Phoenix are truthfully a much better team than the previous year. Over the last few years Phoenix has built a name around the NBA as one of the most dynamic run and gun offenses. Veteran guard Steve Nash, also a two time MVP is the oldest player in NBA history to win an assist title. This alone shows the Nash has no signs of slowing down and still can get the job done. Grant Hill is having a remarkable year playing to his full potential, and we all know where this guy was at one point in his career with the constant ankle injuries that put a hamper on his career. Amare Stoudemare is a wrecking machine and will jam on you any second as he's like a ticking time bomb. Not only that Channing Frye will be open to stroke down those three pointers like its nothing.

The Blazers the same can be said for them taking a step up this year to turn it up. The youth on this team is amazing and adding veteran guard Andre Miller from Philadelphia to the roster was a plus. Brandon Roy once again had an all-star year while fighting through a lot of injuries. LaMarcus Alridge is a a monster on the inside and gives Portland the size needed to matchup with the west's big men. Overall while Portland needs some things to make them stronger, head coach Nate McMillan has these boys on the right track to be a face in the NBA in years to come.

 Prediction: Phoenix in 7. Experience is something that can't be taught which is something the Phoenix Suns have over Portland. Phoenix has been competing in the playoffs year after year for almost the last decade. Portland on the other hand has youth which is great, but when your young you need time to live and learn. Steve Nash, Stoudemare, Grant Hill, Jason Richardson, been there and done that. This alone will cause mental mistakes versus Portland as the teams experience in the playoffs have been short lived. Last year was the first time the Blazers been to the postseson in about five years if I'm correct. Brandon Roy's game will get better and LaMarcus Alridge skill level as a big man only improves. Portland in the future has potential, but for the time being Phoenix wins this round.

(4) Denver Nuggets VS (5) Utah Jazz

Denver this year alone has made much improvement to be one of the NBA's elite. Carmelo Anthony has been a powerhouse all year elevating his game to the next level to display his championship hunger. Chauncey Billups continues to exemplify his leadership role putting the team in the right direction in order to stay competive. Coach George Karl is a players coach and this lives up to show when the team loves its coach games will be won.

Utah when you look at the all around roster the talent this team have is very good. Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, Andrew Kirlenko, Millisap, all have carry a great game that shows Utah will be good for a very long time. Jerry Sloan only recruits the best proving he has a keen eye for basketball talent at the highest level. There are times when Utah can be inconsistent, but with growth and maturity the Jazz will only strive to the top as time goes on.

Prediction: Nuggets in 7. This game will be a fight from start to finish. Looking at the even matchups, Boozer VS Carmelo, Deron VS Chauncey, both teams will steal wins on the home teams court. Both teams have outside scoring threats and carry a bench that can get on fire once the kitchen starts to heat up. Denver gives you J.R. Smith who will not be afraid to shoot and the defensive skills from Chris Anderson will make things tough on Utah. Utah down the line just will not execute the big plays like Denver, even though you can picture Kyle Korver knocking down some big ones for Utah in close games. Denver will advance the the next round, but it won't be easy.