No. 1 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies
Season series tied 2-2
It is looking like the Spurs will be without Manu Ginobili for Game 1 as he suffered a sprained elbow in the regular season finale. This should be a huge boost for Memphis as Ginobili was San Antonio's best player this season.
If the Grizzlies want to have a shot in this series they have to get a split in San Antonio and head back to Memphis 1-1. Zach Randolph has had a great season and he should be able to continue that success against the Spurs. For the Spurs to defend him well they need to have very good help side-defense when he posts up. If they can force him into shooting jump shots while double teamed it will not allow him to get into a rhythm.
Mike Conley has had a pretty solid season thus far, but will be tested by playoff veteran Tony Parker. If Conley can not only play well offensively, but hold Parker in check defensively it will give the Grizzlies a boost.
With Ginobili doubtful for Game 1 that means Richard Jefferson will have to step up his game for the Spurs. He has been a consistent outside shooting threat this season and he will need to keep that going in this series.
Tim Duncan is no stranger to the postseason and the Spurs will need him in this series. If Duncan draws the match up of defending Randolph he will need to keep Randolph out of the paint and force him into tough, contested shots. If Duncan can slow down Randolph the Spurs should have an easier time winning this series.
Prediction: Spurs 4-2
No. 4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 5 Denver Nuggets
Oklahoma City won the season series 3-1
People seem to think this is going to be the best first round series of the playoffs. Denver has been playing extreme...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
