Terry Shilton

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     

Terry Shilton

San Antonio has sent Brent Barry and Francisco Elson to the Seattle Supersonics as well as Pick in 2009 for Kurt Thomas, I reported two days ago they were looking to move Elson for a big and suggested Magloire as a swap as they would get an expiring contract back and an upgrade on Elson. They did just that but with Thomas instead nice move Thomas is a better defender and more proven overall nice pick-up by the Spurs.

Look for those left looking for a big man Orlando, Toronto, Utah to look at Magloire as the next best option to Kurt Thomas.

 Interesting footnote The Suns are currently short one roster player and are looking for a PG or a shooter if Brent can negotiate a buyout look for him to sign with the Suns to have a shot at a team that just dealt him.

Terry Shilton

I have never seen a domino affect of this proportion before with the Mav’s, Sun’s, Lakers all making major deals it has the rest of the Western Conference looking to keep up with the Kobe’s. this deadline is far from over and the next team to make a push will be Denver, the team is pursuing Mike Miller, Zach Randolph and Ron Artest. They have some tradeable assets and have a core of players that are getting older and can feel their window closing. I think the eventual deal will be made to bring in Artest he will come with the lowest price tag, plus Carmelo has been publically lobbying hard for the deal at the all-star game. The Combo of Camby, Artest, Iverson would give the Nuggets 3 players of “defensive player of the year” calibre. Three years ago the Kings took the Spurs to the brink of elimantion with a combo of Bonzi Wells and Artest who frustrated the hell out of Parker and Ginobli and almost caused a huge upset. The Nuggets would pos even more trouble defensively with Camby and Nene in the middle plus they have more scorers and secondary scoring ability if they make this move add them to the teams no one wants to have to face first round.

Other teams are likely to make moves as well, The Spurs are currently shopping Francisco Elson but to what end is unknown yet, if I was them I’d swap Elson’s expiring contract for Magloire’s and take the skill upgrade that comes with that swap but we will see.

Last but not least the Hornets have been very quiet, look for them to add a shooter Mike Miller would be perfect for this team but Gordon Giricek may be a nice alternative.

There are still other teams in the west looking to deal but mostly to clear cap space Seattle, Memphis.

Quick Hit Rumour two Playoff teams in that of Phoenix and Boston are closely watching what the Kings are planning to do with Tyrone Lue both are looking for a pass first PG who can run an offense and shoot the deep ball.