2011 NBA Playoff Predictions: The Finals

After going a perfect 2 for 2 in my Conference Finals predictions, it's time for me to make my NBA Finals pick. It has been a largely entertaining NBA Playoffs up to this point, though we have yet to have a truly great series. Sure, there have been plenty of good games and exciting finishes along the way but we haven't that great 7 game series where the majority of the games could have gone either way. Perhaps we will get that great series with this 2006 Finals rematch.

NBA Finals
Heat vs. Mavericks
Heat in 6
Say what you will about LeBron James and the whole "Decision" fiasco, but the Heat are one step away from justifying all of the ridiculous hype. The amazing thing about the Heat is that they only need to be within a few points in the 4th quarter and their two stars are capable of carrying them to victory. The Mavericks have something that the Heat haven't faced yet, and that's a closer of their own in Dirk Nowitzki. Even though the Heat will throw everything they have at him, Dirk is essentially unguardable, making it that much harder for Miami to put the Mavs away. Still, the Big Two on the Heat are too strong and if they can continue to get contributions from the role players now and then, they will be neatly impossible to beat.

That is my pick for the NBA Finals. Let me know if you agree or disagree!

2011 NBA Playoff Predictions: Conference Finals

Even though we are already one game into the Eastern Conference Finals, it's still time for me to make my Conference Finals Predictions! After an exciting first round, the NBA Playoffs got even better in the second round, what with the huge Mavericks upset and the 7 game Thunder/Grizzlies series. With two more great series on tap for the Conference Finals, we could be headed for one heck of a finish. After going 3 for 4 on my second round predictions, here are my Conference Finals picks:

Western Conference
Thunder vs. Mavericks
Mavericks in 6
Things seem lined up for the Thunder to take the next step now that the Lakers and Spurs have been knocked off. Unfortunately for the Thunder, they are coming up against a Mavericks team that just played their best series in team history. The Mavs have it all right now, from the ridiculous three point shooting to the incredible point guard to the unstoppable superstar, which should all add up to more than OKC can handle. While this series does have a bit of a youth vs. experience vibe to it, I think both teams are ready for the big stage and it should be a great series. Count on Dirk not being denied another shot at a title.

Eastern Conference
Bulls vs. Heat
Heat in 6
This was my pick before Game 1 and I'm sticking to it. Sure, after how the Bulls manhandled them in Game 1, I would be smart to switch it to Heat in 7, but I'm banking on Miami just having a hangover from their win over the Celtics. Expect the real Heat to show up in Game 2 and pull out a tough road win. There is a lot to like with the Bulls, from their size, ability to guard just about anyone and, of course, the brilliance of Derrick Rose, but I've seen enough from the Heat to know that when they are on, they are the best team in the league. Winning 4 of the next 5 against Chicago is a tall order but if anyone can do it, it's Miami.

Those are my picks for the Conference Finals. Let me know if you agree or disagree!

2011 NBA Playoff Predictions: Round Two

After a day of rest, the second round of the NBA Playoffs are ready to kickoff with some great matchups. The best of them all is the Celtics/Heat matchup, which might be the best second round series we've had in many years. The first round had a number of great games but no series that went the distance so I'm hoping Miami and Boston give us an epic seven game series. After going 5 for 8 in the first round, here are my second round picks:

Western Conference:
Thunder (4) vs. Grizzlies (8)
Thunder in 5
The Grizzlies look like geniuses for tanking at the end of the season so they could face the Spurs. Unfortunately for them, they now have to play a team they don't match up well with in the Thunder. I scoffed at the idea of the Thunder making the NBA Finals when some were picking them in the preseason but now it appears that only the Lakers stand in their way.

Lakers (2) vs. Mavericks (3)
Lakers in 6
Dallas proved all the doubters (me included) wrong by handling the Blazers in the first round. Now, for the first time ever, Dirk will face Kobe in a playoff series. It's amazing to think these two have never faced each other but that doesn't mean I expect it to be much of a series. The Lakers big men are going to be more than the Mavs can handle.

Eastern Conference:
Bulls (1) vs. Hawks (5)
Bulls in 6
I'm not a big believer in the Bulls but I'm even less of a believer in the Hawks. Sure, they play great defense, but Chicago isn't going to get far if all they do is sit back and watch Derrick Rose go to work on offense.

