The NBA’s Eastern Conference should get interesting in the second round of the playoffs. But with one exception, and it’s a debatable one at that, the Western Conference offers more intrigue — a lot more — in the first round.
No. 2 Dallas vs. No. 7 San Antonio » The Spurs have won 17 of their last 25 with Manu Ginobli on fire. The teams only played once since Dallas’ big trade in February — the Mavs won by six Wednesday, though Tim Duncan and Ginobli did not play. Only three teams defend the three better than the Spurs; only four teams shoot a better percentage than Dallas. The Mavs are 23-6 since Feb. 17.
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No. 1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 8 Oklahoma City » The Thunder’s Kevin Durant took offense to some comments by Lakers coach Phil Jackson. And in their last meeting Kobe Bryant and the Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha exchanged many words. Thunder guard Russell Westbrook gives Derek Fisher fits. The Lakers were 3-1 vs. Oklahoma City, but the teams have met once in 2010; the Thunder won by 16. Two of the Lakers’ wins were by three points.
No. 3 Atlanta vs. No. 6 Milwaukee » This had the potential to be a fantastic series, until Andrew Bogut got hurt. Still, they’ll be feisty. The Bucks are shooting six more 3’s a game minus Bogut and Kurt Thomas has fared well as his replacement. Milwaukee plays outstanding defense. But the Hawks are too athletic and in a seven-game series Bogut’s absence will become more pronounced.
