If the NBA Playoffs started today, how would the teams match up in the first round? The Spechater takes a look at the Western Conference pairings based on today’s standings.
L.A. Lakers (1) vs. Portland (8)
A depleted Portland post presence spells doom for the young Blazers. Camby was a great addition to fill in for the losses of Joel Pryzbilla and Greg Oden, but the Blazers are simply not big enough to handle the trio of Gasol, Bynum, and Odom. Oh yeah, there’s this guy named Kobe Bryant to worry about too. Lakers in 5.
X-Factors: Ron Artest – L.A., Marcus Camby- Portland
Dallas(2) vs. San Antonio (7)
A classic Lone Star State and Southwest division matchup, this should be a great series. As much as I respect the Spurs’ championship experience, I give the Mavs the edge in this one. Dirk has been on fire all season and the new additions of Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood have added much needed depth to the once-struggling Mavs and have made them a legitimate threat to the Lakers. Mavs in 6.
X-Factors: Caron Butler- Dallas, Manu Ginobili- San Antonio
Denver (3) vs. Oklahoma City (6)
The world will get to witness the playoff coming out party for Kevin Durant and his surprise OKC teammates. This team will be one to reckon with…just not this season. Denver reached the Western Conference Finals last year and have a former NBA Finals MVP in Chauncey Billups to lead the show. Plus, Denver is probably the most physical team in the league (Cleveland is probably 1A) and will force their will on the young Thunder. However, the Carmelo Anthony vs. Kevin Durant matchup will be fun to watch. Denver in 6.
X-Factors: J.R. Smith- Denver, Jeff Green- Oklahoma City
Utah (4) vs. Phoenix (5)
This matchup features two great PGs in Steve Nash and Deron Williams and two opposing styles. Phoenix favors an uptempo style with Utah preferring a slower, half-court offensive style. Which team will be able to impose its style on the other? I’m going with Utah in 7, giving the Jazz the series purely based on home-court advantage because Energy Solutions Arena is one of the toughest places to play in.
X-Factors: Paul Millsap- Utah, Robin Lopez- Phoenix
