Spurs/Grizzlies- If you would have told me in October that the San Antonio Spurs would be the top seed heading into the playoffs, I likely would have assumed you were under the influence. A completely retooled roster around Manu, Timmy, and Tony, a faster rate of play, and an alert Richard Jefferson have given the old dog Spurs new life. This is a testament to Popovich and the way this organization drafts. What's scary is that the Spurs are the tops without Duncan having exerted himself over the course of the season. His ankle is a question mark, but he and the Spurs should be ready to play come tip-off. With that said, this season series is tied for a reason. Memphis is young and have found a startlingly new commitment to defense since the All-Star break. Offensively, the Grizz have more weapons than a Rambo movie. Memphis is hungry, has a determined and wise coach in Lionel Hollins, a beast in ZBo, defenders in Tony Allen and Shane Battier, and a seemingly healthy OJ Mayo. The Spurs defense has slipped this season as their speed increased. This is not your typical 1/8 match up. Call me crazy, but Spurs in 7... or the other way around.
Lakers/Hornets-Andrew Bynum should reportedly be ready for the playoffs and the Lakers are coming off a hard fought OT victory over the Kings in what may well have been the last NBA game in Sac-town to stop the bleeding of their losing streak. I don't question the Lakers' preparedness as it is, but the Hornets are not really going to test the Lakers anyway. Hornet hopes went down the drain with David West's injury. Landry has done a nice job filling in, but he doesn't offer what West does. Chris Paul hasn't been as consistent since his concussion, though I doubt the two are related at this point. Also, the Hornets have no bench besides Jack and my soft spot for Aaron Gray. A Hornet fan should be pleased to have ball in the bayou next season and you did get a career year out of Okafor. Other than that, see you next season. Lakers in 5.
Mavericks/Blazers- *sigh* Let me cut to the chase. I believe the Blazers will win this series, but not because Dallas is "soft." Tyson Chandler gives that team a ton of heart and toughness. Haywood, Stevenson, and Marion are still on the deepest bench in the league, and Dirk, while not amazing, is more aggresive inside than he's been in his entire career and has proven he can perform in the clutch over the past few years. I mean, with all due respect, we're not talking about Shawn Bradley and LaFrentz anymore. Are they flawed? Yes. Screwed by the chance of seeding? Quite possibly, but you drive down the paint at Chandler and Haywood and tell me they're soft. What they lack is an interior scorer. Chandler and Haywood are bigs who can help clean up messes and throw down lobs, but rarely look for their own shot. If Barea and Jet can give productive minutes off the bench, then it's Portland who's in trouble. However, in an offense based largely on finesse, you have to shoot the lights out consistently to get wins. In the playoffs, that's tough to do without getting to the line. I favor a Portland team as healthy as they've been all year with much chagrin. However, Dallas just might have enough defensive toughness to pleasantly surprise me. Mark my words, I'm not silly enough to guarantee any victories for any team and I am, at heart, a biased Mavs fan, but I believe if they beat Portland, they're favorites in the West and possibly the league. There's something special about this team, believe me. Portland in 6.
Thunder/Nuggets-If I had to pick one series to watch, it would be this one. The Thunder are longer and bigger and have a go-to guy in Durant. The Nuggets are tenacious, fast as all get out, and have nothing to lose. I feel as though the backcourts of Lawson and Felton neutralized Westbrook to a degree and will force him to be a true point-man. Gallo is a nice defender, but no match for KD. A rejuvinated K-Mart against Ibaka and the underrated Nene against Perk... simply, fireworks. I give the Thunder the edge because they have a closer, but this series will be ugly in the best possible way.
Thunder in 6.
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