Can Anyone in the West Stop the Lakers?

The NBA Playoffs have been intense since they started exactly one month ago. The Celtics beat the Cavaliers and King James in six games in the second round. Three of the four conference semifinals ended as sweeps for the higher seeded team, with Boston being the only exception. Last night in Orlando, the Celtics stayed hot by upsetting the Magic, who hadn't lost since April 2 to the Spurs. I'm not surprised they won because of Dwight Howard's struggles, shooting just 3-10 in Game 1. The Celtics will be going back to Boston in great shape whether they win tomorrow or not.

Tonight, the red-hot Suns look to pull off another Game 1 upset as they start their series with the defending champions. The Lakers have been an unstoppable force in the Western Conference since 2008, aiming for their third straight NBA Finals appearance. But Phil Jackson's team has had some health issues, particularly Andrew Bynum and Kobe Bryant. Bynum has dealt with injuries throughout his career, but this knee injury just keeps hitting him. Everyone talks about how the Lakers have a huge advantage in the frontcourt, but if Bynum is ineffective, the Suns should be able to stay with them thanks to Amare Stoudemire. A report also came out today saying Kobe had his knee drained of fluid recently. We know that Kobe should be fine, but we also know that he is not 100% healthy.

I think this is going to be a great series, but I like the Suns' chances. It should be a lot closer than many people think. I'm not sure if they can pull off the upset, but I would definitely not be shocked to see Phoenix play in their first NBA Finals since 1993. Steve Nash is playing terrific basketball (even with one eye), and Jason Richardson has stepped up his game, averaging just under 22 PPG and 6.3 RPG. Jared Dudley, Goran Dragic, Channing Frye and Leandro Barbosa should also contribute for Alvin Gentry in this series. I think this series will go to seven games, and I think that the Lakers will win, but don't be surprised if Phoenix takes the series or gives LA a scare.