The thrilling NBA routine season has actually concluded, leading the way for the extremely expected playoff season, which starts with the Play-In Tournament arranged for Tuesday. This season marks a substantial shift for groups, as they move their focus from regular-season standings to postseason success.

Notably, a number of fascinating first-round matches were verified on Sunday, firing up enjoyment amongst fans and experts alike. ESPN expert Brian Windhorst has actually determined what he thinks about the most fascinating series of this postseason’s opening round, which guarantees high-stakes drama and thrilling basketball.

During his informative analysis on NBA Today, Windhorst highlighted the interesting face-off in between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers, 2 powerful groups that have actually protected the No. 4 and No. 5 seeds in the Western Conference. This match is set to be an emphasize of the playoff season, showcasing the skills of elite gamers.

“This is the best he (Kawhi Leonard) has looked to me, guys, since the 2019 season when he led the Raptors to the title.”

.@WindhorstESPN thinks the Clippers vs. Nuggets might be the most interesting series in the first-round of the playoffs.

“This is the best [Kawhi Leonard] has looked to me guys, since the 2019 season when he led the Raptors to the title.” pic.twitter.com/MvliwHVlbd

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 14, 2025

In an extreme contest, the Clippers handled to protect a hard-fought success versus the Golden State Warriors in overtime on Sunday, hence strengthening their position as the No. 5 seed. Meanwhile, the Nuggets thrived over the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets, guaranteeing they declared the No. 4 seed. This sets the phase for a thrilling first-round fight within the context of the Western Conference playoffs.

Historically, these 2 groups have actually not clashed in the playoffs considering that the spectacular 2020 bubble series, where the Nuggets made an amazing return from a 3-1 deficit to advance to the Western Conference Finals. This storied competition includes an additional layer of anticipation to their approaching encounter.

The Nuggets have actually dealt with substantial difficulties considering that the All-Star Break, culminating in the choice to part methods with head coach Michael Malone, who had actually been at the helm for a years and led the franchise to its very first champion 2 years earlier. This modification comes at a turning point for the group as they look for to restore their winning momentum.

On the other hand, Kawhi Leonard, a crucial gamer for the Clippers, has actually been afflicted by injuries throughout numerous playoff projects recently. However, Windhorst’s remarks highlight that this might be the most powerful variation of Leonard considering that his champion kept up the Toronto Raptors in 2019, making his efficiency important for the Clippers’ success.

While it is challenging to anticipate the results in the competitive landscape of the Western Conference, every first-round match is teeming with possible enjoyment and intrigue, appealing basketball fans an exhilarating playoff experience.

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