NBA Playoff Preview: West Is Best

Sixteen teams. One common goal. And four that actually have a realistic shot to hoist up the trophy. But after 82 essentially meaningless games, it's time to get down to business.

So without further adieu, here is a quick breakdown of the NBA's second season. To spare those of you with rabid ADHD issues, I'll do the West today. East tomorrow (as if the East really matters). Anyhoo, here we go…

WEST

(1) Dallas Mavericks vs. (8) Golden State Warriors – The Boys from the Bay swept the season series with the Mavs this year (3-0), using Don Nelson's patented small ball to pull Dallas' bigs away from the hoop. And hey, who knows Dirk better than his old coach? The Warriors are no doubt still coming off the high of clinching their first playoff berth since the '93-'94 season. And they're hot, having won 9 of their last 10 games. All the makings of a potential 8-seed shocker, right? Yeah, not so much.

There is a big difference between regular season games and playoff games and Dallas is about to make Golden State wish they let the Clippers sneak into the playoffs. Nellie can take away Dirk all he wants. Look for Jason Terry, Josh Howard and Devin Harris to be the difference makers on the offensive end. Although I do think Baron Davis and Jason Richardson have their way with the smaller Mav defenders. Still won't be enough.

Prediction: Mavs in 5.

(2) Phoenix Suns vs. (7) Los Angeles Lakers – Everybody loves a rematch. Well, except for Lakers fans who will experience a sudden sense of déjà vu when the Suns end their season for a second season in a row.

Last year, Phoenix had to rally from a 3-1 deficit to make it past the Lake Show to the second round. Don't look for the same drama this year. The Lakers always seem to play the Suns tough, but these were two teams heading in different directions heading down the stretch. Yes, Kobe was on fire the last few weeks. But look how close they came to falling out of the playoffs even with his plethora of 50-point performances.

Kobe's supporting cast is as weak as it's ever been while the Suns depth is dangerous. The Lakers don't have anyone who can slow, let alone stop, Steve Nash from doing what he wants to do. A Kobe offensive explosion (think another 50 +) will earn the Lakers a cheap win. That's about it.

Prediction: Suns in 5.

(3) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Denver Nuggets – In the art of full disclosure, let it be known I'm a die hard Spurs fan. And while overly-athletic teams (which the Nuggets certainly are) tend to give the Spurs some trouble, the nice thing about a 7-game series is the best team always wins.

AI & 'Melo have failed to produce as the feared tandem they were hyped to be and Denver's big men should find themselves in foul trouble early and often against Duncan.

It also helps that Denver doesn't play a lick of defense, so Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili should have a field day getting to the rack.

But I do like George Karl, so I'll give them one game just on his prowess. The athleticism of the Nugs earns them another. Who says I'm biased?

Prediction: Spurs in 6.

(4) Utah Jazz vs. (5) Houston Rockets – Congratulations, Tracy McGrady! You're about to make it out of the first round for the first time in your career (previously 0-5). And it's got nothing to do with a fashionable 5 seed vs. 4 seed upset. Houston is the better team. Hands down. Yes, the Jazz took 3 of 4 from the Rockets in the regular season. I'm shocked. I have no clue how this happened and won't pretend to. But with an ailing Andrei Kirilenko, the Jazz have no one who can stop T-Mac. Look for Yao to give the Jazz more fits than his counterpart Mehmet Okur will to the Rockets.

Prediction: Rockets in 6.

I'll spare you lengthy second round breakdowns.

Spurs over the Suns.
Mavs over the Rockets.

Spurs over the Mavs, duh.

That's all I got. Check back tomorrow for East predictions.