Series odds: Spurs -360, Grizzlies +290
Don't be fooled by how tough the Grizzlies appeared to have played the Spurs during the regular season. While the teams did split four meetings, both of Memphis' victories came in March, and we know how San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich loves giving his starters plenty of rest down the stretch.
Memphis does have enough weapons to stay in games, but with Rudy Gay out with a dislocated shoulder, the depth simply isn't there. Even with Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph matching up favorably in the frontcourt, the Grizzlies will likely struggle at containing a San Antonio offense that ranked among the league's best all season long.
The Spurs' core of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili (questionable for Game 1 with an elbow injury) and Tony Parker may not have the spring in its collective step of years gone by, but the trio should do more than enough to dispatch the up-and-coming Grizzlies.
Season series: Tied 2-2
Pick: Spurs in five games
Los Angeles Lakers (2) vs. New Orleans Hornets (7)
Series odds: Lakers -2,100, Hornets +1,280
This best-of-seven would have been enough of a challenge for the Hornets, even with a healthy David West. Now that he's out for the rest of the year, the Hornets could face a quick exit at the hands of the defending champs.
While Chris Paul provides a matchup problem for the Lakers at point guard, Los Angeles has a decided advantage everywhere else. This is particularly true up front, where even a banged-up Andrew Bynum should have the edge over New Orleans' Emeka Okafor.
Add in Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol to anchor the offense, Ron Artest to lock things down on defense and Lamar Odom and Matt Barnes providing great bench versatility, and it's clear the boys from Tinseltown will be tough to beat.
Season series: Lakers won 4-0
Pick: Lakers in five games
Dallas Mavericks (3) at Portland Trail Blazers (6)
Series odds: Mavericks -200, Trail Blazers +170
The Mavericks and Trail Blazers engaged in a gritty season series in which each team won twice and none of the games were decided by more than eight points. Star forward Dirk Nowitzki is the key to Dallas' fortunes, but he's going to need some help if the Mavs want to see Round 2.
With Caron Butler (knee) not expected back until the second round of the playoffs, the burden of supporting role continues to fall on sixth man Jason Terry. He averaged just 12.3 points on 42 percent shooting against Portland this season, and will need to be significantly better.
The Trail Blazers wanted this series because they feel they match up well against Dallas. That may be true, but Portland doesn't have a player like Nowitzki on its team. If Terry can shoulder more of the load, Nowitzki's propensity for hitting big shots at pivotal moments could be the difference in what should be a closely-contested tilt.
Season series: Tied 2-2
Pick: Mavericks in seven games
Oklahoma City Thunder (4) vs. Denver Nuggets (5)
Series odds: Thunder -200, Nuggets +170
Oklahoma City fired the first two salvos earlier this month by beating the Nuggets twice in a four-day span. And while the playoffs represent a do-over for the retooled Nuggets, it's impossible to ignore just how good the Thunder looked in the home-and-home engagement.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have flourished in the spotlight, combining for nearly 50 points per game while presenting matchup nightmares on a regular basis. The addition of center Kendrick Perkins has given the Thunder some much-needed bulk up front, a factor many felt was missing from the Oklahoma City roster.
The Nuggets have played remarkably well since trading Carmelo Anthony, still putting up points at a breakneck pace. But the Thunder can score right along with them, while playing better defense and possessing the best player in the series in Durant. This one should be OKC's to lose.
Season series: Thunder won 3-1
Pick: Thunder in six games
