The Western Conference is the superior conference (for now) but they are probably the easiest to project. That is provided, I am correct in my picks. While the Western conference has been the most competitive it has dominated by the Spurs and the Lakers for over a decade. The 2006 Mavericks were the only other team other team to represent the West since 1999. The Spurs and the Lakers hold the top two seeds but prerinnel contender Dallas lead by the title hungry Dirk Nowitzki looks to put an end to his playoff woes and the dark horse candidate Thunder look ready to begin a new era in the West.
1. San Antonio Spurs (61-21)
Championships: 4
Last Championship (2007)
Previous Playoff Run: 2010, Lost Second Round (4-0) to Phoenix Suns
Best Player: Tim Duncan
X-Factor: Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili
8. Memphis Grizzlies (46-36)
Championships: N/A
Previous Playoff Run: 2006, Lost First Round 4-0 to Dallas Mavericks
Best Player: Zach Randolph
X-Factor: Marc Gasol
Season Series: Tied 2-2
Most Intriguing Match-up: Zach Randolph v. Tim Duncan
Chris Broussard put the Spurs on upset alert, if Rudy Gay wasn't out, I might actually buy it. Memphis is a dangerous team with Gay. Without him, I think it's a quick series.
Prediction: 4-1, San Antonio
2. Lost Angeles Lakers (57-25)
Championships: 16
Last Championship: 2010
Previous Playoff Run: Won Finals (4-0) over Boston Celtics
Best Player: Kobe Bryant
X-Factor: Pau Gasol
7. New Orleans Hornets (46-36)
Championships: N/A
Previous Playoff Run: 2009 Lost First Round (4-1) to Denver Nuggets
Best Player: Chris Paul
X-Factor: Trevor Ariza
Season Series: 4-0 Los Angeles
Most Intriguing Match-up: If we could see a little Kobe on CP3 and vice versa
It's almost like the Lakers have the 1 seed as they managed to get the weakest team in the playoffs in the first round. The David West-less Hornets shouldn't be much of a problem for L.A. and the Lakers can probably use this as an opportunity to rest Bynum.
Prediction: 4-0 Los Angeles, and that Kobe comes out in rainbow colored sneakers in support of GLAAD.
3. Dallas Mavericks (57-25)
Championships: N/A
Previous Playoff Run: 2010, Lost First Round (4-2) to San Antonio Spurs
Best Player: Dirk Nowitzki
X-Factor: Jason Kidd
6. Portland Trail Blazers (48-34)
Championships: 1
Last Championship: 1977
Previous Playoff Run: 2010, Lost First Round (4-2) to Phoenix Suns
Best Player: LaMarcus Aldridge
X-Factor: Brandon Roy
Season Series: Tied 2-2
Most Intrguing Match-up: Dirk Nowitzki vs. LaMarcus Aldridge
UPSET ALERT! But would it really be that much of an upset? We have been waiting for Portland's break out season for years and the Aldridge-Roy era Blazers have never made it past the first round. Well, I think it's time to pop that playoff cherry. Since making the Finals in 2006 the Mavs have only advanced in the playoffs once in 2009, which could possibly be credited to a Ginobili injury. Well I expect the Mavs playoff woes to continue. Portland, time for your coming out party.
Prediction: 4-2, Portland
4. Oklahoma City Thunder (55-27)
Championships: 1
Last Championship: 1979 (As Seattle Supersonics)
Previous Playoff Run: 2010, Lost First Round (4-2) to Los Angeles Lakers
Best Player: Kevin Durant
X-Factor: Russel Westbrook
5. Denver Nuggets (50-32)
Championships: N/A
Previous Playoff Run: Lost First Round (4-2) to Utah Jazz
Best Player: Nene Hilario
X-Factor: J.R. Smith
Season Series: 3-1, Oklahoma City
Most Intriguing Match-up: Russel Westbrook vs. Denver's point guard tag-team, Ty Lawson and Raymond Felton
Denver is the feel good story of 2011. Losing their two best players, one of whom is arguably the best player the franchise has ever had and still managing to win 50 games and grab a 5 seed in the playoffs. As much as I would like the Nuggets to win, because as a Lakers fan, I fear the Thunder, the magic stops here.
Prediction: 4-1 Oklahoma City.
No comments:
Post a Comment