Western Conference Playoff Preview

Bold prediction: Seattle beats the Lakers in WCF

My reasoning is that I want people to actually read this. I can't even write this with a straight face.

1 Los Angeles Lakers: How much can I really write about a team that has lost 1 game? Michael Jordan is a beast, Horry was a excellent decision, their starting lineup is the all star team. They're huge favorites to win the league, again. And in breaking news, water is wet. But there is hope, Payton is a free agent next year.

2 Dallas Mavericks: Remember when there was a actual conversation about who came out the west? Those days seem far away. Now Dallas is still great. There is a lot to look forward to as a Mavericks fan. Sabonis and Wilkins are sharing the scoring load nicely and Divac is doing great on the boards. But I don't think they'll stay at 2. I have them dropping to the 3 seed. Harper is out for 20 games and New Orleans is only behind by 3 games. Harper leads the team in assists and they don't have much guard help. Don't be surprised to see Dallas fall off.

3 New Orleans Hornets: I'm higher on the Hornets than most people, I'll explain my reasoning. I have this team in my WCF. They're 4th in wins and that's not a easy feat. They're 4th in FG% which is huge in winning games. 5th in 3PT% as well. They also have the least amount of TO per game. The numbers back up the Hornets and I believe this will be a tough matchup out west. And they're healthy. They aren't as injured as the Mavericks are so they don't need to worry about a key contributor missing time. Dallas is a tough team, they have posted some better numbers then the Hornets. But I could see New Orleans over Dallas.

4 Houston Rockets: Is it okay to be underwhelmed by the Rockets this year? I mean they are 41-14 which isn't anything to scoff at but meh, I expected more. They have Hakeem playing at a ridiculous level and they should be higher in the standings. But right now they're only 2 game from having to go to Memphis. Outside of the big 3, nobody is stepping up. Maybe I expected to much, but they did make the conference finals last year. The numbers say they're better than the 4th seed. But is this a case of the numbers lying or are the Rockets bout to make a huge jump in wins?

5 Memphis Grizzlies: You have to give credit to Memphis for winning games with this roster. It's honestly Patrick Ewing and some other guys. I have some questions if Ewing decides to stay in Memphis after the season but that's for another article. Ewing should be much higher in the MVP discussion for what's he doing out in Memphis. With a 1.5 point differential there isn't a logical explanation for why they're so good. They're a good defensive team, but not a top offensive team. Be happy Memphis, y'all could be singing the blues very quickly this playoffs.

6 Sacramento Kings: I have them being the 5th seed, they're much more talented than Memphis. Shaq and Alonzo is going to become the new twin towers. Frighting NBA teams for years to come, till Shaq decides to go to the Lakers just to make us all miserable. But Sacramento could give anybody some fits. Now I don't think they'll get out of the 1st round, experience matters. But there is something good brewing in Sacramento. They're hungry for championships. They want the whole enchilada, not a piece. And this can all be found at the Kings concessions stands for the affordable price of 15.99!!! They're overpricing their food to afford the huge contracts both of the big guys will get years down the road.

7 Seattle Supersonics: There are positives and negatives with the Sonics roster. For the plus side, this is a solid squad. They have 7 guys with ratings 60 or higher. On the bad side, everybody is a free agent next year. But as for right now there isn't a lot to say about the Sonics. They have a outside shot at the 4 seed but will likely find themselves 5-7. Its not they're a bad team. It's the fact that they're out west. Enjoy the playoffs Seattle, it's better than being the 10th pick.

8 Portland Trail Blazers: Now there isn't much to say about Portland in reference to this years playoffs. There is no guarantee they make the playoffs and they'll get ripped by the Lakers most likely if they do make the playoffs. But a lot is looking good for the Blazers. They're a relatively young team who could take somebody's spot next year. They have the cap to do it, but it needs to happen this offseason. Buechler and Kenny Anderson will be free agents in 1994. They'll stay in Portland but they'll eat up the Blazers cap.

Actually WCF prediction: Lakers sweep Hornets

I already said why I have New Orleans making the WCF, and the Lakers are the Lakers. Not much to read into this. Don't be surprised if the Hornets take this to 5 or 6. It's hard to sweep the playoffs.

Prediction for seeding

1: LAL 2: NOH 3: DAL 4: HOU 5: SAC 6:MEM 7:SEA 8: POR