Heat (2) vs. Celtics (3)
Heat in 7
The winner of this series will win the NBA Championship. Although they seemed to be sleepwalking through parts of their series against the Sixers, the Heat appear to be gelling together at just the right time. While they have zero bench, each player on Miami seems to have a better understanding of what their role needs to be for the team to win. In other words, LeBron is getting better about letting Dwyane Wade take over at the end of the game. I think the Celtics are going to run out of gas and the Heat are going to blow past them as the series goes deep.

Those are my picks for the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Let me know if you agree or disagree!

2011 NBA Playoff Predictions: Round One

While the NBA Playoffs don't have the same excitement level as the NHL Playoffs, we are still in store for some intriguing series in the coming weeks. Especially interesting will be seeing just who gets out of the Eastern Conference, whether it be the upstart Bulls, the ancient Celtics, or the hated Heat. Here are my first round predictions with a quick thought on each series:

Western Conference
Spurs (1) vs. Grizzlies (8)
Spurs in 5
The Grizzlies did everything in their power to face the Spurs in the first round. They must be seeing something I don't because the Spurs not only play their usual great defense but they are also hitting three pointers at a ridiculous rate, making them a difficult team to knock off.

Lakers (2) vs. Hornets (7)
Lakers in 5
I'm being generous and giving the Hornets one game simply because of Chris Paul. This one could very easily be a sweep as the Lakers big men dominate inside.

Mavericks (3) vs. Blazers (6)
Blazers in 7
Wait, who is the favorite in this one? Maybe we are all too used to seeing the Mavs bow out early in the playoffs but this one has upset written all over it. No matter what, this one goes at least 6 games between two evenly matched opponents.

Thunder (4) vs. Nuggets (5)
Thunder in 6
This is potentially the best series of the first round with two highly entertaining teams. The Nuggets have been shockingly good since shipping Carmelo Anthony out of town, but I think they will be exposed in the playoffs when they have no go-to guy to feed the ball to down the stretch. The Thunder need to take the next step and get out of the first round.

Eastern Conference
Bulls (1) vs. Pacers (8)
Bulls in 5
The Bulls have made quite a jump, going from the 8th seed in the East last year to the 1st seed this year. Their reward is getting to spank the mediocre Pacers.

Heat (2) vs. Sixers (7)
Heat in 5
I went into greater depth on this series in my breakdown, but the Sixers just don't match up with the Heat. Best case scenario for the Sixers will be to stretch this out into a 7th game, but their lack of a clutch shooter at the end of the game will kill them in the end.

Celtics (3) vs. Knicks (6)
Celtics in 7
This one should be a fun, an old-fashioned Atlantic Division battle. The Celtics should get past the Knicks, but the longer the series goes, the more worn out they will be for their inevitable showdown with the Heat.

Orlando (4) vs. Hawks (5)
Magic in 6
With the way the Hawks stumbled into the playoffs, losing their final 6 games, there is almost no chance they pull off the upset over the Magic. It's funny how the Magic are suddenly an afterthought in the East this season, although they don't have much depth this time around.

Those are my picks for the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Let me know if you agree or disagree!

The Sixers are going back to the playoffs!

Yeah, I know the Sixers don't really get much coverage on this site. It's not for a lack of following them, I simply haven't had time to write much about them. That will change in the coming weeks, however, as the Sixers are going back to playoffs!

The clinching win came on Friday night in a 115-90 drubbing of the Nets that saw the Sixers lead comfortably for the whole night. While they have yet to clinch a specific spot in the playoffs, they are pretty locked in to the 6th seed in the East and will likely play Boston or Miami.

It's been quite a turnaround for the Sixers this year. Doug Collins has taken a team that won just 27 games last year and shaped them into a respectable team that will be a tough opponent for whoever they play in the first round. While one would have to be crazy to think the Sixers will get out of the first round, they won't simply be pushed aside, either. At the very least, we are going to get another fun week of basketball from a team that is very entertaining to watch, and I'm not sure we can ask for much more than that.
(AP PHOTO)

2010 NBA Playoff Predictions: Conference Finals

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The King is dead!

