With the Nuggets up 3-0 in their series and the Wolves about to go up 3-0 against Phoenix as I'm typing this, it's safe to say that these series' are now forgone conclusions and it's now time to look ahead to what could be potentially the best series in the entire West playoffs. It's a pretty accepted fact that Minnesota gave Denver the most trouble out of any of their playoff opponents last year en route to their championship, so what's changed from them to now? Well, Minnesota hadn't fully figured out their 2 center system yet. Now they have, and it's given them the best defense for the last year.

I would also like to point out 2 key cogs on the Minnesota side that did not play in their series last year: Jaden McDaniels, and 6th Man of the Year Naz Reid. Jamal Murray lit up Minnesota last year, averaging 27 PPG on 42% from 3. Having Jaden McDaniels in particular in this series will be huge, since Jaden is probably the best screen navigator in the NBA and is probably the most qualified player to disrupt the seemingly unstoppable Jokic-Murray 2 man game.

I still think in a series that could be a very close one, experience reigns supreme (and also having the best player in the series), so I'll probably still take Denver in 6 or 7. I really hope this is a long and gritty series, but no matter what, it'll be fun to watch.

Also, in case anyone takes stock in the regular season matchups, these teams split their meetings 2-2, with each stealing a game in the other's building.