1.Lakers V.S. 8.Thunder
Okay this game seems to be a popular pick to go seven games or even result in an upset. Ultimately im positive the Lakers will win, with that said i think the Thunder can steal 2 games. The thunder have the distcint advantage that is not named Kevin Durant, its Russell Westbrook vs Derek Fisher. Westbrook is playing and an allstar level and will be guarded the Fisher the broken link in the Lakers Armor. But the true mismatch in this series is the Lakers big rotation (Odom, Gasol, Bynum, Artest when hes at the 4, and the recently invgorated D.J Mbenga) V.S. the much weaker,less athletic, and less talented bigs of OKC (Collison, Thomas, and Ibaka)
Prediction: Lakers in 6
Lakers X-factor: Derek Fisher he has to be tough on Westbrook and efficient on the offensive end.
Thunder X-Factor: Thabo Sefolosha will have his hands full with Kobe, but as Kobe goes the Lakers go. If he can slow him down they have a chance.
2.Dallas V.S. 7.San Antonio
Okay alot of "experts" are saying a "surging San Antonio could make a run, their wrong. I feel the Spurs are showing their ages as bad as the Celtics, in fact i would be willing to call them the Celtics of the West. This season will come down to each teams new additions Richard Jefferson will have to be big for the Spurs to take the pressure of Mano, Timmy, and Tony Parker. On the other hand look for Shawn Marion to do what he does, shut down any perimeter player whom catches fire. Haywood is one of my favorite players and you will see why he'll give Tim Duncan all sorts of hell inside. And finally look for Caron to be Dirks pick and roll buddy when Jets on the bench.
Prediction: Mavs in 6.
X-factor for the Mavs: Defense, especially Haywood, Kidd, and Marion
X-factor for the Spurs: It will be a Texas shoot out Mano and George Hill will need to light it up.
3.Suns vs 6. Blazers
No Roy, no Oden, and no Przybilla so no series. The Suns have been freakish since the all-star break and the blazers are missing their best scoring and their best re bounder they have no chance.
Prediction: Suns in 5
X-factor for the Suns: The Second unit, when there good the Suns are a legit contender.
X-factor for the Blazers: LaMarcus Aldridge needs to protect the paint with Marcus Camby, in an attempt to slow down Amare and Score a ton.
4.Nuggets VS 5. Jazz
This series could go either way, and it could be a 7 game series of a 4 game series it all comes down to the x-factors.
Nuggets x-factor: Leadership without Karl on the bench and his return unknown Melo and Billups should try to be real vocal. In helping intern coach Adrian Dantley keep control of the team and their mindset right.
Jazz X-factor: The health of Carlos Boozer, if hes healthy i take the Jazz in 7.
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