You know, for a guy with a nickname like King James, you'd think LeBron would have actually won something in the NBA. In most cases, like when you are the "Home Run King", a title as lofty as the "King" has to be earned. Alas, LeBron failed to bring a title to Cleveland and now may be bolting town looking for greener pastures and a better supporting cast. As a Sixers fan, I hope he ends up in Chicago because having him with the Knicks in the same division would be brutal.

And so, despite the exit of LeBron, the NBA Playoffs march on with two very intriguing Conference Finals matchups. After going 2 for 4 in my Round Two predictions, here are my picks for the next round and my quick take on each series. It's looking like the 2010 Finals are going to be very similar to the 2009 Finals:

Western Conference
Lakers (1) vs. Suns (3)
Lakers in 6
This is going to be a fun one. After a pair of sweeps, each team should be more than rested and have plenty of time to put a solid gameplan in place. While I like the idea of Steve Nash continuing to succeed in his mission to win at any cost, I just don't see anyone on the Suns who can even attempt to guard Kobe or bang with Pau Gasol in the post. While there are also some unfavorable matchups the other way (Gasol can't handle Amare, either), the Lakers have the better top-end talent and they won't get worn down by the Suns fastbreak mentality.

Eastern Conference
Magic (2) vs. Celtics (4)
Magic in 6
Are the Magic really this good or is the East really this bad? I'd lean a little more towards the latter but no one should be sleeping on this Magic team at this point. As for the Celtics, I'll be the first to admit I was very wrong about them. I had them pegged as being dead upon arrival into the playoffs and they have shown there is still some fight left in the old dogs. Getting past LeBron was remarkable but Dwight Howard and the Magic look destined to get back to the NBA Finals for a second chance at knocking off the Lakers.

Those are my picks for the Conference Finals. Let me know if you agree or disagree!

2010 NBA Playoff Predictions: Round Two

Now that we finally have all of the matchups set for the second round of the NBA Playoffs, I can make my picks! I still haven't figured out why some leagues wait to start their second round series all at the same time (NHL) while others, like the NBA, get them started as soon as both teams advance. I can see the pro's and con's of both systems but in the long run you will have teams that have to wait for about the same amount of time either way. Anyway, after going 6-2 in my first round picks, here is who I've got and a quick thought on each second round series:

Western Conference:
Lakers (1) vs. Jazz (5)
Lakers in 6
Why was everyone surprised that the Lakers had a little trouble with the Thunder? Give them another year or two and the Thunder will be the favorite against LA. Has Deron Williams proved to everyone that he's better than Chris Paul yet? I'd want him on my team in a heartbeat. The Jazz will keep it interesting but Kobe won't be denied here.

Suns (3) vs. Spurs (7)
Spurs in 7
This one should be a lot of fun. While it might not be as classic as it was a few years back, this series is still the fast vs. the slow, the frenetic vs. the calculated. The turtle always wins.

Eastern Conference:
Cavs (1) vs. Celtics (4)
Cavs in 5
I guess I was a little premature about the demise of the Celtics when I picked them to lose to the Heat. My point remains, however, that the Celtics aren't a contender and the Cavs will prove that in this series.

Magic (2) vs. Hawks (3)
Magic in 6
The Magic have had about a week to sit back and watch the Hawks struggle with the Bucks. Since Orlando is playing better than anyone in the East right now, they shouldn't have any problem with the Hawks. I can't wait for the Magic and Cavs rematch in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Those are my picks for the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Let me know if you agree or disagree!

2010 NBA Playoff Predictions: Round One

Don't let the crappy season put together by the Sixers fool you, this has been a pretty entertaining year in the NBA. We've had stars like Kevin Durant emerge as superstars, we've had a bevy of impressive rookies and LeBron James has put together another MVP season. Sure, your hometown Sixers couldn't muster up enough talent to continue their annual ritual of barely squeaking into the playoffs but that doesn't mean there won't be plenty to watch for in the coming weeks. Here's hoping we finally get that Cavs/Lakers final that's been hinted at for the last few years.

Here are my first round predictions with a quick thought on each series:

Western Conference
Lakers (1) vs. Thunder (8)
Lakers in 6
In just two short years, this could be the Western Conference Finals. Much will be made of the Kobe vs. Durant match-up in this series but remember that they won't be guarding each other. I like the the Thunder to make things interesting for a few games but ultimately they can't match the Lakers experience.

