NBA Western Conference: Round 2 Preview and Picks
By ASHTON GREWAL
A not-so great man once said, “I hate to brag but damn I’m good.”
I’m quoting a Shaquille O’Neal rap lyric because I’m feeling pretty good myself. I went 4-0 with my first round Western Conference series picks and now I’m back to tell you which teams will advance to the Western Conference finals.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz (+340 for series)
If we’ve learned anything about the Lakers this year it’s that they can win without Kobe Bryant playing a great offensive game. Pau Gasol can be the main option in the triangle offense for long stretches of time. He’s got all sorts of low post moves and he’s one of the best passing big men in the game.
You can’t underestimate Andrew Bynum’s play either. He was a non-factor in last year’s postseason and injured the year L.A. lost to Boston in the Finals. He’s meshing well playing next to Gasol right now.
The Lakers have proven to be a bad matchup for the Jazz. Utah lost in five games in last year’s first round matchup and the club also went just 1-3 against the spread versus the Lake Show during the regular season.
Deron Williams is the type of elite point guard who’ll make Derek Fisher look like he doesn’t belong in the league. But Los Angeles will probably put Bryant and Ron Artest on Williams to try and take away the Jazz guard’s penetration.
Carlos Boozer will struggle to put up big numbers with Gasol, Bynum and reserve forward Lamar Odom crowding the paint.
And don’t forget about the coaching trend here either. Jerry Sloan has been Phil Jackson's whipping boy in the playoffs.
Pick: Lakers in five games
Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs (+115)
It doesn’t seem fair. Every time the Suns put together a good season and seem poised for a deep playoff run, the Spurs come along and stump them.
The Suns have made the playoffs five times since 2003 and four times they’ve been eliminated by San Antonio. And even though this year’s Spurs don’t seem as deep as years past, you got to like their chances of bouncing Phoenix once again.
The cons on San Antonio are clear. Tim Duncan struggles to gain good post position like he used to. That means Amare Stoudemire shouldn’t be getting into foul trouble as much.
But I still like the Spurs at every other starting position. I don’t like bashing Steve Nash but his inability to guard anyone on the floor means the Suns have to play 4-on-5 whenever their opponents have the ball. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich will exploit this advantage.
Pick: Spurs in six games