WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF PREVIEW

(1)Golden State Warriors vs (8)New Orleans Pelicans
This match up provides some of the marquee names in the NBA with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson of the Warriors going up against Anthony Davis of the Pelicans. Davis has become one of the best players in the game and proving so most recently by pulling his team into the playoffs just as the season ended. If the Pelicans are going to want any chance in this series, they are going to have to try and limit Golden State’s three-point barrage. They average the second most three pointers made per game and have the best three point shooting percentage in the league; it is no doubt their strength. But even if the Pelicans do manage to limit the Warriors’ three point shot and Davis can average over thirty points per game for the series I still cannot see them taking more than a game in New Orleans on possibly a Davis buzzer beater.
WINNER-GOLDEN STATE IN 4 GAMES

(2)Houston Rockets vs (7)Dallas Mavericks
There are some interesting reunions in this match up with Chandler Parsons facing his former team and Jason Terry going up against the team he won it all with a couple of years ago. Maybe Parsons can give Rick Carlisle some advice on beating his former teammate and perennial MVP candidate James Harden. Harden will be a key piece to the Rockets if they want to take care of business in this match up. We also get a chance in this one to see how much is left in Dirk Nowitzki’s tank, he definitely is close to the end of his ride and this may be the last best team he plays on. Still I think Dwight Howard is the real X-factor in this match-up though, the Rockets know they can count on Harden but will Howard be completely healthy and effective? Going into it the Rockets seem pretty confident about it. All of that could change if something should happen in one of the games. I think even without a fully effective Dwight Howard though the Rockets will win this one
WINNER-HOUSTON ROCKETS IN 5 GAMES

(3)Los Angeles Clippers vs (6)San Antonio Spurs
The Clippers are looking to avoid an early exit this year against the defending champs, the last time they played the Spurs they were swept in the second round three years ago. Although Chris Paul and the Clippers look hungry this year and will not go down without a fight you cannot deny that the Spurs time defying engine keeps on chugging. Do not be fooled, they are a misleading number six seed in this match up. Their experience and playoff hardened veterans will definitely play as an advantage for them in this one. They will be glad to have that kind of experience especially since they start on the road. Don’t be surprised if they come out Sunday and take the very first game.
WINNER-SAN ANTONIO SPURS IN 6 GAMES

(4) Portland Trail Blazers vs (5) Memphis Grizzlies
The Portland Trail Blazers are no stranger to injury and this time it’s a man by the name of Wesley Mathews who they have been missing the most. Ever since he was lost for the season the Trail Blazers just have not been he same, going 10-12 without him and effectively stumbling into a forgiving four seed thanks to the NBA’s playoff system. Without that they would have been much lower and possibly facing a much better team. Still they have their hands full with the Grizzlies, who just play so physically every game. The last thing Portland needs is another injury and I’d be willing to bet LaMarcus Aldridge gets a finger or two caught somewhere when trying to guard Zach Randolf. No matter what way you look at it, this one just seems like Grizzlies series to lose. Although, the Trail Blazers do have someone who made a very amazing shot in last year’s playoffs…
WINNER-MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES IN 5 GAMES