NBA Playoffs 2012 Predictions: Forecasting Western Conference Round 1 Winners

It appears rumors of the San Antonio Spurs' demise were greatly exaggerated. Concerns about the condensed schedule wearing down the team's veteran lineup were overblown and the Spurs went on to claim the Western Conference's top seed heading into the NBA playoffs.

Let's take a look a each of the first-round matchups in the West and predict which teams will advance to Round 2. Based on the more reasonable postseason schedule, the level of play should increase dramatically, leading to more drama.

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Utah Jazz

Gregg Popovich controlled the minutes of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili to perfection, which will allow his three stars to enter the playoffs fresh. Add in the fact the Spurs have the league's most depth and it's easy to see why they are positioned for another deep run.

If the Jazz want to give themselves any chance of pulling off the upset they will need to dominate the paint. Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap combined to average 36 points and 18 rebounds. When the Spurs were upset last season it was because the Memphis Grizzlies had two dominant post players.

That said, the Spurs have been too consistent throughout the season to suffer the same fate again. The big three understand their championship window is nearly closed, and will play with enough urgency to advance with relative east.

Prediction: Spurs in five games.

(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (7) Dallas Mavericks

James Harden wasn't seriously injured when he received an elbow to the head from Metta World Peace, and that's huge news for the Thunder. The combination of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook lead the way, but Oklahoma City will need secondary scorers to emerge and Harden's the most likely candidate.

The defending champions were never able to find a rhythm during the regular season. In head-to-head matchups with the Thunder, however, they never lost by more than nine points. Led by Dirk Nowitzki the Mavericks have enough talent to give their younger foes a scare.

Composure will be the key for Oklahoma City. It's the team's first playoff run where the expectations are high, and they can't afford to get caught up in the hype. Don't be surprised if this turns out to be an extended series, but the Thunder should move on.

Prediction: Thunder in seven games.

(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Denver Nuggets

World Peace was actually performing exactly how the Lakers envisioned when they originally brought him in before his suspension, so that loss will be bigger than most people expect. They still have three major pieces to lean on as Kobe Bryant seeks his sixth ring, though.

The Nuggets are greater than the sum of their parts. Each individual player won't strike any fear into the Los Angeles coaching staff, but they play a strong team game and rarely get caught out of position. That type of discipline is always difficult to play against in the playoffs.

Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol give the Lakers a significant edge in the paint. As long as Bynum keeps his head on straight, it's tough to imagine a way in which Denver will be able to slow them down enough to win the series.

Prediction: Lakers in six games.

(4) Memphis Grizzlies vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers

An MCL injury slowed down Zach Randolph for most of the season. His ability to rediscover his previous form will be the biggest key for the Grizzlies. Unless he steps up his play, Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol won't have enough support to keep pace with the high-flying Clippers.

The biggest critique of the Clippers is that they are all flash and not enough substance. Even though there's a grain of truth to that, they are still a dangerous team because Chris Paul and Blake Griffin can cause serious matchup problems. They won't be an easy out.

This series has the potential to turn out as the most exciting one of the opening round. Neither team has any clear advantages, which means it has a good chance to go the distance. All told, the Clippers will survive and advance.

Prediction: Clippers in seven games.