A breakdown and predictions of the 2008 Western Conference NBA Playoffs.
The 2008 Western Conference Playoff race was bizarre to say the least. The race for the top seed went down to the wire with the top six teams all finishing within three games. The Los Angeles Lakers pulled out the top spot with a record of 57-25, while the New Orleans Hornets and San Antonio Spurs were just a game behind.
The Golden State Warriors just missed out on the playoffs despite winning 48 games this season. The Denver Nuggets secured the final playoff spot by winning 50 games and beating the Warriors in their final match up just a week or so before the playoffs.
Here's a break down of the Western Conference Playoff Matchups:
(1) LA Lakers vs (8) Denver Nuggets
It looks like the Nuggets may be without Carmelo Anthony for some of the games. He was arrested for suspicions of DUI and losing him could be a huge blow for Denver. However, even with him, the Lakers have a big matchup advantage in this series. Though Kenyon Martin and Marcus Camby should be able to contest Pau Gasol fairly well, the Nuggets have no answer for the versatile Lamar Odom and the dominant Kobe Bryant.
Prediction: Lakers in five.
(2) New Orleans Hornets vs (7) Dallas Mavericks
This should be a great series. The Mavericks are much more playoff-tested and Jason Kidd finally seems to be fitting in with this team. The season series was split 2-2 with the Mavericks winning the final game on April 16th, 111-98. Chris Paul has won the matchup battle versus Jason Kidd, but the big question for New Orleans will be whether or not they can overcome their lack of depth. Still, David West's versatility at the four spot should give Dirk Nowitzki some problems, as West should be able to follow him some to the perimeter, and Peja Stojakovic will keep Josh Howard occupied with his long-range shooting. The Mavericks have the experience and the depth, but the Hornets have the team defense and Chris Paul, who's had an MVP type season. This should be a fun series to watch, and it's anyone's guess who'll win.
Prediction: Hornets in seven.
(3) San Antonio Spurs vs (6) Phoenix Suns
This is the series everyone's been waiting for. The Spurs have dominated the Suns in past playoff matchups, but the addition of an energized and motivated Shaquille O'Neal might change things. Certainly, Shaq makes for a more difficult match up for the Spurs, but San Antonio still has the history of being able to step things up in the playoffs and come through in big games. Their half court defense is dominant, which has been the primary reason why the Suns have had trouble against them in the past. Phoenix won the season series 3-1.
Prediction: Spurs in seven.
(4) Utah Jazz vs (5) Houston Rockets
This is a rematch of last year's first round when the Jazz defeated Houston in seven games. However, this year, the Rockets will have to conquer Utah without Yao Ming, who's out with a leg injury. Also, they'll likely be without Rafer Alston for much of the series. The addition of rookie Luis Scola this season will give them somebody to body up against Carlos Boozer, but ultimately the Rockets aren't as good as the Jazz. Tracy McGrady, who some consider a "choke artist" because he hasn't been past the first round of the playoffs, has struggled lately. Moreover, he's been unfairly criticized for his playoff struggles, because in all his career, he's never been on a team that was good enough to win a playoff series. Last year, the Jazz were better than the Rockets. This year, they're still better and the Rockets aren't at full strength. This could be a long series for Houston.
Prediction: Jazz in six.
