The upcoming first-round playoff series between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Denver Nuggets is generating considerable buzz, particularly due to the presence of Russell Westbrook on the Nuggets' roster. Westbrook, who previously played for the Clippers, will face his former teammates Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, adding an intriguing layer to the matchup. Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 12:30 PM PST.

Westbrook's familiarity with Leonard and Harden is a focal point. During his time with the Clippers, Westbrook shared the court with Leonard for two seasons, both ending in first-round playoff exits. His insights into Leonard's game could prove valuable for the Nuggets. "It matters," Westbrook acknowledged when asked about facing his former teammates. "There are some tendencies and different things of that nature.” He specifically highlighted Harden's offensive prowess and the importance of defensive strategies against him. In four regular-season games against Denver, Harden averaged 23.3 points and 9.3 assists, though his shooting percentages were slightly below his usual standards at 39.4% from the field and 32.4% from three-point range. Leonard, however, did not participate in any of the regular-season matchups against the Nuggets.

Westbrook emphasized Leonard's multifaceted impact on the game. "[He makes a] big difference,” Westbrook noted. “I mean Kawhi is really really good. He impacts winning in different ways, not just scoring the basketball. He’s a hell of a player. He does a great job of getting to his spots and when he’s playing at a high level, it makes them a really really good team.” This sentiment underscores the challenge the Nuggets face in containing Leonard, who averaged 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals during the regular season, shooting nearly 50% from the field and 41% from three-point range in 37 games.

The Nuggets and Clippers split their regular-season series, 2-2, with the Clippers winning the first two games and the Nuggets securing the last two. However, their last encounter was in January, making their current form a more relevant indicator. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr., finished the season with a 50-32 record, earning the fifth seed in the Western Conference. They aim to surpass their previous playoff performance, where they fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the West Semis. On the other side, the Clippers, with Leonard, Harden, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac, present a formidable challenge.

Reflecting on Leonard's career, he has been hampered by injuries during his six years with the Clippers, though when healthy, he remains a dominant force. Magic Johnson expressed his anticipation for a thrilling series, stating, "Basketball fans, buckle up for the West. The Nuggets vs. Clippers will be a 7-game thriller!"

Westbrook's individual stats for the season include averages of 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals in 75 games, shooting 44.9% from the field and 32.3% from three. His role off the bench will be crucial for the Nuggets as they navigate this challenging series.