SAN FRANCISCO (Map, News) - The NBA playoffs are under way and it’s not too early for some observations and predictions.

» Before everyone starts thinking of the Utah Jazz as a title contender, a quick hit of reality: The Western Conference is indeed brutal, but Utah has had ridiculous good fortune in the postseason the past two seasons.

Last year, they stumbled into the second round and found themselves not only against a No. 8 seed — the Warriors — but also a team with little to no chance of beating them. This year, Jerry Sloan’s team gets to skip into the second round after the likely dismantling of the Houston Rockets, who are by far the least-talented Western Conference playoff team.

» I’ve said it a few times but it bears repeating: The Warriors’ upset of Dallas in last season’s playoffs didn’t just ruin the Mavericks’ title hopes in 2006-07. It also exposed their frailty to the rest of the league and ensured there will be no championship in Big D with the current group.

Owner Mark Cuban tinkered at midseason, hoping point guard Jason Kidd could push Dallas back to the top. It won’t/didn’t work. This summer, expect wholesale changes with the Mavericks, starting with a new coach.

» Rockets power forward Luis Scola is earning praise for his defense and hustle but not from here. Scola, not unlike Cleveland’s Anderson Varejao, is a kind of basketball weasel — the type of player constantly badgering, sliding under, reaching, grabbing and generally bringing non-basketball gimmicks into the game.

He is a provoker, simple as that, and it shouldn’t be long before opponents and officials realize that.

» I’m still not convinced that the Washington Wizards are dead, but their start in Cleveland was problematic. It’s obvious Gilbert Arenas isn’t at 100 percent, but Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison haven’t gotten it done.

There’s still time and it says here Arenas will leave a mark on the series.

» Sure, you could say the Phoenix Suns should have fouled before Tim Duncan hit a 3-pointer to tie the game late for the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. Regardless, Game 1 between the Suns and Spurs was remarkable, with all the big names making big plays when the game was on the line.

The Suns didn’t lose that game; the Spurs won it.

» When does the Toronto-Orlando series start? Oh, apparently it did.

» No worries in Detroit, where the Pistons have been known to get disinterested every now and again. Guaranteed, the Pistons come back to Detroit no worse than 2-2.

» Do you still think the Rockets are better without Yao Ming?

» Conventional wisdom says that inexperience may hurt the Hornets in the postseason. Really? Other than playoff rookie Chris Paul — who had 35 points and 10 assists in Game 1, by the way — New Orleans players aren’t strangers to the playoffs.

Peja Stojakovic, David West, Morris Peterson, Tyson Chandler, Bonzi Wells and Jannero Pargo all have been there before.

Matt Steinmetz is the NBA insider for Warriors telecasts on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area.

Comments from Examiner Readers

9:45 AM MST on Wed., Apr. 30, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Lucky Jazz, sorry Mavs"

Examiner Reader said:
So a week ago you state "Do you still think the Rockets are better without Yao Ming?" Yet in todays trash from you you state they go backwards when he comes back. Please tell me you don't get paid for this

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8:19 AM MST on Wed., Apr. 30, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Lucky Jazz, sorry Mavs"

AustinBrando said:
Steinputz, I haven't read a single shred of sensible analysis in any of your writing. Spend a little less time at "temple" and more time watching games and perhaps you'd be better at your job. Shabbat Salami!!!

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8:01 AM MST on Wed., Apr. 30, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: West's dominance won't last"

Examiner Reader said:
so are all comments that disagree with the article deleted? Doesnt matter, you lost all your credibility when you said Josh Howard was the best player on the mavs. I'm still rolling on the floor over that one.

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7:15 AM MST on Wed., Apr. 30, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: West's dominance won't last"

Examiner Reader said:
What you are forgetting is the play of Houston's rookies down the stretch. Add Yao into that mix with Scola and Landry with a year under their belt. Houston is a contender - I cannot see how you say a team will go backwards when you get the most dominant inside presence back in the line-up.

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2:43 PM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "Warriors� worriers missing the point"

Yinka Dare said:
Actually, Matt, David West played all of 111 minutes in a first-round playoff loss in '04. He is a stranger to the playoffs. Does experience count when you have only experienced losing? Why hate on the Toronto/Orlando series starring two of the league's best young bigs, instead of, say, the Hawks/Celts or Pistons/Sixers?

