2006 WESTERN CONFERENCE ROUNDBALL ROUND-UP, A.K.A., HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVES

On the heels of its Eastern conference counterpart comes this Manifest Destiny-determined second half. Now, I know what you’re going to say: “Phil X, I thought you didn’t follow the Western conference this year.” Well, you’re right. But all that really means is that the following analyses and predictions are not based on any kind of rational fact. Hey, it could be worse; I could have based who I like on which team’s uniforms I thought looked cooler. Let’s tip off:

WESTERN CONFERENCE MATCH-UPS:

#1 ranked San Antonio versus #8 ranked Sacramento

#2 Phoenix versus #7 L.A. Lakers

#3 Denver versus #6 L.A. Clippers

#4 Dallas versus #5 Memphis

San Antonio Spurs versus Sacramento Kings

Back when he was an Indiana Pacer, Kings forward Ron Artest nearly started a riot during a game at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan. But the entire city of San Antonio rioted when the Spurs landed the draft rights to Tim Duncan back in 1997. I think Duncan gets the edge.

Prediction: San Antonio in four.

Phoenix Suns versus L.A. Lakers

I’m a big fan of Suns forward Kurt Thomas because he used to play for Miami. I’m a big fan of Lakers forward Lamar Odom because he used to play for Miami. Run behind Suns point guard Steve Nash on the break, and somehow he will get you the ball. Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is somebody you never want to turn your back on – or you could get balled. This one could go the distance.

Prediction: L.A. in seven.

Denver Nuggets versus L.A. Clippers

Alright, this one’s actually based on data. The Clippers’ Elton Brand is a better power forward than the Nuggets’ Kenyon Martin. But the Nuggets’ Andre Miller has the size to defend against the Clippers’ Sam Cassell. In the past, Martin has disappeared in the playoffs, while Cassell has come up big. That’ll be the difference-maker.

Prediction: L.A. in six.

Dallas Mavericks versus Memphis Grizzlies

Reese Witherspoon was really good in “Walk the Line,” some of which took place in Memphis. But the film version of “Dallas” will be shooting in Miami.

Prediction: Dallas in five.

For my Eastern Conference predictions, click here.