Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Western Conference Finals Preview

Lakers @ Hornets

According to a majority of the analysts, this is the predicted match-up for the western finals.  I would have to say it’s a toss up between New Orleans and Utah.  Looking at the stats for the both teams, the Lakers would have the edge in just about every category except assists.  Chris Paul accounts for about 75% of the teams assists.  In the past, the Lakers have had problems defending penetration and the quick slashing guards.  Tonight will be a good test to see if the portion of their game has improved.  Last year this team really beat us up on the boards and around the perimeter.  The pick-up of Posey will make covering the perimeter that much more important.  Although better on paper, the Lakers are playing the second game of a back to back.  I think the Rockets were a good example for what to expect for the rest of the year.  Teams are going to come at them with everything they got.  The Lakers will have a huge target on their back till the end of the season.  Being undefeated only magnifies things.

Prediction: Lakers are going to come out flat, falling behind early.  Lose the rebounding game and turn the ball over 20+ times.  Gulp…Dare I say it?  Hornets by 6.

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