Wild Wild West

Now let’s head to the Wild Wild Western Conference, where even if you have a strong winning percentage, it does not guarantee you to claim a playoff spot, just liked what happened to the Golden State Warriors. They were raring to duplicate if not surpass what they achieve last year, but they fell short this year.

LA Lakers vs Denver. It was quite a surprise that Pau Gasol would blend easily with his new team and got the Triangle Offense effortlessly. Maybe this time, he’ll surpass the first round jinx, of course with the help of MVP contender Kobe Bryant. Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson should step up big this time in order to survive the onslaught of the mighty Lakers, otherwise their hard earned entry will go to none. Lakers in five games.

Utah vs. Houston. Tracy McGrady ,gets another chance to redeem himself facing Carlos Boozer and the rest of the Utah Jazz, a superstar with no first round success for his entire career. Without Yao Ming and Rafer Alston, the rest of the Rockets should go a notch higher in order not to waste their 22-0 winning game streak. Maybe Luis Scola should prove himself and supports T-Mac to avoid humiliation. This series is so tough, but I’m putting my money on Jazz in seven games. Without Rafer Alston, Deron Williams will easily dismantle Houston’s offense.

New Orleans vs. Dallas. New Orleans is probably the surprise team of the year, winning their first Division title and gaining Home court advantage in the playoff opener. This is also redemption time once again for the Dallas Mavericks, who seems to have no luck the past two years. Chris Paul will be having a hard time pitting his wares against the two Jason of Dallas, Terry and Kidd. The experience of Jason Kidd will probably guide the Mavericks past the Hornets. Experience will prevail over young blood in this series. It is not yet the time of Chris Paul yet. I’m pretty sure Dirk Nowitzki will reassert himselfand vanish the stigma of the last two years of the Mavs.

San Antonio vs. Phoenix. Big Diesel against the Gentle Giant. Shaq has always been known to be the a Champion, a Fighter. That’s the kind of spirit he’s bringing to the Phoenix Suns who just couldn’t reach the Finals. This one will be a long and tough series. It will be physical and always a close game, so whoever looses focus it’s bye bye for them. The Spurs will have a hard time defending their crown and they may just exit early. My choice is Phoenix in seven games. San Antonio is just so undermanned at this time, I don’t think they can match up with Phoenix firepower offensively.