NBA Playoffs: Wild, Wild West

I've already shared my thoughts on the NBA Playoffs from the Eastern Conference thus far, so let's move on to the West. Unlike the East, the West has been much more competitive. Three out of the four match ups have seen both teams take at least one game.

Western Conference

(1) Spurs tied with Grizzlies 1-1- The Grizz purposely tanked their last two games so that they wouldn't have to play the Lakers. So far, that's looked relatively smart. Memphis has been on par with San Antonio through two games despite not having their best player in the regular season, Rudy Gay. The big X-factor for the Spurs is the play of Manu Ginobili who missed game one. If he can stay healthy, then the Spurs have a solid shot. As much as I love how the Grizz are playing right now, San Antonio has way too much post-season experience. Prediction: Spurs in 7.

(2) Lakers tied with Hornets 1-1- Few critics foresaw New Orleans having a shot in this series after the Lakers won all four heads-up meetings in the regular season, but the Hornets have looked better than advertised. The most compelling dual in Round 1 has definitely been Kobe Bryan vs. Chris Paul.CP3 has played like a man possessed on both ends of the court and has ultimately outperformed the Black Mamba through two games. Not only is he scoring at an impressive clip, he's also facilitating his teammates better than anyone in the game. Even with Paul playing out of his mind, I just don't think his team mates can hang with the Lakers deep bench. Prediction: Lakers in 6.

(3) Mavericks lead Trailblazers 2-1- Home cooking has been the key in this series. While the Mavs owned Games 1 & 2 in Dallas, the Blazers responded with a roaring victory at the Rose Garden in front of a raucous crowd last night. I like how Portland came alive down the stretch especially with the comeback play of Brandon Roy. Roy had complained about not getting playing time in Game 2, and really answered his critics with 16 points in Game 3. Despite being down two games to one at this point, I think the Blazers are ripe for a good run and will outlast the Mavs in the end. Prediction: Trailblazers in 7.

(4) Thunder lead Nuggets 2-0- Oklahoma City followed their close, controversial win in Game 1 with a blowout victory in Game 2. You'd be hard pressed to find a more dynamic duo than Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. With 44 points combined in Game 2, they really took total control of this series. I don't see a star-less Denver squad being able to climb out of this hole. Prediction: Thunder in 5.