As Close as It Gets: The 2014 Western Conference Playoffs Preview

After a tight regular season in the West, here are the first four playoff series that we have to deal with in the following couple of weeks.

(1) San Antonio Spurs [62-20] vs. (8) Dallas Mavericks [49-33]

The Spurs In: The moment that Coach Gregg Popovich started limiting the starters' playing time in every game is the time when the Spurs overachieved. Up until now, the question still remains as to how long they are going to stay this way, or if ever they can still win the NBA championship given that Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker are already beyond the peak of their careers; however, this concern is set aside for the moment, especially when they got that precious 19-win streak. Yes, the Spurs still have the juice to play in the playoffs, and with a schedule that gives much time for breathers, rest periods, and practice, expect them once again to go deep. And as for the Finals? Let's just pray that they can at least get the Larry O'Brien trophy one more time.

The Mavericks In: If you were in the position of the Mavs' head honcho Mark Cuban, would you be satisfied with eighth seed? This is good enough considering that the Mavericks didn't get any of their targets during free agent signing. They had Monta Ellis and Jose Calderon, but they were not enough to power the team past the top 4. This does not mean, however, that being at the bottom of the list makes them the kind that gets to go home quickly. Remember that they still have Nowitzki up and running for this season, as well as holdovers Vince Carter and Shawn Marion, three stars who have so much playoff experience.

What could be: This veteran edition of the Texas showdown is going to be tight, but expect the Spurs to come out in 6.

(4) Houston Rockets [54-28] vs. (5) Portland Trailblazers [54-28]

The Rockets In: It is pretty surprising that the Rockets, with a trio of James Harden, Dwight Howard, and Chandler Parsons, would make it only at fourth place, when they have the potential of grabbing a higher position. For some reason, Dwight Howard deserves both praise and blame for what happened to the Rockets this season. They improved their record thanks to Howard, but at the expense of falling into short slumps this season, leading to where they are right now. Like last year, this series is decided by the way James Harden takes the lead for this team. But this time, they have the upper hand, and with Howard as a significant addition, no excuses are acceptable this time.

The Blazers In: There is no doubt here that Portland is a very talented bunch. They have a young star in Damian Lillard, a quality small forward in Nic Batum, and a multi-talented big man in LaMarcus Aldridge (does Robin Lopez deserve a mention here? Well, maybe he should). This team, however, is on and off: started by winning 24 of their first 29 games, fell after the All-Star break, and rose again in the last few games of the regular season to finally (and luckily) secure the fifth seed. Now that they are in the playoffs, everything and everyone has a fresh start, and they better not mess up and go back to their winning ways. As far as we remember, the Blazers broke team and player records this season, and this is the kind of Portland team that should appear in the playoffs

What could be: The fourth and fifth seed is always a tough battle, especially now that both the Rockets and the Blazers have gone through the same stuff with the same issues and same challenges. However, a seven-game showdown could have the Rockets emerging and entering the second round.

(2) Oklahoma City Thunder [59-23] vs. (7) Memphis Grizzlies [50-32]

The Thunder In: Sure, the Oklahoma City Thunder already have some rights to brag, especially with Kevin Durant breaking Michael Jordan's streak by scoring 25 or more points for more or less 41 games. However, that still does not let them get over their playoff woes during the past few years, starting with their defeat in the NBA Finals against the current champions the Miami Heat. With basically the same squad but with a better KD and Westbrook, the big hurdle that the team must face is getting over their misgivings and failures in the past years, especially including those against possible playoff opponents: the Spurs, who beat them last year, and the Heat, who want to keep their championship streak going. But first, a hungry Memphis Grizzlies team.

The Grizzlies In: Perhaps this team has been the most inconsistent of all throughout the season. Marc Gasol's long absence from the team kept their playoff hopes low. But thanks to Zach Randolph and Mike Conley, Jr., they have kept themselves afloat. However, even these two stars have yet to be consistent, and they have to find their game in the midst of this seven-game grind. The team, though, as a whole, still has to hold on to the fact that they are a difficult playoff team to beat in the last few years, and with almost the same people running the show in Tennesse, there is no reason for them to just go easy on this series.

What could be: Despite the strength and the unpredictability of the Grizzlies, KD can still turn the tables in favor of OKC, and can even finish this in six games.

(3) Los Angeles Clippers [57-25] vs. (6) Golden State Warriors [51-31]

The Clippers In: After a long long time, the city of angels will get to watch games without the purple and gold, but instead with the red, blue, and white, and certainly, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will not waste the opportunity to go beyond the first round and actually increase their hopes of entering the Finals. Griffin had 82 games to establish himself as one of the best power forwards in the league this season, showing that he is not only a dunking machine, but one who can work in the post and score off baseline jumpers, not to mention that he can now manhandle the paint alongside DeAndre Jordan. In a nutshell, with lots of former and present stars at the Clippers' disposal, there really are prepared to go deep into the playoffs.

