NBA Playoff Scenarios: Western Conference

The Western Conference playoffs look to be a little more exciting than the Eastern Conference, at least for the first-round action. The potential for upsets is way higher in the Western Conference as well. Here's the scenarios:

Western Conference

#8 Jazz vs. #1 Lakers

Jazz will win if: Deron Williams spawns into John Stockton and Carlos Boozer spawns into Karl Malone. Just a month ago I had the Jazz in the Top 5 of the Power Rankings, but a lackluster finish to the season has made me change that thought real quick. As if things can't get any worse, Jerry Sloan has no confidence in his team and the team they have to play beat them in the season finale 125-112.
Lakers will win if: As long as Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum play the way they did the entire regular season, this will be a sweep. The Jazz are a good home team, but the Lakers are just too strong for the slumping Jazz.
Prediction: Lakers in 4

#7 Hornets vs. #2 Nuggets

Hornets will win if: A solid team effort will make this series much closer than it looks on paper. We all know Chris Paul will show up and play great, but if his supporting cast plays good as well, the Hornets could steal this series. That means Tyson Chandler and David West.
Nuggets will win if: The Nuggets have to minimize their turnovers against the Hornet which love to run the court. Chauncy Billups and Kenyon Martin are the x-factors. If they play up to their capabilities, the Nuggets will win this series convincingly.
Prediction: Nuggets in 7

#6 Mavericks vs. #3 Spurs

Mavericks will win if: They continue to play the way they played to end the season. The Mavs had one of the toughest schedules in March and April and still managed to pull out seven wins and make the playoffs. Josh Howard is the x-factor for the Mavs.
Spurs will win if: They figure out a way to replace the production of Manu Ginobli. Players like Roger Mason, Matt Bonner, and Michael Finley will have to step up their production. That is a big "if".
Prediction: Mavs in 7

#5 Rockets vs. #4 Blazers

Rockets will win if: Yao Ming establishes himself as the dominant force and the offense runs through him. The Rockets seem to go away from Yao way too much and they can't do that in this series. The Blazers aren't particularly strong in the low post so the Rockets have to exploit that with Yao.
Blazers will win if: If the Blazers use their speed to push the tempo up and make Yao Ming almost non-existent, whether it's foul trouble or just good defense, then the game will swing their way. The Blazers might be the hottest team coming into the playoffs and that usually spells success.
Prediction: Blazers in 6