Western Conference finals preview

The Western Conference finals begin on Sunday night when theSan Antonio Spurs host the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both teams have been off fora while. The Spurs have had six days off since last playing, and the Thunderhas had five days off.Some are saying that the winner of this series is the mostlikely NBA champion, and no doubt there are some interesting storylines in thisone. The Spurs have won 18 consecutive games going back to the regular season,and the Thunder looked impressive in series victories over Dallas and the L.A.Lakers.Why Spurs will win: They are the mostexperienced team remaining in the postseason, theyre healthy and theyrepeaking. Whats more, their three-man core of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and ManuGinobili has more support than it has had in years.In addition, the Spurs would seem to have an advantage inthe coaching department. Gregg Popovich has won four titles as coach; ScottBrooks is making his second consecutive appearance in the conferencefinals.How Thunder could win: Its not hard atall to envision an Oklahoma City victory in this series. These teams are thatevenly matched. What the Thunder is going to need to do to beat San Antonio isshow they are capable of slowing the Spurs offense down.San Antonio has executed better than any other team in theplayoffs at the offensive end, but the Thunders quickness will have to bedealt with.The Spurs will also have to prove they can guard KevinDurant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.Insiders intangible: Duncan is playingextremely well, but the Thunders front line is big and physical. If KendrickPerkins, Serge Ibaka, Nick Collison and Nazr Mohammed can wear Duncan down overthe course of the series, the Thunder will be in better position towin.Prediction: Spurs in 7.