That said, the Thunder should prefer the Clippers to move on to Round 2. Leonard and Harden are a scary duo to face, but OKC is equipped with the right perimeter defenders to slow them down. Zubac has had a career season, but Hartenstein is the perfect counterpart against him on the boards and inside the paint.

The Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers’ first round series has been the most competitive series of the NBA Playoffs so far, with the winner earning the privilege of taking on top-seeded Oklahoma City in Round 2.