The Warriors In: Everybody enjoyed the Splash Brothers show; however, a lot of things have gone their way which led them to this woeful sixth place, considering the potential that they both have. Having Andre Iguodala around certainly helped them a lot, but the recent loss of Andrew Bogut is going to make things difficult for the Warriors. If they want to go beyond the first round, then they need to make those outside shots, for without a formidable big man in Bogut, it's going to be quite difficult for them to take it inside.

What could be: Athleticism, finesse, and good defense. The Clippers have it, but it's going to take them seven games to send the Warriors back home.

Degrees of Separation: The 2012 NBA Western Conference Playoffs Preview

The Western Conference had to wait for all 66 games to finish before finalizing the playoff seeds. Will the playoffs be as close as the shortened regular season? Here's a good look at those competing for the title:


(1)San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Utah Jazz

The Spurs In: Despite numerous injuries that hounded the team all season long, the Spurs got back on track and into their winning ways, rendering the "DND-Old" discussion moot. In their last few games, Tony Parker has been leading the pack with those split-second drives and pinpoint passing, eventually giving opportunities for Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili to set themselves on fire as well. Plus, the role players, with the addition of Boris Diaw, Stephen Jackson, and Patrick Mills, also provided additional firepower on both ends. With a very dominant team like this, a deep penetration of the playoff tree is a must, considering that Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili are on their way to retirement after a few more years.

The Jazz In: Who says that the team's playoff appearances are over after Deron Williams' departure? Apparently, the Jazz backcourt have also established themselves pretty well. Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson constructed their own walls and weapons within the shaded area, and reserve rookie Enes Kanter can hold that fort for them. This dominance puts the pressure upon Devin Harris and the rest of the backcourt to keep up with the Jazz's bigs. Coach Tyrone Corbin surprised everyone by sealing the eight place, but would they be surprising enough to get past the first round?

What could be: The Jazz are going to be feisty and irritating, but consistency will win it all for San Antonio. Spurs in 6.

(4) Memphis Grizzlies vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers

The Grizzlies In: Thanks to the Clippers falling out in the closing games of the season, the Grizzlies have now returned to the playoffs with their first home court advantage in years. Most of their power comes from the young ones, and they have the dominant ones like Marc Gasol, OJ Mayo, and Rudy Gay to prove it. But then, one should not easily dismiss the impact and influence that veteran(s) Zach Randolph (and Gilbert Arenas?) has (have) to these kids. Once they play perfectly like they did in last year's playoffs, then fans of the Clippers, the Spurs, and even the Jazz ought to be very scared of them.

The Clippers In: Just about time that they are about to close in on the Pacific Division lead, it was then that they fell short, even letting go of the number 4 spot which they previously had a firm grip on. It was on those games that Chris Paul and Blake Griffin failed to close out games, somehow proving the point of the doubters that Staples Center not donned in purple and gold will remain nothing but Lob City. Will getting deep into the playoffs remain to be a far cry for Chris Paul, as far as the distance from the charity stripe to the hoop is for Blake Griffin?

What could be: Experience is key for Memphis, and if they can tap into that, then Paul and Griffin would need to pack their bags and think of something else outside the walls of Lob City. Grizzlies in 7.

(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (7) Dallas Mavericks

The Thunder In: One can say that Kevin Durant and his team can be excused for the Laker loss, most probably because World Peace took a toll an James Harden. But then, this is just part of the bigger picture, one where the Thunder failed to win against playoff teams in their last few games. Also, they have given up on what could have been a home court advantage all through out the playoffs. But of course, Durant's third scoring title and Westbrook's huge improvement in playing the point says otherwise.

The Mavericks In: The Mavericks have swallowed their bitter pill in this season, perhaps due to the hangover from the party that was so 2011. First, they lost in the Tyson Chandler bid, who went to the Knicks after winning a ring. Second, they found themselves in a slump until the middle of the season, which questioned their ability to repeat or at least make it deep into the playoffs. And third, they did not receive the former Sixth Man of the Year, but just a player who felt very bitter after a canceled trade. Now as an team of veterans facing a bunch of agile kids hungry for a title, the Mavericks might need to regain their hunger for another title.

What could be: One word: domination. Durant and Westbrook would prove to much for the Mavericks, and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Serge Ibaka will get his biggest playoff break ever. Thunder in 6.


(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Denver Nuggets

The Lakers In: Even though they are still in the rebuilding process, the Lakers have shown that they can still be dominant. Andrew Bynum has finally emerged out of his shell, and the acquisition of Ramon Sessions added something that was clearly lacking during the past seasons, namely a competitive and agile point guard ready to run with the other members of the Purple and Gold backcourt. In the last few games, the Lakers have performed considerably well, playing decently even with Kobe in the stands and assisting Mike Brown with coaching duties, and in his return, beating the dominant Oklahoma City Thunder in overtime, despite losing big to the San Antonio Spurs twice in the span of a week. In fact, momentarily losing World Peace might not be too much of an issue for them, as long as Matt Barnes and Devin Ebanks enter the court ready to defend anyone and score when given the opportunity to do so.