Mavericks (2) vs. Spurs (7)
Mavericks in 6
The battle for Texas should be a good one; the addition of Caron Butler should push the Mavs over the top. If anyone is going to knock out the Lakers in the West, it's going to be Dallas.

Suns (3) vs. Blazers (6)
Suns in 5
The loss of Brandon Roy kills what could have been a great series. How much must it piss off Shaq that the Suns have already gone further without him?

Nuggets (4) vs. Jazz (5)
Jazz in 7
A few months ago I would have said the Nuggets had a shot to knock off the Lakers and get to the NBA Finals. Now they look like first round fodder for a Utah team that can keep up with the Nuggets offensively and has enough defense to make some stops.

Eastern Conference
Cavs (1) vs. Bulls (8)
Cavs in 5
Congratulations, Bulls, for getting in to the playoffs! Now, meet your opponent, the best team in the NBA!

Magic (2) vs. Bobcats (7)
Magic in 6
Charlotte plays some of the best defense in the league, which gives them a shot against Orlando. Unfortunately, this Magic team has their sights set on getting back to the NBA Finals and they won't let an inexperienced Bobcats team slow them down.

Hawks (3) vs. Bucks (6)
Hawks in 5
Oh, what could've been. Without Andrew Bogut, the Bucks hype machine died a quick death. There just isn't enough else on this Bucks team to keep up with Atlanta.

Celtics (4) vs. Heat (5)
Heat in 7
Stick a fork in 'em, the Celtics are dead. This pick isn't so much an indication that the Heat are good, it's more of a statement about how awful Boston has been down the stretch.

Those are my picks for the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Let me know if you agree or disagree!

NBA Playoff Predictions: The Finals

It was supposed to be inevitable, Kobe and LeBron were going to square off in the NBA Finals. Nike certainly thought it, as did most NBA experts and even many bloggers like myself. Well, funny thing happened along the way, the Orlando Magic turned out to be the best team in the Eastern Conference. The Magic exposed nearly every weakness the Cavs had and would have even swept the Eastern Finals if LeBron hadn't made that miraculous shot in Game 2.

So, now we are left with an NBA Finals that doesn't feature the best two players in the game, but it does feature two teams playing their best basketball at the right time. The Lakers finally pulled it together near the end of their series against the Nuggets, and the Magic, after barely squeaking past the Sixers in the First Round, have kicked it up a gear. It may not be the matchup everyone wanted, but this could still turn into a great series.

After going 1 for 2 in my Conference Finals predictions, here is my pick for the NBA Finals:

NBA Finals
Lakers vs. Magic
Lakers in 6
I know that this is the safe pick, the pick that nearly everyone is going with, but it also makes the most sense. The Lakers are simply better than Orlando in nearly every facet of the game, except three point shooting. L.A. is better defensively, which they will need to be when they try to guard Dwight Howard, who figures to average 20 points and 20 boards this series. The Lakers also have much better complimentary players to their superstar, as Kobe Bryant has been routinely getting help from Pau Gasol and even Lamar Odom pitched in a good game or two. Besides, who for the Magic will even have a chance at slowing Kobe down?

As much as I really don't like the Lakers or Kobe Bryant, they are the better team in this series. Kobe will make it his personal mission to win this series and prove that he doesn't need Shaq to win a title. I see the Lakers winning the first two games, then the Magic winning Games 3 and 5 before the Lakers close things out in Game 6. It should be a nice ending to a very entertaining NBA Playoffs.

NBA Playoff Predictions: Conference Finals

Talk about a letdown. Last Sunday was shaping up to be an epic day of basketball, with two huge Game 7's that figured to to have fans everywhere glued to their couches. Two blowouts later and we are all left wondering where that Lakers team had been all series and how the Magic ever had any trouble with the Sixers in the first round. The Conference Finals could feature a few more blowouts, especially in the Eastern Conference, but it looks like we might have a classic series on our hands in the West.

After going a paltry 2 for 4 in my Round Two predictions, here are my predictions for the Conference Finals:

Western Conference
Lakers (1) vs. Nuggets (2)
Lakers in 7
This should be a good one. The Nuggets are red hot but the Lakers are clearly the more talented team when they are playing at the top of their game. Part of me really wants to go with the Nuggets, especially when you look at how Kenyon Martin and the rest of the Nugget frontcourt figures to beat down the Lakers softies inside, but Denver simply doesn't match-up well with the Lakers. Start with the question of who will guard Kobe Bryant. With Shane Battier hounding him all series, Kobe didn't play great against the Rockets, but he still was able to drop over 30 points three times on the guy who supposedly guards him better than anyone else. Imagine what Kobe will do against Dahntay Jones, who is a solid defender but not in the same class as Battier.

