NBA Playoffs: 2008

What a mess the Western Conference has become. A very competitive bunch. I do have some concerns about the Dallas Mavericks. How many games have the Mavericks won with Jason Kidd at the helm (games against teams with a winning record)? None. They are 0-6. On the flip side, they haven't lost against a team with a losing record. But who cares about that. Seriously, will the Mavs make it past the first round this time in the playoffs? That simply depends if they are learning from the loses. On a good note, they only lost to the Lakers by two points. It is sad that a loss by two points is A GOOD NOTE. How weird.

So some think the Mavs will place high when it is all said and done. I just am not that optimistic. But here is how I think it will look, seeded one through nine in the Western Conference, currently which is separated by a total of six games from first to ninth.

1. LA Lakers (will finish first overall, a very complete roster)
2. San Antonio (it's hard to pick against the SPURS)
3. Houston
4. Utah (Not the only one from division to make playoffs)
5. Phoenix (A better record than Utah)
6. Dallas (would've have benefited better at #7 position)
7. New Orleans (I just don't see them holding up a #3 spot)
8. Denver (CINDERELLA)
9. Golden State (they fall apart and lose a playoff spot)

Now, the Lakers vs. Denver... not much of a surprise, the Lakers take the series, in a good battle split 4-1... yeah, a "good battle". Scores will be close for a few of the games.

San Antonio vs. New Orleans: Both teams battle rather hard, San Antonio wins 4 of 7 to advance. Seventh game to go OT? It could happen.

Utah vs. Phoenix: a nice yawn. Phoenix dominates the series.

Dallas vs. Houston: The QUESTION... Does Dallas Depart Drearily? Maybe Mavs Make Miracle? It is hard to say... Dallas is having trouble with Kidd against good teams. Could it all gel in the playoffs? I am not optimistic. I've already said that. I'm going AGAINST my gut and will say the Mavs take out Houston in 6 games. A few are tight, and the Mavs fall behind in the series early, down 2-1 before taking the next three to advance.

SECOND ROUND:

Lakers vs. Phoenix: Whoops. I call this one another tough series. In fact, really the match-ups one through eight are all quality teams. Pretty weird. Anyway, Lakers and Phoenix fight through seven games with Phoenix pulling off an upset to go to the conference finals. Two games of this series go into OT.

Dallas vs. Spurs: Spurs dominate the series and face Phoenix in the finals. Kidd might need diapers. OK, OK, OK. That was just for a pun. Anyway, Spurs have home court.

Western Conference Finals:

Spurs vs. Suns: Suns pull off a surprise and knock off the aging Spurs in a five game series. Nash is all but gassed out, but in better shape than in years past, or so it would seem.

NBA Finals:

Suns vs. Detroit: In a series that might be talked about for a while, injuries plague the Finals. Nash plays through pain but almost is ineffective. He has enough gas to make a difference, but not too much. Suns still persevere and win the thing in six games, with two victories coming in OT.