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WEST
(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (8) Oklahoma City Thunder
Everyone loves an underdog, and I think that saying is most evident in this series. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have revived this team and made them a fan favorite. The Thunder will bring a lot of energy and a great deal of excitement to this normally uneventful 1 vs. 8 seed match-up. Nonetheless, the defending-champion Lakers will likely take this series in no more than 6 games.
Lakers in 5.
(2) Dallas Mavericks vs (7) San Antonio Spurs
Here we have two teams that made substantial changes to their roster in the past year. Only one team, however, benefited from their changes. The Dallas Mavericks’ mid-season acquisition of Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, and DeShawn Stevenson, catapulted them to the second best record in the league and a legitimate chance at upsetting the Lakers for the Western Conference title. The Spurs, on the other hand, picked up Richard Jefferson in hopes of improving their offensive game. Jefferson has had trouble adjusting to his new team and has therefore only added to the Spurs’ struggles. However, if Richard Jefferson can demonstrate his true potential (as he did when scoring 29 against the Mavs in a March win) then they could pose a tough match-up.
Mavericks in 5.
(3) Phoenix Suns vs. (6) Portland Trailblazers
Who would have thought the Suns would have the 3rd seed in the playoffs at the beginning of the season, or better yet, after Amare Stoudemire wasn’t traded? This team has definitely surprised many viewers, most notably in the form of its veterans. Stoudemire has played his best basketball of the season following the all-star break and is third among all scorers during that span (trailing only Durant and James). He has lead this squad, along with Steve Nash, to a very promising post-season. However, the brink of their success lies in the hands of their first-round opponent, the Portland Trailblazers. The Blazers will need Brandon Roy – who is questionable to play after recently suffering a knee injury – in order to defeat this high-octane team.
Suns in 6.
(4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) Utah Jazz
The Nuggets are 3-1 against the Jazz this season, with their only loss coming in Utah. Claiming home-court advantage on the last day of regulation should prove big for the Denver Nuggets who are 34-7 at the Pepsi Center this year. The Jazz will need Carlos Boozer healthy and good bench production in order to upset the reeling Nuggets.
Nuggets in 7.
By: Kristen Ariel Black
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