing some of the best basketball of their careers, this would be a top-tier first-round matchup.