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Out of the two conference finals match-ups in the NBA, the series that will interest many is the Nuggets vs Lakers. The Lakers were thought to be a championship destined team at the beginning of the season and playoffs, but after a rough start, many say the Nuggets are now the favorites. Here's why I agree with this statement.

The Lakers are the home team and are one of the best in the league when playing at home in their Staples Center, but they have proven that they can lose at home in the playoffs this year. They lost to an injured, yet more passionate, Rockets team by 8 to start off their last series. That was when the Rocket's still had their big fella Yao down low, but even without him the Lakers still only went 2-2 despite having a 7 inch advantage down in the post with Bynum against Hayes. It was astounding to me how this team came out with barely any enthusiasm for the game they "love" and decided to not play defense for the first 6 games against the Rockets. If you haven't caught my drift yet, the Lakers haven't yet proven that they want this championship, and Phil Jackson isn't doing anything about it either.

If the Lakers' poor play wasn't enough, the Nuggets have surprisingly cruised through their first two series against Chris Paul and the Hornets and Dirk Nowitzki of the Mavs with an overall record of 8-2 so far. In both their losses they lost by 2 points each and they have broken the century marker in points in 7 of the 8 games. There couldn't be a more hotter team and a more hyped up team coming into Los Angeles this week which is why I expect them to take at least one of the first two games in the Staples Center, despite the Lakers' astonishing home record.

Lastly, the player match-ups I believe are in the Nuggets favor as well. Chauncey Billups was a true leader and a big game competitor with the Pistons and his stats have improved with the Nuggets this season. He has been in these positions before and has a ring to show it. Derek Fisher is a good player, but he doesn't have nearly the type of stats that the former finals MVP has, and is on the older side of the match-up. JR Smith also has the advantage at the other guard position because of his incredible stroke from downtown. He will most likely be guarded by Lamar Odom or Trevor Ariza. With Odom's struggling play due to a back injury and Ariza's average defense Smith should be able to keep up his hot streak in the playoffs. Although the Lakers are favorites for the Kobe vs Melo and Gasol vs Kenyon Martin match-ups, Nene is having his best season of his career and couldn't be more in luck with Bynum's numbers declining because of his knee. This will make Nene control the C position and if other Nuggets contribute off the bench like they have been doing such as Chris Anderson and Linas Kleiza, Denver should be able to pull this series out in 6 or 7 games.