Of course, Kobe won't be able to do it all alone, he needs his supporting cast to step up. The biggest weakness the Lakers have is at point guard, where Derek Fisher can't guard faster players and contributes very little offensively. Unfortunately for the Nuggets, they won't be able to exploit Fisher in the same way that Aaron Brooks of the Rockets did. Chauncey Billups is a great player for sure, but he is no speed demon. If the Lakers play anything like they did against the Rockets in Game 7, this series could be over quickly. Look for the Lakers to remain inconsistent, giving the Nuggets an opening, but L.A. has the edge in experience that will help them to pull out their 3rd straight Game 7.

Eastern Conference
Cavs (1) vs. Magic (3)
Cavs in 5
The Magic showed just how talented they were in dominating the Celtics in Game 7, but look for everything to come crashing down for Orlando against the Cavaliers. The Magic rely too much on the outside shot, something that gives opposing teams as bad as the lowly Sixers a chance to come back from any possible deficit. Of course, I don't expect the Cavs to have a lot of deficits against the Magic, not with LeBron James willing them to victory every night. I am tempted to go with the Cavs in their third straight sweep (Fo' Fo' Fo'), but the Magic will probably get hot one game and squeak out a win. The best thing the Magic have going for them is the fact that Dwight Howard is big enough and strong enough to force LeBron to think twice about taking it to the hole every time on the Magic. Unfortunately for Orlando, LeBron can beat you in so many ways that they simply don't stand a chance.

So those are my predictions. Although it's not as inevitable as before, we still seem headed for a Kobe/LeBron showdown in the NBA Finals. What a series that will be, it will be the perfect way to cap off a thrilling NBA Playoffs.

NBA Playoff Predictions: Round Two

I am usually a bigger fan of the NHL Playoffs than the NBA Playoffs, but few can argue that the NBA has had the better second season so far. The Bulls/Celtics series was epic, the kind of series that draws in even casual fans who have little rooting interest in either team. With the second round of the playoffs set to begin, now we will see if what the NBA has in store for an encore. We still appear headed for a Cavs/Lakers final, hopefully there will be some drama along the way.

After going 5 for 8 in my Round One predictions, here are my predictions for the second round of the NBA Playoffs:

Western Conference
Lakers (1) vs. Rockets (5)
Lakers in 5
Congratulations to the Rockets for finally getting out of the First Round. Don't celebrate too much, however, because you are about to get whipped by the Lakers. Some are arguing that Ron Artest will be able to get in Kobe Bryant's head and make him have a bad game or two, but if you think Kobe is going to just back down when Artest jaws at him you are crazy. The great players like Kobe use the jabs and insults as fuel to dominate entire games. As for the rest of the players on the floor, the Lakers will have issues trying to guard Yao Ming, especially with Andrew Bynum not fully healthy. That said, the Lakers are the better all-around team and they should make quick work of the Rockets.

Nuggets (2) vs. Mavs (6)
Mavs in 7
While I did pick the Nuggets to beat the Hornets in the first round, I didn't expect the series to be that lopsided. Somehow, Denver has gone from one of the most unstable teams in the league to one of the most consistent. Most of the credit for that has to go to Chauncey Billups, who should be getting MVP consideration for leading the turnaround. The Mavericks also surprised me in the first round, the way they disposed of the Spurs was impressive. I am going back and forth as to who will win this series, but it's safe to say it will probably go seven games. I like the Mavericks in the end because they have more guys that have done it before and I don't think Denver has anyone that can stop Dirk.

Eastern Conference
Cavs (1) vs. Hawks (4)
Cavs in 5
The Hawks just finished off the Heat with a blowout win, but for their troubles they now have to face the Cavaliers, a team that steamrolled past the Pistons in the first round. The Hawks have no shot against LeBron James, although I will give them a game to avoid the sweep. If the Heat had beaten the Hawks, Dwyane Wade would have stolen two games.

