No. 1 Los Angeles Lakers (57-25) vs. No. 8 Oklahoma City Thunder (50-32)
The Los Angeles Lakers, the top seed in the Western Conference, take on the No. 8 seed Oklahoma City Thunder in a first-round, Western Conference playoff series. This is a best-of-7 series.
The Lakers won the season series against Oklahoma City, 3-1.
It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers are hurting right now. Kobe Bryant has a swollen knee. Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest are banged up. The defending champions have lost seven of their last 11. All these things are true, but they still can’t be counted out. It might be a longshot for the Lakers to defend their title in some eyes, but don’t forget the absolute spell they’ve cast on the Seattle Supersonics/Oklahoma City Thunder, having owned this franchise wherever they call home for 12 straight series.
Kevin Durant was THE breakout star in the NBA this season, winning the league’s scoring title and putting his team on his back for their first playoff appearance in only their second year in Oklahoma City. Durant appears to be the player who will take over the mantle as the West’s best after Kobe Bryant relinquishes the throne, but that’s not going to happen this year. This team will be dynamite to watch as long as they last _ which won’t be long. So make sure to check out point guard Russell Westbrook, who is Robin to Durant’s Batman.
The odds makers have the Lakers at -7 ½ -point favorites.
There is no accounting for what Kobe might do in the playoffs, simply because he has proven over and over again he is capable of turning it on in crunch time like few players in the history of the game. Never forget that. Durant will score a lot of points, but he will not defend and inspire like his counterpart, although putting up a fight against the Lakers could be a huge stepping stone.
Prediction: Look for the Lakers to win this series in five games.
Lakers vs Thunder 2010 Playoff Schedule
Game 1: Sun, April 18 Thunder at Lakers 3:00 pm EST on ABC
Game 2: Tue, April 20 Thunder at Lakers 10:30 pm EST on TNT
Game 3: Thu, April 22 Lakers at Thunder 9:30 pm EST on TNT
Game 4: Sat, April 24 Lakers at Thunder 9:30 pm EST on ESPN
Game 5: Tue, April 27 Thunder at Lakers TBD on TBD*
Game 6: Fri, April 30 Lakers at Thunder TBD on TBD*
Game 7: Sun, May 02 Thunder at Lakers TBD on TBD*
* If necessary
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