2007 Western Conference Finals Predictions

Game one of the Western Conference Finals was really more lopsided than the eight point margin it ended up. All we really need to know is that the Jazz have now lost 17 straight times in San Antonio and the Spurs have home court advantage. End of story, the Spurs will move on to the NBA Finals and our Western Conference Finals predictions will advise you on how soon you can expect the Spurs to emerge victorious.

The big question heading into game one was if the Spurs would be physically and mentally tired playing just 39 hours after finishing a grueling series with the Suns. Judging by San Antonio’s performance in game one, it’s safe to say that the Spurs look pretty fresh. We can expect a battle in game two with Utah knowing that this is really a do-or-die game for them. After that, we can expect the Spurs to get at least one win in Utah and, in all likelihood, could end this thing in game five back in San Antonio. It doesn’t sound like too exciting of a Western Conference Final does it?

I’m sure you Utah fans feel I’m not giving your boys enough credit. I’ll give them all the credit in the world for what they were able to pull off in the first two rounds, but this young Jazz team is clearly out of its league here against the most experienced championship team remaining in the playoffs.

Kirilenko filled his stat line with turnovers, fouls, and goaltendings in game one, which was a huge contrast from what he had been seeing out of him in the Golden State series. Boozer finally ran into a team which plays dominant defense. As Deron Williams has showed us the entire postseason, he is up to the challenge, but it appears he won’t have enough support against the physical, savvy, skilled Spurs.

The Jazz are going to have to try to limit one of San Antonio’s big three if they even want a shot at making this thing a series. In game one, they gave up over 20 points to Duncan, Ginobli, and Parker. Duncan has shown us throughout the postseason, that he will not be stopped. Utah is going to have to keep Ginobli and Parker out of the paint. Traditionally, Jerry Sloan teams are very disciplined and good defensively. This team doesn’t quite fit that mold. These guys are more talented and more athletic than the teams he is used to, but they lack the intelligence and experience to make a trip to the NBA Finals just yet. Expect to see the Spurs win this one in five and be waiting on the Eastern Conference representative.

• 2007 Eastern Conference Finals Predictions

• 2007 NBA Finals Predictions

• Odds to win the 2008 NBA Western Conference

Updated May 21st, 2007