Celtics (2) vs. Magic (3)
Celtics in 6
The only guarantee about this series is that it won't nearly be as good as the Celtics/Bulls matchup. After that epic series, we should get an idea of whether that series was good because both teams were so evenly matched in a good way or in a bad way when the Celtcis play the Magic. Orlando isn't that strong of a team, so if the Celtics have trouble here, then we know the Bulls really aren't that good. If the Celtics breeze through in 5 or 6 games, then we know we saw an epic series and that Chicago was really a top team in the East. The only thing that should stop the Celtics here is if they are out of gas after having to play all those overtime games. For the Magic, Dwight Howard should be rested and ready to wreak havoc.

So those are my predictions. Let's see if we get another round of great games!

NBA Playoff Predictions: Round One

It's time for the NBA Playoffs! While we appear headed for an inevitable Lakers/Cavs NBA Final, the first few rounds of the playoffs should be filled with great series and interesting matchups. The Western Conference is once again loaded from top to bottom and features several teams that could conceivably contend for a title if the Lakers weren't so good. The East isn't quite as deep but it is very top heavy with the Cavs, Celtics and Magic being the only teams with a shot to go to the Finals. Of course, with the injury to Kevin Garnett, we may be able to cross the Celtics off of that list.

Here are my predictions for the first round of the NBA Playoffs:

Western Conference
Lakers (1) vs. Jazz (8)
Lakers in 4
The Jazz aren't quite the same Jazz teams that we are used to, meaning they have no shot against the Lakers. L.A. is my pick to win the title and I don't see them having any problem sweeping past the Jazz. The only thing standing in the way of another Lakers title is the health of Andrew Bynum, although they will probably win it all even if he can't contribute. This is the year Kobe finally gets his ring without Shaq.

Nuggets (2) vs. Hornets (7)
Nuggets in 6
Chris Paul will be the best player on the floor but that doesn't always translate to having the best team. Ever since they stole Chauncey Billups from the Pistons, the Nuggets resemble much more of an actual basketball team than the collection of individual players they once were. While the Nuggets aren't quite as good as their number 2 seed indicates, they should still have no problem with a Hornets team that seems to lack depth and isn't quite ready to beat an elite team. New Orleans also went out with a whimper in the regular season, finishing under .500 in their final 21 games, so the Nuggets should be primed to knock them off.

Spurs (3) vs. Mavs (6)
Spurs in 7
One thing everyone should have learned by now is that you can never count the Spurs out, even with Manu Ginobli out for the season. They have little shot of advancing past the second round, but they can almost win first round playoff series' in their sleep. The Mavericks finished out the season on a roll but I think Tim Duncan and the experience of the Spurs finds a way to outlast the Mavs in a long, grueling series. Duncan is hobbled but no one can guard Tony Parker on the Mavs.

Blazers (4) vs. Rockets (5)
Blazers in 6
Is this the year the Rockets finally win something in the playoffs, the year when Tracy McGrady is hurt? Nope! The Blazers are inexperienced but they are ready to make the leap into the second round. I even see Portland giving the Lakers a tough series in the second round. In a few years, this Blazers team will be special, for now they are just really good.

Eastern Conference
Cavs (1) vs. Pistons (8)
Cavs in 5
I'll give Pistons one game because of their veteran know-how. LeBron and the Cavs will slip up in Game Four in Detroit after winning the first three games of the series and then smoke the Pistons in Game Five. Cleveland should be on cruise control until the Eastern Conference Finals.

Celtics (2) vs. Bulls (7)
Celtics in 6
This series just got a lot more interesting with the injury to Garnett. The Bulls are red-hot and will pose a real challenge to the defending champs. That said, even without KG, the Celtics have plenty of guys that have done it before and will be able to do it again, at least for a round.

Magic (3) vs. Sixers (6)
Magic in 6
I will have a full in-depth preview of this series up later today. I would love to pick the Sixers in an upset, but there really isn't anything that points to them being able to knock off Orlando. Many "experts" are calling for a Magic sweep, but I think the Sixers will surprise a few people, much like they did last season against the Pistons. The biggest issue facing Philly is they have no one who can guard Dwight Howard, not that anybody in the league really can. Howard should easily go for 20 and 20 every night, so it will be up to Reggie Evans and Sam Dalembert to try to keep him from dropping 40 on the Sixers. Philly will make things interesting from time to time with their run and gun style, but it won't nearly be enough against a slightly overrated but still good Magic team.

