Warriors’ Road to the Finals: Ideal Playoff Scenarios

Jan 17, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) drives to the basket during the third quarter as Houston Rockets guard

(13) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets

After dropping to the sixth seed, the Rockets reclaimed the second seed after their final regular season win. The Rockets have been battling injury all year and will be missing key contributors in Patrick Beverley and Donatas Motejunas who are likely done for the season.

The Rockets’ path to the finals may be more difficult than the Warriors’, but James Harden is an MVP candidate for a good reason. To reach the Western Conference finals, Houston must defeat the Dallas Mavericks in the opening round and either the Los Angeles Clippers or San Antonio Spurs in the semifinals.

Harden must maintain his efficiency through the postseason and come up big in clutch situations in order to make it past the first two rounds. With the Spurs playing at such a high level, it’s hard to imagine them losing to the Clippers or Rockets. Facing Houston  in the Western Conference finals is the best scenario for the Warriors. Golden State has owned the regular season matchup. Harden’s infamous “They ain’t even that good” speech and Curry’s scuffles with Beverley and Trevor Ariza have given the regular season series some interesting story lines.

If the two teams were to meet, it would be a physical, drama-filled matchup, but a matchup that favors the Warriors nonetheless. The Warriors completely dominated the season series winning in convincing fashion each game. The two leading MVP candidates would be going head-to-head with one likely to feel snubbed at that point.

If Harden is able to will the Rockets past the Mavericks and Clippers/Spurs, the Warriors certainly hold the mental and psychological advantage.

Next: NBA Finals