The 2009 NBA Playoffs are just around the corner, and the Western Conference is replete with intriguing matchups. The race for the Western Conference champion is really up in the air.
Here's a breakdown of the 2009 Western Conference Playoffs matchups.
(1) Los Angeles Lakers 65-17 vs (8) Utah Jazz 48-34
The Jazz are finally looking healthy with Carlos Boozer starting to get back into rhythm. However, they'll have their hands full with the Lakers, who've just got Center Andrew Bynum back. Last year, the Lakers made it all the way to the NBA Finals without Bynum. With him, they look much more dangerous. Deron Williams should provide LA challenges at the point guard spot, but LA's depth and chemistry may be too much for Utah to handle.
Predicted Outcome: Lakers in five
(2) Denver Nuggets 54-28 vs (7) New Orleans Hornets 49-33
The Nuggets have had a great season. Some believe they've overachieved. That being said, the Hornets will provide a significant test for them Center Tyson Chandler is back in action, and Chris Paul and David West are playing outstanding. Chauncey Billups is the Nuggets best player, but he'll have his hands full with the lightning quick Paul. Also, the season series between these two teams is tied at two. Denver hasn't won a playoff series in a long time.
Predicted Outcome: Hornets in seven.
(3) San Antonio Spurs 54-28 vs (6) Dallas Mavericks 50-32
The season series is tied at two games a piece. Each team has blown the other out, and each team has beaten the other team on the road, as well as at home. The Spurs will miss Manu Ginobili, but Tony Parker's speed should give an aging Jason Kidd problems in the open court. Both teams have matchup problems. The Mavericks don't have much to stop Tim Duncan in the post, while the Spurs don't have an answer for Dirk Nowitzki. This could be a fun series.
Predicted Outcome: Spurs in seven.
(4) Portland Trail Blazers 54-28 vs (5) Houston Rockets 53-29
This should be a close series. Portland is a young team with a lot of upside and depth, but Houston should be able to matchup well against them. Yao Ming should give Joel Przybilla and Greg Oden problems; Luis Scola's phyiscal play should be a challenge for LaMarcus Aldridge, and Ron Artest's and Shane Battier's tough defense may make things difficult for Brandon Roy. Plus, Houston's going to be motivated having not won a first round playoff series since Yao Ming's been in the league.
Predicted Outcome: Rockets in six.
Second Round Matchups
(1) Lakers vs (5) Rockets (Prediction: Lakers in five)
(7) Hornets vs (3) Spurs (Prediction: Spurs in six)
Semifinals
(1) Lakers vs (3) Spurs (Prediction: Lakers in five)
