Western Playoffs Forecast

The Bestern Conference where 50 wins get you to playoffs and home court in the east. Here's the rundown.

Lakers vs. Thunder - The former Sonics return to the post season since their days in Seattle and it is no fluke, this team can ball and have a bright future ahead. Starting with MVP finalist young gun Kevin Durant the Thunder mix of youth and athleticism plus superb coaching by Scott Brooks, about the only thing negative is their inexperience. Not walk through by the Champs this year, OKC will more than be a handful unless Ron Ron can assert himself and do what he was brought to LA to do, stop scorers like Durant. Lakers are good enough to get by the young Thunder without Bynum if he's not ready, the late struggles of Fisher, Artest, Mamba and the season long lack of production from the bench are a concern though. Lakers are still very talented though and will wrap it up in six.

Mavericks vs. Spurs - The Texas two step, these two teams records mean nothing when they play each other. It should be a highly entertaining series and more than likely physical. The Spurs are healthier but not at full strength, the Mavs seem to have really adapted to the new faces. Anything less than the full 7 games would actually be shocking, the Mavs would love nothing but to dismiss their cross state rivals and though it seems the Tim Duncan era is slowly winding down, the Spurs still possess their version of the "big" three who can each have the ability to take over a game in various ways so they are more than capable of winning the series. It's a toss up, but I'm gonna go with the Mavs in 7.

Suns vs. Blazers - What do you know, the Suns earned a high seed without the power of diesel. I didn't expect the Suns to be this high at the beginning of the season, I did expect the Blazers to be among the top 5 teams, until the injuries started mounting. You have to admire the Blazers though, they have overcome injuries and offer no excuses, just play hard each night with who they got. With the uncertainty of Roy playing this series I believe the Blazers will fight valiantly but in the end will still bow down to the Suns is 6 games.

Tattoos vs. Jazz - Considered the two biggest threats to the champs, both were hindered by injuries but also to some bad losses to bad teams. As a result they get to play each other and the winner gets to face LA a round sooner than expected. Nothing against Adrian Dantley but I don't see the same swagger without George Karl. No paper I think Denver is superior especially if AK47 is not available, but without their general I don't see the Tattoos beating a Jerry Sloan team. Jazz in 6.

At the beginning of the season Lakers and Nuggets were the favorites to fight for the West Crown, if both win the respective series they'll meet in the second round instead. Who ever wins the Texas two step battle should advance to the West Finals against the Lakers who should beat OKC, and either Utah or Denver. If the Lakers have not healed though either first or second series is extended, they will give either Texas team to sneak up on them, especially the Spurs. The wild West is still very wild and I honestly don't believe any series can be considered an upset except for OKC and LA, only due to the OKC's inexperience, but with 50 wins in the tough west they are definitely not your traditional 8th seed.