Bold Predictions, Scouting Reports for NBA Western Conference Playoff Contenders

In what can only be described as one of the most even seasons in NBA history, the Western Conference is completely up for grabs.

The San Antonio Spurs have just a half-game lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder for first place in the West, while the Lakers lead the Clippers by just half a game for third. The sixth and seventh seeds are also separated by a half-game, as are the eighth-seed Jazz and two playoff bubble teams.

In other words, this entire year of playoff basketball is completely up for grabs in the Western Conference.

To properly inspect each team's chances of making the playoffs, and thus making a run, here are all 10 playoff contenders' scouting reports and bold predictions.

1. San Antonio Spurs (45-16)

I truly cannot say enough about the San Antonio Spurs. With aging stars and inexperienced role players, Gregg Popovich has managed to make it work in San Antonio despite having the odds stacked against him. A major reason has been the efficiency of Tim Duncan and the absolute brilliance of Tony Parker.

What must be stated about the Spurs, however, is that no individual outweighs the team. While Tony Parker has been the centerpiece that keeps it all together, his play has been so consistent that it almost seems irrational to suggest he'll have a bad night. After all, Parker isn't just having a good season; he's a former NBA Finals MVP with three rings to his name.

Make that four rings for Duncan and Popovich.

Unfortunately for the Spurs, their run will not be as long as they may hope. While their potential match-up with the Thunder may offer excitement, there's one thing it will not offer: an entry to the Western Conference Finals.

Bold Prediction: Lose in Western Conference Semifinals

2. Oklahoma City Thunder (45-17)

It's a shame how box scores have come to define basketball, as the 4-1 series victory that the Oklahoma City Thunder held over the Denver Nuggets was much closer than the numbers would suggest. For true insight into how close they were, three of the five games were decided by three points. A fourth was decided by four.

With a potential rematch looming over the Thunder's heads, there is reason for concern. The Thunder are last in the NBA in terms of assists, registering just 18.4 per game. They're also 17th in points allowed and average the most turnovers of any team in the NBA.

Fortunately, they have a trio that consists of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Two MVP candidates and the likely Sixth Man of the Year.

The key to this series, however, will not be their triumphant trio. Instead, it will be an unheralded duo that will be tasked with defending and out-rebounding one of the most productive frontcourts in all of basketball.

Between the NBA's leading shot blocker, Serge Ibaka, and the NBA's resident tough guy, Kendrick Perkins, they may just be able to get the job done.

Upon doing so, be prepared for a not-so-expected turn of events.

Bold Prediction: 7-Game First Round; Lose in Western Conference Semifinals

3. Los Angeles Lakers (40-23)

The Los Angeles Lakers have a lightning-quick point guard, the league's best big-man tandem since the Twin Towers and the greatest playoff performer of our generation. For those expecting Kobe and company to fall in Round 2, please temper your expectations.

In the first round, the Lakers are currently set to take on the Dallas Mavericks. Considering the Mavericks thoroughly embarrassed the Lakers in 2011, expect a serious pursuit of revenge. Also expect a very different outcome.

In 2011, the Mavericks had a combination of point guards and three-point marksmen that the Lakers simply couldn't combat.

In 2012, the Lakers have a point guard who's equally as quick and just as tough. They also have long and athletic big men who can hold their own and enable the league's second-best rebounding team to dominate the glass.

Come the Western Conference Finals, those who predicted smooth sailing for the Oklahoma City Thunder will see their theories go up in flames. The Lakers are built for a third title in four years.

Expect the Finals match-up we've all been waiting for. The real one.

Kobe vs. LeBron.

Bold Prediction: NBA Finals; Kobe vs. LeBron, Part I

4. Los Angeles Clippers (39-24)

The Los Angeles Clippers have come a long way from a year ago, and despite popular belief, it's due to more than just Chris Paul.

While Paul's play has been magnificent, as always, the Clippers made quite a few additions that have offered a change of fortune. A once-crippled backcourt now includes sharpshooting Mo Williams and the inconsistent-but-capable tandem of Randy Foye and Nick Young at the 2.

In the front court, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan have received a huge boost thanks to the addition of Kenyon Martin. Alongside them is former All-Star and still productive Caron Butler, as well as high-motor Bobby Simmons.

While the supporting cast alone may not win a playoff series, they're more than good enough to put up a fight against even the best of opponents. When united with Chris Paul, it's easy to see why Clippers fans are so confident.

Year 1, however, won't go as planned.

Bold Prediction: Lose in First Round to Memphis Grizzlies

5. Memphis Grizzlies (37-25)

Here come the Memphis Grizzlies, poised and ready to take down the NBA and follow up their breakout season with a deep playoff run!

Zach Randolph is finally healthy and the Grizz are clicking on cylinders, with the NBA community firmly behind them. The issue is, they're about to run into a one-man freight train that's bringing on a whole lot of powerful luggage.

