2009 NBA Western Conference Finals Preview
Lakers, Nuggets Meet For Spot In the NBA Finals
May 18, 2009
Here is a look at how the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets match up in the Western Conference Finals.
1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. 2 Denver Nuggets
At the point, the Lakers will start veteran Derek Fisher. Fisher has looked old recently and has trouble at the defensive end. The Nuggets will counter with former NBA Finals MVP Chauncey Billups, who has been as good as ever this year and has been the catalyst for the great run the Nuggets have been on. Big edge to Denver at the point. At the two guard, the Lakers have one of the best players in the NBA and last year's NBA Most Valuable Player, Kobe Bryant. The Nuggets counter with defensive specialist Dahntay Jones. Expect this match-up to be very physical and maybe even lead to a few skirmishes. Kobe was still able to score despite tough defense in the Houston series and this should be no different. Needless to say, the Lakers have a big edge here.
Season Series - Los Angeles leads 3-1
Up front both teams are very strong. At small forward, the Lakers have Trevor Ariza, who has played well in these playoffs and given them a big spark. The Nuggets, however, counter with Carmelo Anthony, one of the premier scorers in the league and a much-improved defender. Big advantage for Denver here. At power forward, the Lakers have an all-star in Pau Gasol. He is a very good scorer and a solid rebounder, but he has been accused of being a soft player. His toughness will certainly be tested against a very physical defender in Kenyon Martin. Martin is a mediocre offensive player, though, so Gasol gets the edge here. At center is a very intriguing match-up. The Lakers will start Andrew Bynum, who has been quiet in these playoffs but played well in game 7 vs. Houston. The Nuggets counter with Nene, who played very well against Dallas, particularly at home. Nene is a little more consistent than Bynum, so he gets the nod here.
As for the benches, both teams are strong in that area. The Lakers bench is led by Lamar Odom, a very versatile player who brings scoring and rebounding. Jordan Farmar, Luke Walton, and Sasha Vujacic have played well at times, but have been up and down. The Nuggets, meanwhile boast perhaps the best bench in the league. J.R. Smith is a guy who can light it up from the perimeter and put up big scoring numbers. Anthony Carter gives them scoring and energy at the back-up point. Chris "Birdman" Anderson gives them defense and athleticism, and is one of the best shot-blockers in the league. Overall, the Nuggets bench is a tad better than the Lakers.
This figures to be a competitive and entertaining series between two very good teams. After looking at all the match-ups, though, you have to go with the Nuggets.The feeling here is that the Lakers are too inconsistent right now to beat a well-rested Nuggets team that is clicking on all cylinders.
Prediction: Nuggets in 6
