NBA Western Conference a 3 Team Race?

With only about a fourth of the regular season to be played, it seems like the NBA Western Conference was stabalized as far as playoff contenders.  The 8 teams that are currently in the playoff race will most probably stay there, with a few possible seeding changes.  It has been become clear that the West has 2 blocks of teams, the first including the Lakers, Nuggets, Mavericks, and Utah and the second including the Thunder, Phoenix, San Antonio, and Portland.

Although the matchups should provide plenty of memorable moments and close games, it is tough for any second group team to advance past the first round.  As far as my opinion goes, the Lakers, Nuggets, Mavericks, and Utah will ALL go past the first round.  That being said, lets focus on this 4 team race for a moment.

If the playoffs started today, the Lakers would play Utah in the second round, while Dallas would play Denver.  I believe that given Denver's ridiculous stretch of games to end the season, Utah might actually finish ahead of them in the seedings.  That being said, Denver would actually play the Lakers in the second round which would be a playoff series that can not be missed.  I think Denver will give the Lakers a run for their money only to have Kobe Bryant make a game winning shot here and there to take the series 4-3 or 4-2.  Don't get me wrong, I like Denver, but I think the Lakers big men will outpower Denvers big men (who are not very big).  As far as Dallas and Utah, I believe it should not be an issue for Dallas to dispatch Utah in a 7 game series, comfortably winning 4-2 or 4-1.  The reason I believe is is because Dallas got a significantly tougher with the Butler and Haywood trade, something that is a mayor factor when playing Utah.  That plus Deron William's ankles and Mehmet Okur's everything have been an issue.  Williams must be a 100% if they want a chance to beat the Mavericks.

This brings us to a finale of the Lakers versus the Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals.  This should be more than interesting.  I believe the Nuggets would have an easier time matching up with Dallas than the Lakers do.  Dallas has the size to battle the Lakers, while the Lakers do not have the speedy athletic point guard that is the Maverick's main weakness.  This is bound to be a 7-game series and can go either way.  Given that the Lakers will have a very energy consuming series with Denver, I would not be surprised if Dallas pulls the upset on LA.

While teams are fighting for playoff position in the West, they might be realizing that this year it matters more than they may have originally thought.  It is no longer an issue of avoiding the Lakers.  It is now an issue of matchups that can mean a second round exit or a Western Conference Championship.  It will be a vicios triangle past the second round.  Dalla has the Lakers number, while the Lakers have Denver's and Denver's got Dallas.

However this ends up, it should be very interesting to watch!

Now, what do you think?