2011 NBA Playoffs: Does Oklahoma City Have a Chance vs. the Dallas Mavericks?

The Dallas Mavericks have been nothing short of spectacular this postseason, proving their critics (myself included) wrong while handling the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers.

Oklahoma City has reached the Western Conference Finals in their own typical fashion after being pushed to the brink against a gritty Memphis Grizzlies squad. But, eventually they prevailed and we find ourselves with a heck of a matchup to determine the West champion.

So what's going to happen?

Well, I just don't see this series being even close.

The Mavericks are simply on fire right now, with Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry and Jason Kidd clicking on all cylinders.  Throw in the fact Peja Stojakovic thinks it's 2003 again and you have a serious title contender.

The Thunder are a great story and a remarkably talented team, but the inconsistency of Russell Westbrook has proved costly this postseason and I just don't see him putting together a series reminiscent to his Game 7 performance against the Grizzlies.

Dallas simply dismantled the defending champion Lakers, finishing off the sweep in dominant fashion.  The added rest should also provide the savvy veteran squad enough time to prepare for the energetic Thunder.

Kevin Durant has proven to be the only consistently valuable option for the Thunder, while the Mavericks have multiple options that can be counted upon. 

As scary as it sounds, the battle in the paint seems relatively equal, with Tyson Chandler giving them the key piece they have been missing for years. Neither Serge Ibaka nor Kendrick Perkins are immense threats offensively, so with those positions cancelling each other out, Dallas is in position to run away with this one.

Expect the Mavericks to sweep their homestand, followed by taking at least one in Oklahoma City. I wouldn't be surprised by a sweep, but I think Durant can get the Thunder one at home.

Dallas in five.