2008 Playoffs - First Round Predictions (West)
So much has been said about how uber-ultra-super-competitive the Western Conference is. Heck, half of the first round matchups look like conference matchups already. Let’s get down to the predictions, shall we?
LA Lakers (1) vs Denver Nuggets (8)
A disgruntled Kobe Bryant can still do a lot of damage. Now that he seems happy and contented wearing the Lakers Jersey, he’s just at an even higher level. The Nugs might have all that explosive (and unpredictable) firepower, but LA gets things done one a more consistent basis. The Lakers will take this series in 6 games.
New Orleans (2) vs Dallas (7)
The Mavs brought in the aging Jason Kidd to help them with their campaign and Dirk Nowitzki Wolverine-d his way back from an injury just in time to get them a playoff spot. Chris Paul may be in his first playoff appearance, but it won’t matter much as he dominated Kidd (and just about any other PG) all year. Hornets in 6.
San Antonio Spurs (3) vs Phoenix Suns (6)
The Suns built themselves to be the anti-Spurs by acquiring Shaq. The defending champs might look a tad slower this year but they turn into different creatures in the post-season. This was a match destined to happen and looks to go all the way to sudden death. Phoenix will finally beat San Antonio in 7 games.
Utah Jazz (4) vs Houston Rockets (5)
The 22-game win streak is already in the NBA history books. So is Tracy McGrady’s lack of playoff success. T-Mac has to step up big time in this series to turn it into a tight contest. But given the fact that Utah is better in more positions (especially at the 1 and 4), they could dispense of Houston in 6 games.