NBA Playoffs: WEST Ed.1

Now that you got my EAST first round predictions time for the "oh so predictable" Western Conference. The West is an all-around better first round because you do not have teams that just "slid down the sliding" and got in the playoffs. Lets start with...

(1) Los Angeles vs. (8) Utah

Utah has struggled losing six in a row down the stretch. We all know how poorly they play on the road, but watch out because Jerry Sloan's team can give Phil Jackson's "I'm on a mission, get out of our way" team a hell of a run for their money. They are deep, athletic, and above all, they can score points.

Kobe (the best player in the Association) Bryant is just too much for this Jazz team to handle. This L.A. team is deeper than the Atlantic. When you can have a Lamar Odom, who is a triple double waiting to happen, come off your bench, that's what I call luxury. L.A.'s deeper, better, and a better equation overall. And I cannot go against my "boi" Phil Jackson who is first all time in playoff wins with 193.

*4-STAR Series* 
L.A. over the Jazz - 6 games.

(2) Denver vs. (7) New Orleans

EASILY the most intriguing series of all the first round playoff games because if you want an upset, this is the one to put your "mula" on. Vegas has the Hornets at +220 and I have to agree. This series will be tight because Denver, in my opinion, has some bone heads on their team. I have emphasized my love for Chauncey Billups but J.R. Smith, Chris (I will not call him "Birdman") Anderson, and Kenyan Martin are just not a good mix of players.

Geroge Karl has overachieved this season. Though he finsihed second in my "Coach of The Year" voting, he is going out early in the first round. The series could easily go to the Pepsi Center for the seventh game but I am just not sure...

*5-Star Series* 
New Orleans over the Nuggets - 5 games.

(3) San Antonio vs. (6) Dallas

How do you go against the Spurs after the run they have had. Greg Popovich, who is third all-time in playoff wins with 103, has out coached the majority once again. No Manu Ginobli, but they still have Tony Parker and "the most consistent player I think ever" in Timothy Duncan. Those two players sprinkled in with a "hope he can handle the pressure unlike when he was with the Wizzards" Robert Mason Jr., I feel as if this team is destined once again.

Dallas has been extraordinary. They bring in this guy named Rick Carlisle (haha "this guy) and he does a poor job in the beginning but then some how miraculously gets his team to a six seed. Jason Terry, who is an absolute lock for "6th man of the year," has had one of his best years and Dirk Nowitzki has followed it up with a superb second half season. Lets not forget about the acquisition of Drew Gooden, who has been outstanding off the bench. In the end too much Tony Parker... Mavs have no one that can guard him. Though I will say, do not be surprised if the upset occurs because Dallas has played their A game the latter part of the season.

*4-STAR Series* 
San Antonio over the Mavericks - 5 games.

(4)Portland vs. (5) Houston

Who would have thought a TMACless Rocket team would be the five seed out west. Rick Adelman has done a terrific job with this Houston team by utilizing Yao Ming the way he should have been used this entire time. Yao is the "franchise player." That is why you got him Houston. That being said, I am still nervous about taking the Rockets because the Trailblazers are the new upcoming team out west. The reason why: Well because "Eastern Washington's best," Mr. Brandon Roy himself has been lights out all year. I know he is a second tear MVP candidate but who would not want this guy on their team?

I do not like the "Human Foul" machine, Greg Oden, but I love the rest of the team. Listen, quit pretending that Oden was not a massively and overwhelmingly BAD pick. He is a complete bust. (But that is besides the fact.) I love the rest of this Portland team and I think (if they get to the second round) they can give L.A. a run for their money. They are younger, fresher, and flashy... that is a good recipe for an upset... maybe.

*5-STAR Series* 
Portland over the Rockets - 7 games.