#1 San Antonio Spurs vs #8 Memphis Grizzlies (Regular Season Series 2-2)
Why The Spurs Can Win: The Spurs are probably the deepest team in the playoffs. Every player understands his role. Gary Neal is a designated gunner off the bench. Richard Jefferson plays defense. Dejuan Blair rebounds and gives hard fouls. Still the Spurs will go as far as Tim Duncan can take them. He is clearly showing his age but is still a productive force on the defensive end and when San Antonio really needs a bucket.
Why the Grizzlies can win: Duncan is going to have a hard time keeping Zac Randolph off the offensive glass. The Spurs aren't a great defensive team to begin with. If they don't win the rebounding battle Memphis will keep the games close. Tony Allen and Shane Battier will be able to share minutes and try to wear down Manu Ginobli.
What Happens: The Grizzlies lack a closer with Rudy Gay on the shelf. The games are all close, but the Spurs prevail. Spurs in 7.
#2 Los Angeles Lakers vs #7 New Orleans Hornets (Lakers won the season series 4-0)
Why the Lakers can win: The Lakers are just too big. With David West out for the season, Pau Gasol is going to have a field day on the low block, and he won't have to guard anyone on defense.
Why the Hornets can win: Chris Paul has the ability to raise the level of his teammates. Could Marco Bellinelli have a hot series shooting the 3? Is Andrew Bynum's balky knee enough of an issue that Emeka Okafor can play zone and just sit back and block shots?
What will happen: The Hornets are clearly the worst team in the Western Conference Playoffs. It's tough to see anyone outside of Chris Paul giving them regular scoring production. Lakers in 4.
#3 Dallas Mavericks vs #6 Portland Trailblazers (Season Series Tied 2-2)
Why Dallas can win: Dirk Nowitzki is a closer. If the game is close late you have to like Dirk's chances of getting a shot off over the Blazers defense.
Why Portland can win: Portland has so many versatile defenders, the Mavs are going to struggle to score in the half court. If Dirk and Aldridge cancel each other out, the Blazers have more scoring options on the floor.
What will happen: Something is wrong with this Dallas team. I can't put my finger on it, but I don't like the makeup of the team. I think Gerald Wallace is poised for a breakout playoff run as a complimentary player and the Blazers win an ugly physical series. Blazers in 7.
#4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #5 Denver Nuggets (Thunder won season series 3-1)
Why the Thunder can win: They have the stars. Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook have the ability to take over the game on both ends of the floor. Kendrick Perkins gives them the depth they needed down low to combat Nene and Kenyon Martin.
Why the Nuggets can win: If team chemistry means anything, the Nuggets sure look like they are enjoying themselves. They play unselfish offense and have two legitimate starting PG's so their offense rarely sputters.
What will happen: The great thing about the Nuggets regular season was they didn't have to count on the same guy each and every night. That tends to be a problem in the playoffs when you are playing a great team who has a bonafide superstar. These games will be close and I'm not sure who the Nuggets will turn to for a game changing play. Thunder in 7.
"We're Not In Gainesville, They Don't Give a F---" by sportsxbrooks
Smartest Criminals Ever? They have these things called cameras and recorders inside police cars geniuses. Billy Donovan must be really proud of his Gators.
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