2009 Western Conference Playoff Preview

Here are my 2009 NBA Western Conference postseason predictions. As the playoffs progress I will analyze each math up more thoroughly.

First Round

1) Los Angeles vs. 8) Utah – Talk about a rough draw for the number one seeded Lakers. Just look at the eastern side of the bracket and see the cakewalk (aka Detroit) the Cavs have in the first round. I expect Bynum, Gasol, and Odon to present numerous match up problems for the Jazz throughout this series. Prediction: Lakers in 6

4) Portland vs. 5) Houston – As a fan of the NBA, this series intrigues me most out of all the first round series. Houston beat the Blazers 2-1 in their regular season match ups, but Portland is playing its best basketball of the season right now. While Artest and Battier should do a formidable job on BRoy, I expect LA and the ever improving second unit to send Houston home early (T-Mac wont be there to take the fall this season). Prediction: Blazers in 7

2) Denver vs. 7) New Orleans – Like most NBA fans I expected New Orleans to contend for the title this year. I also expected Denver to be on the outside looking in once postseason play started…shows you what I know. However with Denver landing Mr. Big Shot in the early season Allen Iverson, the Nuggets have become legitimate contenders. Prediction: Denver in 6

3) San Antonio vs. 6) Dallas – While most experts eagerly dismissed the Spurs after losing Manu, I expect Timmy and Tony have different ideas. With these two future Hall of Famers knowing what it takes to win in the playoffs, I expect the fragile Mavs to get bounced early. Prediction: Spurs in 5

Western Conference Semifinals

1) Los Angeles vs. 4) Portland – At the beginning of the season, Blazer fans were content with their team just making the playoffs. However the previous two meetings with the Lake Show (both wins in the garden) have given these young Blazers reason to be optimistic about their chances. Portland will certainly protect their home court, but winning a game seven is Los Angeles is an entirely different story. Prediction Lakers in 7

2) Denver vs. 3) San Antonio – Billups home coming will be enough to get the Nuggets into the conference semifinals. Running into a written off Spurs club is extremely dangerous, and honestly I just don’t trust Melo in the crunch. Fair or not, I often compare Melo with his 2003 draft class mates, LeBron and D-Wade. Those two have won big time games before, as has Timmy and co. Prediction: Spurs in 6

Western Conference Finals

1) Los Angeles vs. 3) San Antonio – If the Lakers can get past their most formidable opponent, the Blazers, they should stroll through this series (see last years match up, Lakers in 5). The Spurs have the brains to beat a club like the Nuggets, but the Lakers bring both brains and athleticism to the party. With Manu out, the Spurs have nobody to check Kobe… unless you are a Portland State homer and like Ime Udoka’s chances. The Lakers want this series to be a speedy one, because the Cavs will be game planning (or at least rehearsing their latest on court celebration routine for introductions in game one of the NBA finals). Prediction: Lakers in 5