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11:18 AM MST on Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 re: "Warriors� worriers missing the point"

Examiner Reader said:
"True, the Warriors have yet to lock up a playoff berth, but that is something that is outside of their control." Outside of their control? Isn't it completely in their control? Steinmetz is unbelievable.

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3:17 PM MST on Wed., Mar. 19, 2008 re: "Warriors� worriers missing the point"

Examiner Reader said:
nellie needs to give his bench more playing time and believe in them more. he doesnt have to ride his starters for 40 minutes when the bench is very capable. Lastly, why didnt he leave the same lineup in that got them back within 6 points of the kings?? It was an off night for Jackson and Davis. A comeback was killed off and much need rest for your starters was lost.

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11:31 PM MST on Mon., Mar. 10, 2008 re: "Frantz: Mullin, Warriors leave well enough alone"

Steve in Concord said:
Perovic just recalled from D-league after avg. 18 rebounds and 35 minutes in two games. Significant?

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9:02 AM MST on Mon., Mar. 10, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Anatomy of a turnaround"

Examiner Reader said:
yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay warriors will win it all this year

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9:41 PM MST on Tue., Feb. 26, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Who�s for real in crowded West?"

Examiner Reader said:
Hi, Could you please ask Don Nelson why he isn't playing Kosta Perovic?? It's really puzzling. When Kosta came into the game in Milwaukee, he dominated Andrew Bogut. Kosta looks a lot more agile than he's been given credit for and he sure can cover a lot of ground. When the Milwaukee guards were driving towards the basket they thought twice when they saw Kosta's huge presence in the lane and instead kicked it out to Bogut who Perovic got to with 2 large ground covering steps, just enough to disturb Bogut's release point so he missed. Plus, Perovic has professional experience, so he knows what it's like to go up against older guys. Kosta also looks stronger than Brandon and Patrick. I just wish he'd reward Kosta for his impressive defense against Milwaukee. Thank you!

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1:30 PM MST on Wed., Feb. 20, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Who�s for real in crowded West?"

timgreen79 said:
I know we shouldn't sleep on the Spurs but I think they'll probably have too tough of a road if their record doesn't get better. As a 5 seed they'd play (in current standings): 1st - Utah on road, 2nd - Hornets on Road, 3rd - Lakers or Suns on road. Wow. They have experience on their side but will miss the athleticism and depth that the Suns and Lakers have. (That is if they could even get by Utah)

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1:26 PM MST on Wed., Feb. 20, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Who�s for real in crowded West?"

Bob said:
Good point that we need to wait 20-25 games to evaluate Shaq. Personally I think Phoenix is going to drop in terms of overall record (because their SOS gets tougher), but then will come on in the playoffs. Which really is the only point of the Shaq experiment.

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5:39 PM MST on Mon., Feb. 18, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Anti-All-Stars"

Matt (SF) said:
Matt... are you there? Why are you deleting my comments? Are you that insecure. Okay, then sorry. -MG

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5:36 PM MST on Mon., Feb. 18, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Anti-All-Stars"

Matt (SF) said:
I just posted a comment a few hours ago that was removed. Am I being censored? All I said was that the inclusion of Turkoglu and Noah in this article makes no sense. Steinmetz doesn't know what he's talking about - Hedo's having a great year and Noah has been above average. So why put them on your hate list, Matt? Please censor this comment again. I'm watching.

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4:03 PM MST on Mon., Feb. 18, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Anti-All-Stars"

J Barnett said:
I know Matt can't write but he was a quality baller for F&M College. And he's quite handsome in person.

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4:00 PM MST on Mon., Feb. 18, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Anti-All-Stars"

Ben R said:
I've already come up with the best solution to problem that is Matt Steinmetz, don't read the column. Go Lakers.

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3:51 PM MST on Mon., Feb. 18, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Anti-All-Stars"

Caleb B said:
How can you have an anti-NBA player list without including the likes of Stephan Marbury? I can't figure out the pattern in your list but Francis should be given a pass - he's injured and playing for cheap. And Hinrich? He's on team USA. Lot's of former and current knicks made your Top 15. About the only thing I agree with.

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