1 San Antonio Spurs vs 8 Dallas Mavericks
As a team that people always believe will slow down, the Spurs went onto an NBA best 62-20 in a competitive Western Conference. They will have the pleasure of going up against in state rivals, Dallas Mavericks (49-33). Although the Mavs are usually a pretty competitive team, this Spurs team has so much fight and depth that it’s ridiculous. I had the displeasure to see someone write that Mavs would win in 4. Well, come back down to earth buddy.
Spurs in 4
2 Oklahoma City Thunder vs 7 Memphis Grizzlies
When these two teams met up in the playoffs last year, the Grizzlies shocked OKC in the second round as they went on to a 4-1 series win. This time around will be VERY different. The Thunder will now be at full strength and will boast the man who may be the owner an MVP award, Kevin Durant. The only reason I’ll have the Grizzlies even putting up a fight against OKC is Marc Gasol and he hasn’t been healthy all year.
OKC in 5
3 Los Angeles Clippers vs 6 Golden State Warriors
A few years ago, who would have thought that these two teams would dominate California? Not only that, who would have thought that the Clippers would be running L.A. as of late? Not this guy. But that’s a matter for another conversation. The Clippers lost to the Grizzlies in the first round last season while the Warriors shocked the Nuggets and then lost to the Spurs in the next round. This choice is a little tough because both teams can be very explosive but the Clippers defensive presence will be a key factor.
Clippers in 5
4 Houston Rockets vs 5 Portland Trailblazers
Both of these teams were expected to be at least somewhat decent and both of them ended up exceeding expectations. Houston is most peoples pick here. Shoot, some people have them as eventual champions. In all reality, Houston seems to be the better team but I’m going with my gut with this. Something about Portland really sticks out. I would imagine there is a lot pain from losing possible superstars in Greg Oden and Brandon Roy to (at the time) career ending injuries in the last few years, it’s about time this team found some success. Portland wants it and not even Dwight Howard will get in the way for the only first round upset in the west.
Trailblazers in 6