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2018 NBA Playoffs Roundtable: The wild wild West edition

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 28, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 28, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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The best first-round West series will be?

Doole: For pure entertainment value, the Jazz-Thunder series tops them all. There are just so many compelling storylines to track. There’s the dynamic young rookie going head-to-head with the reigning MVP. There’s Carmelo Anthony trying to resurrect his career and finally find success in the postseason. There’s Rudy Gobert, the generational defensive talent that has led Utah to such a surprising regular season.

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It’s the preseason fancies who have misfired often facing the underdogs who are suddenly on top. And, as a proud Australian, few things make me happier than watching Joe Ingles in action. The two teams couldn’t be much more different, and that should make it a terrific matchup.

Allen: I think the Utah and OKC series will be the most entertaining. Utah has been surprising this year, led by rookie of the year candidate Donovan Mitchell. He’s literally put the Jazz on his back and carried Utah to the playoffs in his first NBA season. Russell Westbrook is clearly the leader of OKC, and there’s no doubt he will put up numbers. If his counterparts Paul George and Carmelo Anthony can also put up 20+ each game, it’s going to give the Thunder a legitimate chance of advancing. For the Jazz, Rudy Gobert must dominate inside.

Mitchell is going to score points, but if Gobert can put up some solid numbers throughout the series too and contain Steven Adams in the paint, the Jazz will also have a good chance of winning the series. I believe this series will go at least six games, and maybe even the full seven.

Nelson: I see the Thunder and Utah Jazz as being the best. Most entertaining. Potentially the longest series. Should be really good stuff.

Hope: The best first-round West series will be the Oklahoma City Thunder versus the Utah Jazz. Out of all the series in the West, I believe this series has the best potential to go seven games. The Utah Jazz have been playing as good as any team in the NBA over the last two months. The Thunder have been inconsistent all year long, but the talent they have on their roster is clear. OKC also has homecourt in this series which could be what ends up making the difference if it goes seven.

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The x-factor for this series will be how the Thunder shoot the ball. The Jazz are known for being one of the best defensive teams in the league, and the Thunder have struggled on offense at times this season. Will the star power of the Thunder, or the defense of the Jazz prevail?

Knitzer: Thunder-Jazz. One team that is greater than the sum of its parts vs. one that is way way worse.