Phoenix Suns might win this first round without PG13 around but they do have to be careful with Westbrook. That dude will certainly give his all, especially with a goal of a championship. This may be his last chance in a good team with Kawhi Leonard so he will play harder than before.
This is what mistake done by Lakers where they let Westbrook shoot and they penalize by WB for that plan they do. They should remember thay Westbrook is happy and well supporter on Clippers that's why we see him perform compare when he is on Lakers.
For sure Suns will not take him as granted because they know Westbrook still a high caliber player. But I still go with the sun with this match up knowing that PG still not on them and Suns is complete with Durant a reliable star which they can trust on offensive and defensive end.
I go also with the Suns here, knowing that KD is also hungry to win another title with a set of another super team behind him for sure he will bring everything here to help in winning the series.
But like what you have said, WB will be on hype here knowing that it might be his last chance to play with a caliber
team, even without PG13, they've got a healthy Kawai and a support role player who can compete and have a possibility to win.
Even though media but the Suns on the number 1 spot to win the title when they traded for KD I don't see them having any chance to actually do it.
CP3 is getting old, Booker is good but can also be inconsistent, KD is not the KD from some years ago and go down due to injuries again any moment and Ayton just can't catch a break in my eyes.
They are also not deep enough for me to win it.
In the west my money is On the Nuggets or the Kings (which would be a decent surprise) . If Jokic is coming back without any issues it will be hard to beat them in 7 games, especially when they are 34:7 at home. Dark horse will be GSW where everything is possible when the 3 is falling.
In the east it's more easy, everything should go between Boston and Milwaukee. These 2 teams are just too good for the rest, even though of course Philly and the Cavs also had impressive results.