deron williams

The 2009 NBA Playoff matches are now set, and the preparation for the start of the second season has begun. LayupDrill.com takes a look at each of eight first round series, offering a brief breakdown and prediction for each. We continue our playoff preview with a breakdown of the Western Conference.

West:

1. L.A. Lakers vs. 8. Utah Jazz
Season Series: Lakers 2-1 over Jazz

Why L.A Will Win: The Lakers seem to have this Jazz team’s number. When the two play in Staples, you know that for three quarters, the two teams will play pretty even, but in the last five minutes, the ball will be in Kobe Bryant’s hands. The Jazz will send every defender possible at Bryant, but they seem to never slow him down.

One Burning Question: Can Carlos Boozer and Paul Millsap make a difference? The Jazz front court of Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur, and Paul Millsap don’t seem to dominate the paint against the Lakers like they are able to other teams. Of course, part of the reason for that is Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. In order for the Jazz to have any remote chance, Boozer is going to have to have the best series of his life.

Prediction: Lakers in 5

4. Portland Trailblazers vs. 5. Houston Rockets
Season Series: Rockets 2-1 over Blazers

Why Portland Will Win: The Blazers were supposed to be one year away, but don’t tell that to this group of young players. Portland is poised entering the 2009 Playoffs, and have hopes of winning their first playoff series in a long time. The Rockets won’t lay down for them, having won the season series 2-1, and knowing Yao Ming can dominate against the Blazers in the paint.

Burning Question: Who can step up to help Yao? We expect Yao Ming to have a good series for the Rockets, and Ron Artest will be tabbed with keeping Brandon Roy in check. But other than the two Rocket superstars, who else can step up and be a factor? Players like Shane Battier, Aaron Brooks, and Von Wafer will have to kick it up a notch for Houston to overcome the lack of home court and win.

Prediction: Blazers in 7

3. San Antonio Spurs vs. 6. Dallas Mavericks
Season Series: Mavs 2-1 over Spurs

Why Dallas Will Win: The Mavericks last month of the regular season was a roller coaster. At one point, it looked as they could miss the postseason all together, as they battled with the Suns for the 8 seed. Once it was clear they were going to make the playoffs, Dallas wasn’t satisfied. Dirk Nowitzki played like a MVP the last two weeks of the regular season, and Dallas won big games en route to locking up the 6 seed. Though they don’t have home court, the Mavericks are very confident they can go into San Antonio and win 1 game.

One Burning Question: Do the Spurs and Tim Duncan have anything left? I have all the respect in the world for Tim Duncan, and what he has been able to do over the course of his career. However, with Manu down and out, the Tim and Tony show will be asked to do quite a bit in these playoffs. In the worst possible matchup for the Spurs in round one, the deeper Mavericks can make the Spurs starters log heavy minutes, and if they get in foul trouble, they will be done.

Prediction: Mavericks in 6

2. Denver Nuggets vs. 7. New Orleans Hornets
Season Series: Series tied 2-2

Why Denver Will Win: The Chauncey Billups vs. Chris Paul battle will be a classic, however the Nuggets have too much firepower for the Hornets. Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith should have great series, and their bench is deeper than New Orleans.

One Burning Question: Can CP3 do it all? Chris Paul may very well average a triple double this series, but he won’t have enough to get his team to the next round.

Prediction: Nuggets in 6

{ 3 comments }