Playoffs!?

In the West

1. Oklahoma City
The young emerging Thunder bring a very talented starting 5.  Kevin Durant has the ability to score at will but the question has always been; Does Russel Westbrook have the ability to shoot less?! The addition of veteran Derick Fisher (whom I despise more than any player in the league) may provide the mentor-ship role that Westbrook needs.  It is pretty simple Russel, pass the ball.
When does James Harden become a starter?  Fear the Beard.

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8. Utah, Phoenix, Minnesota, Houston, or Portland? Maybe Denver?
If the season ended today, Denver would hold the 7th seed and Houston the 8th.
The season doesn't end today, so it will be a tight race until the end.  The teams from top to bottom are separated by only 3.5 games. 

For the post sake lets say the Timberwolves make the playoffs, they provide a unique match-up and a tough out for any team in the post season. If the bench steps up and plays defense we may see a 8 prevail over a 1 if someone is able to channel their inner Baron Davis.

2. San Antonio
With the addition of a now rejuvenated Stephen Jackson the Spurs are again a threat in the playoffs.  A very energetic bench is a perfect supporting cast for the veteran starting line up the Spurs possess.

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7. Utah
Now winners of 5 in a row, the Jazz are in because they play team basketball.  The defensive effort particularly at home goes unmatched.  Can they find a "take over" guy they need to overcome a tough Spurs team?

3. L.A. Lakers
Could  Ramon Sessions be a more perfect fit for the 'Lake Show'?
As big of a roller coaster season it may be, the Lakers are still the Lakers and Kobe is still Kobe.  The two trees inside are a match-up nightmare to any team in a seven game series.  Look for big things from "The Masked Mamba"

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6. L.A. Clippers
David Stern's mouth is watering at the thought of this possible "Gridlock Series"
Falling apart of the seems losing 3 in a row, most recently in New Orleans the Clippers have some things to figure out.  Full of ally-oops and jump shots, the Clip Show simply doesn't have a go to aspect of their game.  Other than the alias known as 'Lob City' they don't do anything specifically well.  Will they become a lock-down defensive team?  Do they have an offensive set to get them big buckets at the end of games?
Time will tell.

4. Dallas
The term "Just get in" perhaps applies most to the not-to-be-forgotten Defending Champs.
The play of Frenchman Rodrigue Beauboi's off the bench will be key in jump starting the scoring out of Dallas.  Dirk, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry (JT the Jet Plane, University of Arizona) are going to get theirs, but who else can step up for Dallas

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5. Memphis
Zach Randolf is a beast, plain and simple.  He states that Memphis is a force to be reckoned with come playoff time, and he is correct.  The question, much like last year, will be the scoring for the Grizz.  Can 'Agent 10' (University of Arizona) revamp his career and take over a playoff series?
Memphis plays great defense.  Tony Allen is a lock-down machine and can hit clutch 3's when they need it.  Gasol and Randolf's interior play will carry Memphis as far as they are going to go.


It is the Thunder's Western Conference to lose.  The team coming out of the east will be matched-up against a very beat up, tired, and tested team.  Things will be very tight and buckets will not come easy come playoff time. 

Anyone else excited?

Eastern Conference Preview soon, West is Best.

Best wishes to Ricky Rubio.