2011 NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Preview First Round

Yesterday I tackled the East. Now, we take a look at the other side of the fence.  As usual, the West has been tight all throughout the season. With San Antonio rolling though most of the regular season as the best in the West as well as the league, until their last game where they gave up the top seed overall to the surging Bulls. Lakers and Mavs fighting for second seed in the West through the last game of the season. OKC, Denver, the surprising Blazers, Hornets, and the Grizzlies round up our contenders in the Wild West.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS (1) VERSUS MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (8)

Regular Season Series:  Tied 2-2

The Spurs practically rolled through the season being the league best until the last game. Their Ol' Big Three finally  playing together and healthy. Although Manu's late injury  could bring an impact to the Spurs. Meanwhile, Memphis have been a steady young team I expected of them. They could be a scary team to face for the Spurs. The eight-seeded Grizzlies have the size and athleticism --two things the Spurs don't have.

San Antonio in 7

LOS ANGELES LAKERS (2) VERSUS NEW ORLEANS HORNETS (7)

Regular Season Series: Lakers won 4-0

The Lakers avoided a match up against Portland. They will now take advantage of of David West-less Hornets. The Andrew Bynum injury may not hurt the Champs as Pau and Lamar could handle Emeka Okafor down low.  The Lakers just have too much firepower against the Hornets, and Chris Paul's 20ppg alone would not make the cut.

LA in 4.

DALLAS MAVERICKS (3) VERSUS PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (6)

Regular Season Series: Tied 2-2

This series is going to be an exciting one as it features two of the best power forwards in the league. The addition of Gerald Wallace gave the Blazers the toughness and defense. Now, we will see how the paid off against a much better offensive team. I expect a very tight and intense series here with no clear cut winner. It could go either way.

Portland in 6.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (4) VERSUS DENVER NUGGETS (5)

Regular Season Series: Thunder won 3-1

I look forward to this series simply because they are the future of the NBA. The Thunder has leaped from a glad-to-be-in-the-playoffs team that gave a scare to the eventual champions last year to a legit contender this year. The Durant-Westbrook combination have been their back bone, but the acquisition of Perkins and Ibaka sliding into the starting lineup made then one hell of a young team. Meanwhile, the Nuggets actually played better post-Melo trade. They are now a more balanced, athletic team, plus they are younger. The only flaw I see is their lack of cohesion given their limited time playing together. But look out for them as I see bright future in their rebuilding process.

OKC in 5.