Rory Gold

The Western Conference playoffs feature the Lakers and 7 very good teams trying to knock them off. Every series with the exception of the aforementioned Lakers will be a close one. Let’s have a look at how each will play out.

Lakers – Jazz

The Lake show won the Western Conference by 11 games, with Denver finishing a distant 2^nd. After their dismal finals performance in 2008, Kobe and the Lakers are hungrier and more focused than anytime in recent memory. The Jazz were a dark horse pick just a few months ago but they dropped into the kill zone. Utah will bow out quickly to the Lakers.

Rory Gold says, “NBA Bettors should take the Lakers in 5.”

Nuggets – Hornets

The Nuggets haven’t won a postseason series in their past seven attempts. While the number two seed is usually a bye to the next round, the Hornets are as dangerous as any team not named the Lakers or Cavs. Chris Paul will be in tough though, he’ll be going head to head with Mr. Big Shot Chauncey Billups. This series will come down to whether the fragile Hornets can last the 7 game pounding they are sure to receive from Denver.

Rory Gold says, “NBA Bettors should take the Nuggets in 7.”

Spurs – Mavericks

The Spurs and Mavericks playing in the first round doesn’t seem right but here we are. The big question is how much do the Spurs have left? Tim Duncan’s knees are questionable and Manu Ginobili is out for the rest of the season because of ankle troubles. They will look to a February win over the Mavs for inspiration, a game in which both Manu and Timmy were sidelined. Dallas is playing with more confidence now than they have all season but they have their own injuries to worry about. Josh Howard is less than 100%. Nevertheless, Dallas should top the Spurs.

Rory Gold says, “NBA Bettors should take the Mavericks in 6.”

Trailblazers – Rockets

The Blazers have all the components in place to make a long run in the 2009 playoffs. Brandon Roy has taken the next step towards superstardom. The only concern is the team is ridiculously young to be in this position.
Tracey McGrady has never won a playoff series in his career, wouldn’t it be cruel irony if the Rockets advanced to the second round while McGrady watches from the sidelines. Rick Adelman has this team ready for the playoffs. The defense of Shane Battier and Ron Artest should send Houston to the next round.

Rory Gold says, “NBA Bettors should take the Rockets in 6.”