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The Playoffs tip off today, and the first round matchups out West could produce some classic games. LayupDrill.com makes our picks for each series, and there are a few surprises in the mix.
Lakers vs. Thunder
The Pick: Lakers in 6
Why: Kevin Durant will finally get the national attention he deserves. Casual hoops fans may have never seen KD in action, but he will light up the defending champs a few times in this series. While Durant won’t have enough help to beat the Lakers, the young Thunder will have nothing to feel bad about in their showing.
Mavericks vs. Spurs
The Pick: Spurs in 7
Why: San Antonio, much like Boston, went through the season in hopes of being healthy when the playoffs came around. You can throw the seedings out the door when the series tips off, as Dallas and San Antonio are as even as it gets. Ultimately, the X factor in this series will be the role players for the Spurs stepping up and making big plays. Richard Jefferson needs to return to the form he had in New Jersey, and rookie DeJuan Blair will need to play big minutes against the Mavs front line.
Suns vs. Blazers
The Pick: Suns in 6
Why: Without Brandon Roy, Portland is still formidable, however they need the scoring punch Roy offers against Phoenix. Portland drew the fun-n-gun Suns, and they don’t have all their big guns ready for the offensive explosion we will see each night.
Nuggets vs. Jazz
The Pick: Jazz in 6
Why: A bit of a surprise here, but Utah is simply playing better overall right now, and are healthier than Denver. While Denver has enjoyed a good season, Utah seems to be peaking at the right time, and Carlos Boozer is playing like the All-Star and Olympian he is.
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