Here are the predictions for the first round of the Western Conference playoffs:

(All Hawai'i times, Games 5-7, if necessary)

No. 1 Los Angeles Lakers (65-17) vs. No. 8 Utah Jazz (48-34)

Season series: Lakers, 2-1.

Buzz: The Jazz made the 2007 West Finals, and last spring handed the Lakers two of their three losses in the West draw, but this isn't that team, having just finished in a 2-7 nose dive. ... Worse, these aren't the same Lakers, who played even farther over the Jazz players' heads Tuesday with Andrew Bynum back.

Prediction: Coach Jerry Sloan wasn't setting the Lakers up when he said that Utah's outlook is "bleak." It is, but they'll fight to the end. Lakers, 4-1.

Schedule: Sunday: at L.A. Lakers, 9 a.m; Tuesday: at L.A. Lakers, 4:30 p.m.; Thursday: at Utah, 4:30 p.m.; April 25: at Utah, 3 p.m.; April 27: at L.A. Lakers; April 30: at Utah; May 2: at L.A.

No. 2 Denver Nuggets (54-28) vs. No. 7 New Orleans Hornet (49-33)

Season series: 2-2.

Buzz: The Nuggets turned their wacky ship around with Chauncey Billups, breaking the franchise record for wins, with major moves by previously crazed J.R. Smith and Chris Andersen. ... Nevertheless, New Orleans' Chris Paul may be the game's most dominating player, but, aside from David West and Peja Stojakovic, may as well have been playing with nine guys from the D League.

Prediction: If Tyson Chandler averages 30 minutes and 10 rebounds, the Hornets win. Otherwise, Denver, 4-2.

Schedule: Sunday: at Denver, 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday: at Denver, 4:30 p.m.; April 25: at New Orleans, 7 a.m.; April 27: at New Orleans, TBA; April 29: at Denver; May 1: at New Orleans; May 3: at Denver.

No. 3 San Antonio Spurs (54-28) vs. No. 6 Dallas Mavericks (50-32)

Season series: 2-2.

Buzz: After all the Spurs survived, this looks like business as usual, even with Manu Ginobili gone and Tim Duncan's knees so sore, Coach Gregg Popovich pulled him out of a late game, telling him, "I don't need a hero, I need a healthy player." ... Faded as the Mavericks are, they flew under the radar all season, finishing 48-25 after starting 2-7 under Rick Carlise, with Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry and Jason Kidd.

Prediction: Nothing is forever. Dallas, 4-3.

Schedule: Saturday: at San Antonio, 2 p.m.; Monday: at San Antonio, 3:30 p.m.; Thursday: at Dallas, 2:30 p.m.; April 25: at Dallas, 10 a.m.; April 28: at San Antonio; May 1: at Dallas; May 3: at San Antonio.

No. 4 Portland Trail Blazers (54-28) vs. No. 5 Houston Rockets (53-29)

Season series: Houston, 2-1.

Buzz: The heavyweight matchup of the first round, matching the young Trail Blazers and the veteran Rockets. Portland kept improving despite Greg Oden's comings and goings, finishing 19-6. Houston survived a near civil war, as teammates fumed at Tracy McGrady's coming and goings, finishing 22-8 after he left for good.

Prediction: As deep and physical as the Rockets are, the closest thing they have to a closer now is Ron Artest. The Trail Blazers have Brandon Roy. Portland, 4-3.

Schedule: Saturday: at Portland, 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday: at Portland, 4 p.m.; April 24: at Houston, 3:30 p.m.; April 26: at Houston, 3 p.m.; April 28: at Portland; April 30: at Houston; May 2: at Portland.