So the match-ups are finalized in the Wild West, it’s near impossible to pick a team to go through as no less than 5 teams from this conference have a legitimate title shot. But here is my breakdown:
La Lakers vs Denver Nuggets Upset Potential 5%
This one is a lock for the Lakers they will roll over Denver quickly and easily, two reasons, first Kobe Bryant he has been unbelievable down the stretch offensively and defensively he will help neutralize Carmelo but Melo will not be able to slow Kobe at all. My call for this one is 5 games only because I think AI has one 40 plus game in him and could steal the show at least for a night.
New Orleans Hornets Vs Dallas Mavericks Upset Potential 40%
This one is going to be closer, This years MVP vs last years a great point guard dual and certainly some pressure on Dallas to exercise the demons of last years early exit. My call is Dallas in six, as much as I like Chris Paul he has to carry his teams offense night in and night out West, Chandler, Peja are great role players but all rely heavily on Paul to create opportunities for them. Dallas will be at there best defensively and by comparison have Jason Kidd to create opportunities for their role players but also have Dirk, Terry, Howard who can create their own shots this will be just two much for Paul and the Hornets.
San Antonio Spurs vs Phoenix Suns Upset Potential 50%
This series is as close as they come can Phoenix overcome their arch nemesis and put behind them their past bad luck and what ifs; what if Diaw and Amare didn’t leave the bench, what if Joe Johnson didn’t get hurt or demand a trade. Shaq was brought in to be help overcome these Spurs expect the benches led by Manu and Barbosa to play a huge factor. My call is Phoenix in 7, I just think that the Suns luck has to change at some point… fair warning for the rest of the conference if the Suns somehow end it early say in 5 the ego boost will carry them to the finals regardless of who’s in the way; it will be one of those defining moment type victories
Utah Jazz vs Houston Rockets Upset Potential 35%
This series could be a good one Houston went up 3-0 last year against Utah before collapsing… Houston has been on everyone’s radar because of the 22 win streak and despite going to the Western Conference Finals last year Utah is still a kind of cinderella in the West. Houston is better defensively than they were last year but Utah will still be to much. My Call is Utah in six they have some weapons and play very smart basketball even in the playoffs, Houston will make the key mistakes and that will be enough. Mcgrady still won’t get that first round victory this year and will still be the “best player to never win a playoff series” in history
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3 Responses to “Western Conference Playoff Preview Round 1”
Posted: 04/17/08 at 8:39 am
Cant wait for the PO’s to start. That Suns/Spurs series is going to be unreal!
Angelo Versa our Pistons blogger will have an Eastern Conf. breakdown later.
Posted: 04/17/08 at 9:20 am
I don’t follow Basketball too much, but I’ve heard a ton about this Chris Paul kid. I remember him a bit at Wake Forest (correct?). Sounds like he is the only one keeping Bryant from running away with the MVP.
New Orleans has been a good story for much of the year, and I would like to see them get by Dallas, but like you indicated, that will be a tough #7 seed to knock off.
Posted: 04/17/08 at 6:54 pm
Wouldnt surprise me to see the Mavs knock off the Hornets. Experience means everything!