2. Seattle (61-21, 3-2) vs. 3. Lakers (61-21, 3-1)

Season series--Seattle, 3-1.

Story line--The Sonics aren’t quite the team that led everyone at 37-10 at the All-Star break and won their first three meetings. The bench, a potent force, sagged late. Going into April, reserve Dale Ellis was shooting a phenomenal 51%--better than every guard in the league and all but two small forwards--while taking almost 40% of his shots from three-point range. However, Ellis faded late, then pulled a stomach muscle and was a minor factor against Minnesota in the first round. Sam Perkins and Nate McMillan struggled, either because they’re old and fading, or because they couldn’t handle Minnesota’s smaller, darting lineup. However, the Sonics are still good enough to make the Lakers prove they can beat a quality team in a close, half-court game, and hold together when times get tough.

Prediction--If the Lakers are who they think they are, they win decisively, 4-2.