2011 NBA Playoffs: Could the Memphis Grizzlies Upset the San Antonio Spurs?

Most of the time, the No. 1 seed is easily the favorite to take out the No. 8 seed. In this year's wild West though, it may be a real duel between the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs and the Memphis Grizzlies.

On one hand, the Spurs are always tough to beat in the playoffs. They are experienced, have good team chemistry, and are well-coached.

They have been the best team in the regular season, and usually step it up a notch for the playoffs. Tim Duncan, one of the greatest power forwards ever, plays a lot more minutes in the postseason, which makes his team more dangerous.

However, the young Grizzlies have a chance to not just win their first ever game, but to also give the Spurs a run for their money.

San Antonio has struggled as of late. That shouldn't be too much of a concern as it is mostly just because of resting starters, and maybe some regular season fatigue.

The bigger concern though, is the injury to All-Star Manu Ginobili, who is considered doubtful for Game 1. Duncan and Tony Parker also have suffered nagging injuries.

Memphis has played well lately, and is not a team I'd like to see in the first round of the playoffs.

Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol are one of the best big-man duos in the league. Their size, length, scoring and rebounding can give any team problems. They will be a huge advantage in the grind-it-out, slow, physical playoffs.

Tony Allen has played great in the past couple months, he also brings them championship experience and the will to win. Allen and forward Shane Battier are both excellent defenders and will make life difficult on the Spurs' perimeter players.

O.J. Mayo and Mike Conley are both athletic young guards who can shoot and defend. And Sam Young, Darrel Arthur and Leon Powe have stepped up off the bench.

The Spurs' experience should see them through, but it will be no cakewalk. If Ginobili misses significant time, we could be in for a long and closely contested series.