Don't get me wrong, this is going to be an excellent series; Mike Conley Jr. will begin to get the respect he deserves as he puts on full display his defensive repetoire that makes him the league's premier point guard defender.

O.J. Mayo and Tony Allen will out-duel the Clippers at the 2, Rudy Gay and Caron Butler will have a memorable match-up and the combination of Z-Bo, Mareese Speights and Marc Gasol will prove to be much more well-rounded than the Clippers' attack.

Unfortunately, there's this guy named Chris Paul who the Grizzlies have to handle.

While they won't be able to do much in terms of slowing Paul down, their team will show why the hype was warranted and open the door for a rematch with the team they upset in 2012: the San Antonio Spurs.

Bold Prediction: Upset Clippers, Spurs; lose in Battle of the Gasols

6. Dallas Mavericks (35-28)

Arguably the most dangerous 6-seed in the history of the NBA Playoffs, the reigning champions are hitting their stride at the perfect time of the season. Even in their losses, it seems that they're as in-sync as they have been all year.

Dirk Nowitzki will show up in a big way, with Jason Terry and Shawn Marion keeping the pace alongside him. The surprise player to watch, however, is Brandan Wright. His Player Efficiency Rating of 21.27 is a sign of how well he's played in his fourth year in the league.

As for what the Mavericks will or will not be able to pull off, expect a hard-fought series with the Lakers. While they could potentially slip to 7 and face the Thunder, or even 8 and face the Spurs, expect the Mavericks to keep this pace and remain at the 6-seed. There is no reason they can't pull off another magical run.

Bold Prediction: First Round Exit

7. Denver Nuggets (34-28)

The Denver Nuggets are a team that can compete with anyone in the NBA. They can get out and run, slow it down and score in transition, and have the perfect balance of perimeter scoring and low-post efficiency. They also have the best 1-2 punch in the NBA when it comes to the point-guard position.

Between Ty Lawson, who is on the doorstep of elite, and Andre Miller, who is as good as ever, the Nuggets will compete with anyone at the point.

That's especially important as they are on pace to face Russell Westbrook and the Thunder in the first round. If not, they could face either Tony Parker and the Spurs, Chris Paul and the Clippers or Ramon Sessions and the Lakers. 

The quickness of any opponent will be matched by Lawson, while Miller will be able to create team chemistry with his timeless passing.

As for their fate, the Nuggets will bring any team they face to seven games. In this series, it will not be Danilo Gallinari who takes the leap to elite; it will be Lawson. Expect double-doubles and big-time scoring in the clutch.

Bold Prediction: Seven-game series; Ty Lawson breaks out

8. Phoenix Suns (33-30)

The Phoenix Suns are as feel-good a story as you can find in the NBA, with 38-year-old Steve Nash playing as strong as ever with an average of 10.8 assists per game. They're also receiving solid contributions from premier center Marcin Gortat and the defensive wiz, Jared Dudley.

Unfortunately for the Suns, their best efforts will fall just short.

With their final three games coming against teams currently in the playoffs, it's hard to imagine the Suns overcoming this half-game deficit. While they're likely to alternate positions with the Jazz, games against the Nuggets and Spurs will be no easy task.

Neither will that road game against the Jazz on April 24.

Bold Prediction: Drop final game of the season; miss out on playoffs

Bubble: Utah Jazz (33-30)

There is no team happier than the Utah Jazz, as they have the perfect balance in their attack of the San Antonio Spurs. They're dominant in the front court, utilizing four starting-caliber players to keep the pressure on.

This will favor the Jazz, as Tiago Splitter just doesn't have the fundamentals and DeJuan Blair lacks the size to handle Al Jefferson and Co.

The biggest issue for the Jazz will be their point guard play, where Devin Harris has been very inconsistent. Fortunately for Utah, Harris is on a streak of three consecutive games of 20-plus scoring and seems as comfortable as ever in the Jazz's system.

Expect a Memphis Grizzlies-type performance here, as Al Jefferson finally receives the attention he's long-deserved.

Bold Prediction: Six-game Series; Jazz become trendy pick in 2013

Bubble: Houston Rockets (32-31)

As stated in a previous article of mine, the Houston Rockets just aren't built for a playoff run. Despite masterful play at the point from both Kyle Lowry and Goran Dragic, Houston has been one of the most up-and-down teams in the NBA. It's a shame, too, as they happen to be amongst the NBA's elite when playing at a high level.

The Rockets have quite a favorable schedule, which makes this difficult to predict. They play the Hornets and the Warriors, but also travel to Miami. Considering the Jazz are up a half-game and play their final three at home, this deficit becomes much steeper than the number would suggest.

A great first season for Kevin McHale, but the Rockets fall just short of their first playoff season in the post-Adelman era.

Their 105-99 loss to the Hornets virtually sealed their fate.

Bold Prediction: Miss playoffs