Hawks (4) vs. Heat (5)
Heat in 7
This one is my only upset in the first round, and I would barely call it an upset. Dwyane Wade is good enough to carry his team to three wins on his own, if he gets any help at all for a game the Heat should get past the Hawks. Atlanta will be looking for some of the playoff magic they had last season when they shocked the Celtics, but without anyone that can really guard Wade, I don't see how they can beat the Heat. Atlanta is the better all-around team, so this should make an interesting series of one against many.

So there are my predictions. Let me know your thoughts or if you agree or disagree!

NBA Playoff Predictions: Round One

The NBA playoffs look like they might be the be the most wide-open we have seen in a long time, with at least 7 teams with a legitimate shot of winning it all. In the Western Conference, you have one of the best first round match-ups ever, with the Spurs taking on the Suns. Of course, that is balanced out by possibly the worst playoff team ever: the Atlanta Hawks and their 37-45 record are going to get destroyed by the Celtics. The Warriors, who had 11 more wins than the Hawks, would love the chance to take on Boston in the first round.

Here are my predictions for the first round of the NBA playoffs:

Western Conference
Lakers (1) vs. Nuggets (8)
Lakers in 5
The Nuggets squeaked into the playoffs with a hot finish to the season, and their reward is facing a deep Lakers team led by the best player in the game. The Nuggets are potent offensively, but at the expense of playing anything that resembles defense. Expect scores in the 120's, and for Kobe to drop 50 at least once in these games. The Lakers will have no trouble disposing of the Nuggets, a team that doesn't have a ton of character and will likely just give up when the chips are down.

Hornets (2) vs. Mavericks (7)
Mavericks in 7
The Mavs were a number 1 seed last year, but their first round match-up this season appears to be easier for them than their series with the Warriors last year. The Mavericks have all kinds of playoff experience that the Hornets just can't match. Chris Paul will have his way with Jason Kidd all series long, but one player can't win every game. It's easy to gameplan to slow down one player, and the Hornets don't have anyone else who can make things happen

Spurs (3) vs. Suns (6)
Suns in 7
The great Shaq experiment will be put to the test right away in this epic first round match-up. Every time these teams meet in the playoffs, it's a beautiful clash in styles that results in bloody faces and multiple suspensions. This might be the year that the Suns finally do it, and it's only partially because of Shaq. During the stretch run, the Suns have proven they don't have to run you to death to beat you, they can play a half court set. Their defense is still awful, and you can bet Tony Parker will make Steve Nash look silly, but Amare will lead the Suns past the Spurs.

Jazz (4) vs. Rockets (5)
Jazz in 6
Tracy McGrady's 0 for the playoffs will continue. The Jazz will win every home game in the series, then steal one in Houston to take move on. The Rockets are a good team, but with no Yao Ming there is no way they do any damage.

Eastern Conference
Celtics (1) vs. Hawks (8)
Celtics in 4
Congratulations to the Hawks for making the playoffs after a long playoff drought. Now meet your opponent, the Celtics, who are going to dominate you in every way. Thanks for playing!

Pistons (2) vs. Sixers (7)
Pistons in 6
I will have a full in-depth preview of this series up later today. As much as I would love to pick the upset here, the Pistons are just too good and too experienced to lose to this upstart Sixers team. Philly will make it interesting and steal one of the first two games, but that will just prove to be a wake-up call for the Pistons. It's a contrast in styles, but the Pistons can play the running game better than people think.

Magic (3) vs. Raptors (6)
Magic in 7
All eyes will be on the two superstars in this match-up as the fates of their respective teams rest on Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh. This will be a good series with two relatively evenly matched teams, but the Magic will pull it out in the end.

Cavaliers (4) vs. Wizards (5)
Cavaliers in 6
These teams meet again in the first round, and once again the Cavs will come away the winner. LeBron is too good, and he will get all the calls. Gilbert Arenas is coming off the bench for the Wizards and will give the Cavs bench fits, but he's still not 100% and Caron Butler can't do it all. This might be the most chippy of all the series, as these two teams genuinely hate each other, but the Cavs will prevail.

So there are my predictions. Got any predictions of your own or comments on my analysis? Put them in the comment section!