Why do the Spurs look overmatched?

There's a reason few people thought of the Spurs as a strong title contender despite their remarkable regular-season record. They were overacheivers, a testament to their chemistry, effort and good health. But their age, lack of size and overdependence on 3-point shooting is being exposed by the young, big, fearless Grizzlies. Memphis leads the series three games to one and can eliminate the top seed tonight in San Antonio. If it happens, it will be just the fourth time a No. 8 seed has won a first-round series, but it won't really be that much of an upset.

Is Gregg Popovich getting outcoached?

With four championships already under his belt, Popovich (right) may have done his best coaching job in leading the Spurs to 61 wins this season. But he hasn't had any answers for San Antonio's problems against the eighth-seeded Grizzlies. Indeed, he has altered his rotation in a vain attempt to match up with Memphis, much like Avery Johnson changed his team's winning formula when his top-seeded Mavericks fell to the Warriors in the first round four years ago. Meanwhile, the Grizz have adopted the calm, but confident attitude of Lionel Hollins, who is one of the NBA's more underrated coaches.

Will Russell Westbrook make good decisions?

The Thunder's irrepressible point guard excels in part because he is relentless and sure of himself. However, his choices on the court remain questionable at times, with the end of Game 4 on Monday in Denver a prime example. With OKC on the verge of completing a valiant comeback, Westbrook took three 3-pointers in the final minute without even looking at teammates Kevin Durant and James Harden, who are much more accurate shooters. He missed 18 of his whopping 30 shots in the game, including all seven from long range. He's at his best attacking the basket and setting up teammates, not jacking up jumpers. If he stays within himself in Game 5, the Thunder will move on to the next round.