2011 NBA Playoff Predictions in the Western Conference: Who Will Win?
OK, so the NBA playoffs are finally here. Since the Eastern Conference matchups were already set, we went over those yesterday. Now it is time for the West. We have seen some surprises in the West, like Memphis making the playoffs and San Antonio picking up the top seed. Now, it is time for the predictions.
(1) San Antonio vs. (8) Memphis
It was a great season for the Memphis Grizzles, who followed up a 40-42 record in 2009-10 (and 2-3 seasons at the bottom of the league before that) with a 46-36 record and a playoff appearance. Their reward? The 61-21 San Antonio Spurs, who have dominated the league in 2010 and 2011. However, the Spurs have been losing games recently and Memphis has been resting players...almost like they wanted San Antonio.
The Spurs have gotten help from Richard Jefferson and George Hill, but if Memphis can take those two out of the game, it will definitely be closer. Zach Randolph (and Rudy Gay, when healthy) averages more points than any player on the Spurs roster. Mike Conley, Marc Gasol and O.J Mayo each average over 11 PPG as well.
The Grizzles definitely have the talent to match the Spurs. Unfortunately for the Grizz, I think it will be experience in this series, and that's why I am going with the Spurs. Like I said, if Jefferson and Hill are taken out of the games, it will be a whole different series. But for now, I have San Antonio.
Prediction: Spurs in seven
(2) LA Lakers vs. (7) New Orleans
From Kobe to Gasol to Odom to Fisher, the Lake Show is loaded with talent. All these guys have great experience, and they know how to beat any team. However, Marco Belinelli, Emeka Okafor, Trevor Ariza and Carl Landry have made huge contributions in addition to Chris Paul and David West. The Lakers can put New Orleans away in four by taking those guys out of the game, but it is harder than it seems.
The Lakers know how to win close games, while the Hornets don't play many close ones. New Orleans will be forced to play well in those kinds of situations, and that will be hard for them. The Lakers have Derek Fisher, Kobe, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and many other guys with playoff experience. That will be the difference in this series, and I think LA has that edge.
Prediction: Lakers in six
(3) Dallas vs. (6) Portland
This will probably be the closest series. Dallas' history of playoff failure and Portland's ability to compete with anyone will be a huge factor. For the Blazers, LaMarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews have really stepped up, and Nicholas Batum, Gerald Wallace, Andre Miller and Brandon Roy have made a difference.
Jason Terry has done well for Dallas, but the Mavs will need much more to take down the Blazers. Portland is underrated because of its inconsistency, but it only needs four good games to advance into the next round. The Blazers will need good games from the supporting cast and the role players to make a big impact, or they will need to completely shut down Dirk Nowitzki—Jason Terry can definitely not beat the Blazers by himself. I don't think they will shut down Dirk, but the background will step up.
Prediction: Blazers in six
(4) Oklahoma City vs. (5) Denver
The Nuggets lost Carmelo Anthony. They lost Chauncey Billups. So how are they here? Simple: Eight players averaging over 10 points per game and the Nuggets cruised into the playoffs. You almost always see the team with eight players averaging 10-plus PPG winning, but this may be different. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have carried the team, and by averaging 115.6 PPG, the Thunder have been able to go 55-27.
OKC went 3-1 against the Nuggets, one of those wins coming on Christmas Day, where Durant scored 44. Not every Nugget has played well at the right time for Denver, which is why the Nuggets are a No. 5 seed instead of a No. 2 seed. Westbrook and Durant will run all over the Nuggets, and not every Nugget will play well at the right time.
Prediction: Thunder in five
