While the status of Andrew Bynum is doubtful, his presence will not play a major role in the outcome of this series. Kobe Bryant can smell a championship at this point and unfortunately for the Jazz, they don't have anyone talented enough to defend him. Pau Gasol has been playing the best basketball of his young career during these playoffs, and I see no end in sight for his production. (The entire Memphis front office, please light yourself on fire).
The Jazz will have to hope for a stellar performance by Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer. Andrei Kirilenko will have the impossible task of trying to contain Kobe Bryant. Ever since going AWOL under the Jerry Sloan regime, Kirilenko has been a shell of his former self. The new Andrei is highly under qualified to guard a motivated Kobe.
Although the Jazz home court advantage is the best in the league look for the Lakers to steal an exciting game on the road, and end this series in six games.
Prediction: Lakers 4, Jazz 2
Hornets v. Spurs
This series has potential to be the best of any series in the playoffs. So many matchups to watch for. Can CP3 continue to play at an impossibly high level for another series against a better defensive team? Can Tony Parker repeat one of the best point guard performances of all time like he had in Game Three against the Suns when he scored 41 points while also having 14 assists?
The Spurs will be the Spurs. Look for Tim Duncan to continually defy his critics and have another stellar series. Manu Ginobli has been one of the most unstoppable forces thus far in the playoffs, and look for that to continue as well. The Spurs also have the luxury of a Bruce Bowen, a player who can keep David West from taking over any given game. Tony Parker will be the X-Factor. If he can play like he did against the Suns, the Spurs will win games.
The Hornets, who rely on their outside shooting for success, will have to shoot well to have a chance. The pick and roll that was so effective against a below average Dallas defense will not work against Tim Duncan and Bruce Bowen. Don't count on Tyson Chandler taking countless lobs from Chris Paul here. However, Chris Paul is not only one of the most competitive players in the league, but he also possesses a rare set of intangibles that give off the, "There's no f****** way I'm losing this game" aura that infects not only himself, but his teammates as well. I can't see him stopping the roll he is on just yet.
This series is definitely going seven games, and thankfully for the Hornets, they are the number two seed and will have home court for that deciding game seven.
Prediction: Hornets 4, Spurs 3
Lakers v. Hornets
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