2010 NBA Playoffs Prediction: Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Blazers

The run-and-gun offense of the Suns versus the young and powerful offense of the Blazers. This match up would be a lot more exciting if the Blazers still had Brandon Roy, but as it stands now, the Suns should be able to make easy work of the depleted Blazers.

Phoenix Suns 2010 NBA Playoffs Preview

The Phoenix Suns looked good, but not great before the trade deadline. Although they didn't make any big acquisitions, Amare Stoudemire's play after the trade deadline had as big an impact as any trade possibly could have.

Stoudemire, whose name was attached to many trade rumors, ended up remaining with the Suns, and the Suns have gone on an absolute tear to end the season. They are 14-2 over their last 16 games, including a 93-87 win over the Blazers. The Suns are clicking on all cylinders right now, and although Phoenix's fast-paced offensive plan hasn't done well in the playoffs the past few years, they should easily be able to get out of the first round.

The biggest question for the Suns is whether they can make a deep run into the 2010 NBA Playoffs with Steve Nash slowed down by a balky back. Nash can still play well, but if his back gets worse, it could spell trouble for a Suns team that relies on Nash to set up their offense.

Portland Blazers 2010 NBA Playoffs Preview

It's been a rough season for the Portland Blazers. Only four players have played over 70 games for the Blazers this season, and leading scorer Brandon Roy appears to be out for at least the first round of the 2010 NBA Playoffs with an injury. Considering how competitive the Western Conference has been this season, it's unlikely the Blazers will be able to overcome Roy's injury and advance against the Suns.

In order to make things competitive, the Blazers will need a huge performance from Marcus Camby. Always a strong defender and rebounder, Camby recently exploded for 30 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder. While 30 points is more than can be expected from Camby on a regular basis, if he can get 10-15 points a game while also collecting 10-15 rebounds and playing good defense, the Blazers might have a chance to steal a couple of wins. If Camby falters, it seems far-fetched that the Blazers will be able to generate much momentum without Roy.

Suns vs. Blazers Conclusion

It's difficult to see a playoff series determined by an injury. In the case of the Phoenix Suns versus the Portland Blazers, it's highly likely the streaking Suns would be able to dispatch the Blazers even if Portland had a healthy Brandon Roy. With Roy out, it's likely that this series will not even be that close.

2010 NBA Playoffs Prediction: Suns defeat Blazers, 4-2

Source(s):

All statistics retrieved from ESPN.com

http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2010/matchup/_/teams/trailblazers-suns