1. (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (8) Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard is the most feared offensive player on the planet right now. After averaging 37.6 points a game in the bubble, including back-to-back games of 51 and 61, Portland would claim the 8th seed. Lillard capped off his incredible run with 31 points and 10 assists in the play-in tournament win over the Grizzlies.
Something tells me Lillard is still looking for respect on his name. The stage couldn’t be bigger as the Blazers try to dethrone the King in his first playoff run with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are going against the hottest 8th seed in recent memory, leading the bubble in points per game and second in 3-pointers made, an area the Lakers have struggled in.
While we’re going on and on about how unstoppable Lillard has been, the Blazers still have no answer for Lebron James and Anthony Davis. This could lead to a few shootouts that come down to whoever has the ball last. Dame time has already treated us to some sensational fourth-quarter moments.
This could also possibly mark the final LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony matchup in the postseason. You have to cherish these matchups of the greats as their careers come closer to an end. Whether you believe the Blazers have a legitimate chance to upset the Lakers or not, every game will be must-see.