NBA Playoffs - 1st Round

1. Los Angeles Lakers vs 8. Utah Jazz
Lakers are good enough to sweep the Jazz, but in the end the Jazz will win one game at home because playing tough physical basketball with a coach like Jerry Sloan and players like D. Williams and C. Boozer its just hard to see them get swept, but I wouldnt doubt seeing a clean sweep.
Lakers in 5

4. Portland Trailblazers vs 5. Houston Rockets
Probably going to be the best 1st round series with Houston and Portland. We’ll see a lot of young faces shine in Portland and several keys players take initiative in Houston. With 2 defensive stoppers to slow down B. Roy and L. Scola to punk L. Aldridge for the Rockets I see Houston finally getting out of the first round.
Rockets in 7

3. San Antonio Spurs vs 6. Dallas Mavericks
An ongoing texas rivalry that’s going to carry over to the playoffs is going to be intense since these teams play each other numerous times in the season. The Spurs are old and dont have Ginobili making their bench not very deep while the Mavs have firepower from almost every position, the only question is who can slow down Parker on a consistent basis?
Mavericks in 7

2. Denver Nuggets vs 7. New Orleans Hornets
Billups has turned around the whole demeanor for Denver and now their actually running half-court sets. On the other hand CP3 is going to get his and take control over a big part of the games. This is a tough one but in the end I see Denver coming out on top, I mean their 2nd place in the west for a reason.
Nuggets in 7


1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs 8. Detroit Pistons
The Cavs, well more so Lebron has been on a tear the whole season and it being the playoffs the team is more rejuvenated. Sad to say, but Detroit is spiraling down the drain and it seems theres no way to stop it. Looks like the Piston reserves will be seeing alot of PT in the series.
Cavs in 4

4. Atlanta Hawks vs 5. Miami Heat
As we all know a one man show cant get it done especially against a good solid team. D. Wade could do it all but against a team that features JJ, Bibby, J. Smith, Horford and Marvin its going to be hard. In the end wade will give them a run for their money but wont be able come out on top.
Hawks in 6

3. Orlando Magic vs 6. Philadelphia 76ers
Dwight is going to tear apart Dalembert and any other 76er big who gets in his way because he really is just that strong. Add into the mix Alston and a healthy Rashard Lewis and Turkoglu, pretty scary. Sorry Philly I love your team but Orlando is going to be too much.
Magic in 5

2. Boston Celtics vs 7. Chicago Bulls
This matchup is going to be a tough series where hard nosed basketball is going to be played. Bulls come into the postseason riding some heavy momentum while the Celtics still seem to be lost without KG. A key is going to be how both of the bigs on each team utilize their strengths and play good defense and how Rondo and Rose control the game for their respective teams. Hard to pick a winner, but expect a 7 game series.
Bulls in 7