Cramer: West 1st Round Predictions

I know I'm a little late on this one, but I promise I made these picks prior to the first round beginning. Take a look at what I believe will transpire in the first round out West.

#1 Lakers vs. #8 Thunder
The Lakers have been struggling down the stretch, but there's really no cause for concern, especially not in the first round. OKC is a young team that is happy to be here, and LA is a veteran team that is looking to repeat. Durant and co. may steal a game or two, but they won't ever make this a series. Ron Artest will be able to frustrate Durant enough to get him off his game, and Westbrook won't be able to make up for the points Durant isn't going to score on a nightly basis. Also, the Lakers will dominate this one inside with Bynum back. No contest here.
Prediction: Lakers in 5

#2 Mavs vs. #7 Spurs
I have to be honest here. I was considering taking San Antonio in this one, but because they're down 1-0, I'm not going to. The Spurs have had some big wins in the last 25% of the season, but the Mavericks have way too much talent (and younger talent than the Spurs). Dirk is determined, and Tim Duncan may be a little bit too old to help this team advance in the playoffs. This will be a great series, but Dallas will win it in the end.
Prediction: Mavs in 7

#3 Suns vs. #6 Blazers
I could go with Portland here after their game 1 upset of Phoenix, but I'm not going to. The Suns have played great basketball for most of the season, and Portland had to play a near perfect game in game 1 just to beat them. I don't see Andre Miller scoring 31 every game (although he certainly will be able to exploit Nash's "defense"). Too much Stoudemire (playing in a contract season) and too much Nash will be the story here. Unless Brandon Roy makes it back in time for game 5 or 6, this one will be over.
Prediction: Suns in 6

#4 Nuggets vs. #5 Jazz
This series features the 2nd and 3rd best teams in the Western Conference. Each have had their troubles this season (whether it be illness or injury), but they are both looking to make a deep playoff run. However, with the loss of Okur, and Kirilenko's injury, Utah is too depleted to keep up the pace of the game played in the first 2. It's tied 1-1 now, but Denver should be able to pull this one out. No one on Utah (besides Kirilenko) can guard Carmelo for a 7-game series. For that reason. Denver will come out victorious.
Prediction: Nuggets in 6