Previewing the Western Conference Semis

Taking a break from the NFL Draft recaps, let's take a look at the NBA playoffs. The Eastern Conference still has one series (Bucks-Hawks) going to game 7, but the Western Conference bracket is set for the semis. Let's take a look at each matchup.

(1) LA Lakers vs. (5) Utah Jazz
The Lakers played a solid series against the young Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, winnning 4-2 on a Pau Gasol putback buzzer beater to win in game 6. The Jazz defeated the Nuggets 4-2 in a very good series for Utah. Kobe had a good first round, averaging 21.8 PPG, but Pau Gasol is really the Lakers' key player. Gasol averaged a double-double against OKC, with 20 PPG and 11 RPG. Deron Williams played a huge series against the Nuggets, averaging 28 PPG and 12 APG. Carlos Boozer also average a double-double, with 23 PPG and 12 RPG. The Jazz had three other players average double figures, in Paul Millsap, CJ Miles, and Wesley Matthews. I feel that the Jazz have great guard play, and that Williams should play well against veteran Derek Fisher for the Lakers, but the Jazz are similar to the Thunder in that they don't have a real big man to compete with Bynum and Gasol. I like the Jazz roster, but I think the Lakers advance to the Western Conference Finals in 6 games.

(3) Phoenix Suns vs. (7) San Antonio Spurs
The Suns beat the Blazers in 6 games, with solid play from Jason Richardson averaging 24 points a game. Amaré Stoudemire contributed 20 PPG and 6 RPG. Steve Nash provides solid play at the PG postition, and Channing Frye has emerged this year as a decent offensive option. For the Spurs, they topped second seeded Dallas in 6 games. Manu Ginobli and Tim Duncan each averaged 19 PPG, and Tony Parker and George Hill amassing a combined 30 PPG. The key to this series will be the Suns' ability to handle the three guard attack San Antonio will throw at them, with Hill, Parker, and Ginobli. A key for San Antonio will be the play of Richard Jefferson. If he can play better than the Dallas series (8 PPG), the Spurs can throw a multitude of scorers at Phoenix. Phoenix needs to get Jason Richardson going to win this series. I'll take San Antonio in 7.

Tomorrow the Celtics-Cavs series starts, and the Eastern Conference bracket is yet to be finalized. I'll post a preview of the Eastern Conference later this weekend. Enjoy the playoffs!