Western Conference
Lakers - Thunder
If mind games count, this series is already underway. Phil Jackson paid $35K in fines so that the refs wouldn't penalize Ron Artest for bodying up Kevin Durant with physical defense. The Thunder don't have enough to deal with Kobe's skills & savvy and the impressive length of LA. Lakers in 5.
Mavs - Spurs
The old school battle of these playoffs. All told, these teams have played a combined total of 17,000 playoff games- at least it feels like it. The Mavs have the depth & experience at each position to take advantage of the Spurs. With no Bruce Bowen to harass Dirk, the Mavs should advance. Mavs in 5.
Suns-Blazers
The Blazers have had serious injury problems all year. They lost 2 centers for the season and coach Nate McMillan even popped his achilles heel. Losing Brandon Roy will be too much for them to overcome against Steve Nash and company. Suns in 6.
Nuggets-Jazz
Home court and health will be the difference in this series. Jazz vet Andrei Kirilenko is out with a strained calf and Carlos Boozer is day to day with a strained oblique. The Nuggets are still without coach George Karl, but Kenyon Martin's return should be enough for them to get by Utah. Nuggets in 7.
Eastern Conference
Cavaliers - Bulls
The Cavs have the edge in experience and depth at every position. The Bulls gave us a thrilling round 1 series against the Celtics last year. Cleveland presents a bigger, better & tougher opponent. Hard to imagine LeBron going out in round 1. Hard to imagine Noah's Bulls getting swept. Cavs in 5.
Magic - Bobcats
The Magic have the most dominant defensive force in basketball in Dwight Howard. It took them months to gel with new additions Vince Carter & Jason Williams. They finished the season strong and will use experience to get past the Bobcats who are making their first playoff appearance in franchise history. Magic in 5.
Hawks - Bucks
The Hawks enter these playoffs with higher expectations than their last 2 appearances. They have quality bigs in Josh Smith and Al Horford, great guards in Joe Johnson & Mike Bibby, and the possible 6th man of the year, Jamal Crawford. The Bucks surprising season suffered a major blow with the loss of center Andrew Bogut. Rookie Brandon Jennings will be fun to watch, but the Bucks will have a tough time keeping up with Atlanta. Hawks in 5.
Celtics - Heat
The Heat enter the playoffs having won 12 of their last 13 games. The Celtics have gone 3-7 over their last 10. Boston coach Doc Rivers is talking retirement. The big 3 of Garnett, Pierce & Allen are giving way to the all around great play of Rajan Rondo. Can he keep the wheels from falling off Boston's ride? Dwyane Wade is outstanding and has willed the Heat to unlikely playoff successes in the past. Even so, home court advantage should save Boston once again. Celtics in 7.
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