The Nuggets In: To place a bunch of guys whose brand of basketball is sheer teamwork in the sixth place would be underrating them. Coach George Karl had his own problems with his teams, especially with injuries, in this season, and yet they still have managed to clinch a playoff berth in the post-Carmelo Anthony era. And of course, winning would depend on Danilo Gallinari, with role players Kenneth Fareid, the experienced Al Harrington, and Ty Lawson, who perhaps will be their most important piece against a Lakers team that would prefer half-court sets than fastbreak baskets on the defensive end.

What could be: The playoffs bring out the inner strength of the Lakers, and we will see how dominant Andrew Bynum can be when Kobe and Gasol play at their best. Lakers in 6.

Examining Possibilities: The NBA 2nd Round Preview

Upsets and surprises? Let's see what we have for the next phase of the playoffs.

THE WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

Oklahoma City Thunder (4) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (8)

The Thunder In: Despite taking a quick five games to make it into the next round, the Thunder's trip in the first round wasn't easy. The Denver Nuggets still continued chasing for them in all of these games, as they kept the game tight with only close, single-digit leads. Can Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook (who had bad shooting problems in the series) carry over this same intensity and determination against another young team who can keep up with them?

The Grizzlies In: It's quite unbelievable that the Grizzlies were able to eliminate the top-seeded Spurs in six games, getting a 3-1 lead early in the series, many thanks to Zach Randolph. The burly Grizzlies veteran greatly helped the team not only by scoring crucial baskets and grabbing those boards, he was also able to draw defenders that allowed space for Marc Gasol, Darrell Arthur, and Grievis Vazques to get their own touches. Their success in this series largely depends on how fluid their offense can get.

What Could Be: Simply put, the Thunder will be too much for the Grizzlies, mostly because of their down-the-wire game experience. Thunder in 6.

Los Angeles Lakers (2) vs. Dallas Mavericks

The Lakers In: Kobe Bryant and his squad of three-peat candidates may have started slow, but their performance against the Hornets in Game 6 had everyone thinking that they can still get the championship trophy with their trademark offense and outstanding defense. The question now is whether they can maintain that level of play against a much more difficult team that could cancel out the advantages shown by Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum against New Orleans.

The Mavericks In: Credit has to be given where it is due, and the Mavericks' dismantling of the seemingly difficult Portland Trailblazers in six games is praiseworthy. Their offense has been outstanding, with Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry finding his spots, while Tyson Chandler has been a big help inside the paint in terms of defending the point. As they enter the second round, they have to get off that playoff slump and play at a more competitive level against a championship team that can pull more tricks than the Trailblazers.

What Could Be: It's hard and tiring to just try beating the Lakers, and the Mavs won't be just able to handle them. Lakers in 7.

THE EASTER CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

Chicago Bulls (1) vs. Atlanta Hawks (5)

The Bulls In: Chicago fashionably finished off a young and versatile Indiana team who ran out of gas in their final game, and they did this with DerrickRose enduring the pain of an ankle surgery. With the soon-to-be-crowned MVP taking the lead and running the game on both sides for the Bulls, what they need to do is to do the right adjustments, most especially in defense, where they need to fill in the holes that allowed Indiana to score and even escape with a win. Can they do just that against a hungry Hawks squad?

The Hawks In: With Kirk Hinrich out for the rest of the series, life could get a bit more difficult for these young Hawks. Obviously, someone needs to step up and play the role of a playmaker AND a scorer who can easily shoot from the outside and scatter the defense, enough for Al Horford and Josh Smith to penetrate and easily score.

What Could Be: With one man down for Atlanta, it would be hard to defend against and defeat Chicago. Bulls in 5.

Miami Heat (2) vs. Boston Celtics (3)

The Heat In: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, ended their first round series in fashion, scoring off threes to cancel the extra efforts exerted by Andre Iguodala's Sixers in game 5. So far, they have been very consistent despite a few lapses in defense, with Chris Bosh stepping up and hitting outside jumpers to keep them afloat all through out. It seems that all will work out, but can they use this against a Boston team that has too much D on them?

The Celtics In: Aiming for their third finals appearance in four years, Boston returns to the second round with the same playoff energy that they had from the start. Dismantling Amar'e' Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony's New York Knicks have shown that it is good strategy on the D gives them the wins that they need to reach the Finals. With a new set of personnel on the bench, amidst facing problems in filling in the five position, can they still hold on and advance to the Finals against a Miami team that is hard to stop?

What Could Be: Although the Heat had been very good, they still need to really work things around to get through an experienced Boston team. Celtics in 7.