NBA Playoff Predictions

By Scott

I realize the playoffs started earlier this afternoon; however, I paid minimal attention and none of the outcomes really swayed my opinions. Here are some quick picks.

Eastern Conference

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Detroit Pistons

Though this series has drawn some attention as the Foreclosure-Cities Championship, the Pistons simply don't have it this year. They're simply getting too old. The Cavs are going to the finals and there's really no serious competition out there.

Prediction: Cavs in 4

(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Chicago Bulls

No K.G. means no repeat for the Celtics. Boston is in trouble without their floor general, and they will suffer without him. Vinny del Negro has done an incredible job turning the Bulls back in the direction they were heading a few seasons ago. The Bulls are a little bit of a scrappy bunch, but the Celtics will still squeak by Chicago.

Prediction: Celtics in 6

(3) Orlando Magic vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers always seem to find themselves as a mid-level seed headed into the postseason, but can never turn it into anything. The same will happen here as Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis will send the Sixers packing early.

Prediction: Magic in 5

(4) Miami Heat vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks

A relatively interesting series, as the winner of this matchup could build some steam as a sleeper pick against the winner of the Cavs/Pistons series. The Hawks showed their resiliency last year forcing a frightening 7-game series against the eventual champs. However, D-Wade is simply too much to handle right now. If the Heat advance they could be dangerous, and could put up a dog fight with the Cavs.

Prediction: Heat in 6

Western Conference

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (8) Utah Jazz

The Lakers are going to the finals.

Prediction: Lakers in 5

(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (7) New Orleans Hornets

Chris Paul single handedly turns the Hornets into a sleeper pick to upset the Nuggets. Melo has yet to come out of his shell in the postseason and turn on any Kobe-like instincts, and take over a game. If Tyson Chandler could have stayed healthy, the Hornets could have posed a threat to the Lakers. Regardless, Denver is talented and Melo will lead them past New Orleans

Prediction: Nuggets in 6

(3) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Dallas Mavericks

The Spurs are getting old, and Tim Duncan is breaking down. This could be the last, serious hurrah for this core of Spurs players to make a title run. However, Manu Ginobili's absence killed their potential chances of knocking off the Lakers. The Mavs are a solid team and will make the Spurs fight for this series, and in the process tire the Spurs out for the rest of the playoffs.

Prediction: Spurs in 7

(4) Houston Rockets vs. (5) Portland Trailblazers

Definitely the most enticing first round matchup, the winner faces their death sentence against the Lakers in round two. Portland gets the nod in the home court department, but Houston plays some serious defense. However, Brandon Roy has the ability to take over a game, and with Lamarcus Aldridge poised to have a nice series, the Trailblazers take the best series of the first round. The Lakers will have plenty of time to rest as this series goes to a deep 7 games.

Prediction: Blazers in 7

Quick Finals Prediction: Cavs over Lakers in 7, in one the most memorable series in sports history.