Fifty Peso Previews: 2011 NBA Playoffs West

     It was upsets galore on the 2nd day of the NBA playoffs but they did little to change my forecast for the Western Conference.  Check them out below.  For the East preview click here.


San Antonio Spurs (1) vs Memphis Grizzlies (8)

     Usually number 1 seeds are pegged to have an easy time in the first round but the Spurs are bothered by two problems. One, they still don't have Manu Ginobili, although rumors are he'll suit up in game 2. Two, the Grizzlies have given them problems before.  The Grizz have two capable big men in Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph and that means Tim Duncan has to exert effort on defense, which tires him out. In the end though, the experience, defense and discipline of the Spurs together with Memphis lack of depth in the outside shooting department will cause the Spurs to win out.


Fearless Forecast: Spurs take series (4 games to 2)

Los Angeles Lakers (2) vs New Orleans Hornets (7)


     Who would've thought the Hornets could beat the Lakers in the 1st game?  The Hornets needed a super game from Chris Paul and it's highly unlikely with the tough year he's had that he can do it four times.  The Lakers do have trouble as both their point guards can't defend a snow man, but they are too big and too deep for the Hornets in a 7 game series. Adding to the Hornets troubles is that center Aaron Grey injured himself in game 1.


Fearless Forecast: Lakers take series (4 games to 2)


Dallas Mavericks (3) vs Portland Trail Blazers (6)

     The Mavericks have never had great luck in the playoffs and despite another great season this year, they get the toughest 1st round match up.  The Blazers are a tough group and always finds ways to win and their athleticism will pose problems for the Mavericks.  Forwards Nic Batum and Gerald Wallace can pose problems both on defense and offense and it's not int he realm of the impossible that the playoffs become the venue for LaMarcus Aldridge's worldwide breakout.  Dirk Nowitzki is still Dallas' main man, but he needs Jason Kidd to shoot like he did game 1 for three more games if they hope to take this series. That may not happen, though.


Fearless Forecast: Blazers take series (4 games to 3)

Oklahoma City Thunder (4) vs Denver Nuggets (5)


     The expectations are high for the Thunder this year and rightfully so. They have two of the game's best scorers and now got a lot tougher inside with Kendrick Perkins.  The Nuggets are a feisty crew though and since trading Melo, they have employed a more team-oriented approach.  That makes the Nuggets hard to predict and with their high-altitude arena in Denver, the Thunder may encounter some rough sailing.  In the end, though, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook's brilliance will lead the Thunder deep into the playoffs.


Fearless Forecast: Thunder take series (4 games to 2)


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