2009 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Special Edition
By: Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson
1 Los Angeles Lakers (65-17) vs. 8 Utah Jazz (48-34):
Didn’t we just see them play earlier this week? Yeah we did. The Lakers’ manhandled them like they stole their snack money before school with a 125-112 win on Tuesday. This Lakers team has been built to win and the time is now. Andrew Bynum is back and healed from his knee injury, Lamar Odom is playing well, not to mention Pau Gasol is consistent every year.
Oh yeah, almost forgot the Lower Merion stud, Kobe Bryant. Bryant is averaging 26.8 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game and a gratuitous 4.9 assists per game. Bryant is simply balling and has a supporting cast to help as well. 
Although the Jazz are a great team, it will be difficult to stop a Lakers squad that is focused and determined. The keys for the Jazz to win are point guard Deron Williams, and company to win their games at home at Energy Solutions Arena, where they play extremely well and for Mehmet Okur and Carlos Boozer to play efficient in the paint. Kyle Korver and Paul Millsap will also need to play stellar complementary roles in the pick and roll offense. A lot of ball screens and outside shooting will help the Jazz spread out their offense. Not sure that will be enough.
Prediction: Lakers in 6
2 Denver Nuggets (54-28) vs. 7 New Orleans Hornets (49-33):
On one hand, you want the Hornets to do well, just because Chris Paul has been dominating all year. On the other hand, you want the Nuggets do well because Chauncey Billups is playing like Chauncey Billups: A beast. Billups is averaging 17.7 points per game and 6.4 assists per game. But it’s not just Billups that is impressive. It’s his play that is making everyone around him better. Carmelo Anthony, has been playing well since the summer Olympics, and hasn’t stopped, averaging 22.8 points per game and a little under 6 rebounds per game. Kenyon Martin has also had a resurgent year of sorts averaging 11.7 points per game and 6 rebounds per game. He hasn’t been this consistent since his days catching lobs with former New Jersey Nets teammate Jason Kidd.
The Hornets have been the complete opposite. Injuries have killed this team. Tyson Chandler has been hurt and so have the spirits of this team. This team does not resemble the same team that went toe to toe with the San Antonio Spurs last year. In order for the Hornets to have similar success like last year, David West needs to play well in the middle. He has lamented this season about having to play the center position. He needs to do whatever needs to be done to make things happen for this team. The Nuggets can be beat but it is up to the Hornets to be mentally touch and execute. What the Hornets have, however, is not enough to defeat the Denver Nuggets.
3 San Antonio Spurs (54-28) vs. 6 Dallas Mavericks (50-32):
The Spurs are hurting. Manu Ginobili is out for the year, and Roger Mason Jr. will be counted on to be the 3rd wheel to compliment Tim Duncan and Tony Parker and it will be done. The Dallas Mavericks, led by the veteran leadership of Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki, exceeded expectations under first year Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle. The team still lacks in one area and that is interior toughness. Although Tim Duncan is not at 100% he can still bang down low with Erik Dampier. The Spurs also have Drew Gooden.
DO NOT SLEEP ON GOODEN DURING THE PLAYOFFS!
The Spurs always find a way to win and they will do that against this Mavericks team.
Prediction: Spurs in 6
4 Portland Trail Blazers (54-28) vs. 5. Houston Rockets (53-29):
I’m impressed with this Portland Trailblazer team. They have played as a cohesive unit and possess a bond on and off the court very similar to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Brandon Roy and LeMarcus Aldridge are a great combo. Owner, Paul Allen has constructed a great group of guys that have proved a lot of people wrong this year.
However, winners and will-to-win don’t necessarily equate winning a series. This Rockets team, on paper has a Roster full of overachievers and they have not lived up to their potential for years. Ron Artest is hungry and Yao Ming is playing extremely well, without Tracy McGrady mind you. Luis Scola has been playing well since he played in the summer team in the Olympics with his Argentine team. The Rockets have the advantage in skill and experience.
Prediction: Rockets in 5
There you have it: The Scoop! Catch you on the rebound for Round 2!
