Western Conference Predictions- Walking in a minefield

Once again going to post out my own thoughts on what might happen in the Wild Wild West. I keep hearing on ESPN how it's like a minefield.  So I'll post what time will blow up hence the loser. And I'll point out who sets the bomb, so you'll be able to tell who I actually think will move on. 

ESPN broke all the series down for us too.
Grizzlies Spurs    Hornets Lakers    Trailblazers Mavericks    Nuggets Thunder

Spurs vs. Grizzlies
Will the Grizzly Old Spurs be able to move on and blow up the Grizzlies?  I think they will.  San Antonio came out on fire in the first part of the season, and I can't see them having a big let down even with a not so great second half.  It's still got Tim Duncan leading the way, so they have a good chance, as long as he steps up the game, and plays like the player he can. Hard to believe the season series was tied up at 2-2, so maybe the Grizzlies can pull off some magic.  But I'm going with Memphis stepping on the mine, and Spurs blowing them up.


Hornets vs. Lakers
I hate the Lakers.  Should I be any more honest than that?  But I know they'll probably turn it on like they tend to do in the playoffs.  It looks like the season series wasn't even that close, so I can't envision the Lakers letting down and getting upset by the Hornets.  Even with Chris Paul back at somewhat of him self, the Hornets will have a hard time facing against the two time champs.  They will step on a mine, and get blown out.


Blazers vs. Mavericks
Will the Mavericks finally break through and really show they belong as a top elite team?  Can Dirk work his shooting and get the Mavs to where they think they should be?  Wouldn't it be awesome to see Mark Cuban holding that championship trophy?  The Blazers could try to hold their own, and get Alridge the points he needs to score.  Andre Miller can run the offense as best he can.  This series could get interesting, but I'm going with the Mavs setting out a mine for the Blazers. See you Blazers.


Nuggets vs. Thunder
The Thunder seem like a sexy pick, and I know I love being sexy, so I'm going with the Thunder.  Durant is awesome, and should be in the upper elite soon if he's not right there now.  Adding some veteran like Perkins should give the inside some presence.  The Nuggets definitely turned it on even after trading away Melo.  It's pretty amazing they were able to do that.  But it just seemed like they knew the team they could have, and went out there and played ball.  This could be a fun seven game series with the Thunder setting out three mines for the Nuggets to step on.  Bye bye Denver.  Moving on up thunder.


There we go. First round predictions.  I'll go round by round.