Best rivalry in basketball right now should lead to another outstanding (hopefully fair) first round series.

SCOTT JACOBS

I’m a Suns fan, so I was going to watch no matter what. I’m a basketball fan, so when the NBA’s marquee rivalry is played in the first round it’s like Heat-Knicks all over again. I’m a sports fan, and I’m smart enough to know that the NBA Playoffs should be really good as a whole, but Suns-Spurs is the main course. Enjoy it while you can. Because this year just might be different.

If you think Suns fans have forgotten about last year’s controversial series against the Sterns you are in for a surprise. Phoenix fans have been begging for a second shot, feeling that they got robbed of their best chance to date, of winning their first NBA title.

The Suns broke up a proven winner because the Spurs kept getting in their way. They traded full all out small ball, for tall ball. They made the most controversial trade in arguably 10 years when they traded Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks for Shaq. And they did it so they could man up when they got the Spurs in the conference finals…. I mean, the first round.

Not sure if the NBA is happy about this. It’s a great series to start the playoffs with, but you have to wonder if the guys upstairs would’ve liked to see this happen a round later. Suns-Spurs is must see TV. It’s entertainment, it’s great theatre. Suns fans hate Spurs fans. Rumors have run rampant that the Suns got the 2009 All Star game in Phoenix because Stern was trying to get them to forget how his decision to suspend Amare and Boris cost the Suns a legit shot to beat those Spurs.

Phoenix went 3-1 against the Spurs this year, and look primed to exert their power over the defending champs. But San Antonio always seems to bring everything up a notch come playoff time, and that shellacking of the Jazz Wednesday night could be a preview. But this is why the Suns got Shaq. To match up with the Spurs. And I never like to look ahead, but if the Suns can win this series, and if the very possible scenario of Dallas beating New Orleans happens, we could get treated to another can’t miss series in round 2: Phoenix versus Dallas. But it’s early. No one’s played a game yet. Suns-Spurs tips off Saturday. I can’t help but feel like the team that’s taken the Suns out 3 out of their last 4 playoff trips won’t do it again. This is a gut pick. A dangerous pick. But I’m taking Phoenix. They’re on a mission. They’re going to beat the Spurs. And they’re going to do it on their home court in front of one of the loudest crowds the state of Arizona has ever seen. Suns in 6.

As for the other series:

1. LA Lakers vs. 8. Nuggets
Denver is way too erratic and doesn’t play any defense. Kobe’s team is way too good even without Bynum. I like the Lakers in this one, and even though these games may be close, I don’t think this series will be all that long. Lakers in five.

2. Hornets vs. 7. Mavericks
Last year Dallas won 67 games. This year, they’re a 7 seed. And that means less pressure. And that means the non-playoff tested Hornets who look vulnerable. Going out on a limb here in the first 2 versus 7 to not really appear like much of an upset. Dirk and Kidd win. Mavericks in six.

3. Spurs vs. 6. Suns
See above.

4. Jazz vs. 5. Rockets
Jazz won their division. Rockets have home court and are the most undervalued playoff team in the West. No one is picking them to win. I agree with them. But not by much. In fact, I think the Jazz will once again win, only this time it will be in six. Because let’s face it, Utah can’t win worth a lick on the road.

EAST PREVIEW TOMMORROW.

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