NBA Playoffs Round 2 Predictions

By Scott 

Well, Round 1 was.... good, I guess.  Obviously, the Celtics/Bulls series may turn out to be the most captivating of our generation, but the other seven matchups were sub-par at best.  Even the Heat/Hawks was mediocre and it went to seven games.  Why is this you ask?  Well, this is because the Cavs and Lakers are essentially already in the finals.  Have teams ever rested players in the playoffs in preparation for the finals?

Eastern Conference

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Atlanta Hawks

Ummmm yeah.

Prediction: Cavs in 4

(2) Boston Celtics vs. (3) Orlando Magic

This is probably one of the least intriguing 2/3 matchups in recent memory simply because of the Cav's dominance.  However, I'm pretty excited to see how the Celtics carry the momentum from the Chicago series, and if they can keep up the level of play after seven grueling, exhausting games.  A big question coming into the series is how the Celtics will shut down Dwight Howard.  Are Kendrick Perkins and Big Baby supposed to shut him down?  Howard could do some serious damage to a KG-less Celtics squad.  And finally, the biggest question of the series is whether or not K.G. will pull a Willis Reed and shock the world.  Should be interesting.

Prediction: Magic in 7

Western Conference 

(1) LA Lakers vs. (5) Houston Rockets

If there's one team that could pose some potential threat to the Lakers, it's the Rockets. Houston plays stellar, in-your-face defense and could challenge Kobe to play his best.  But, the Lakers shouldn't have much of a problem because, well, they have Kobe.

Prediction: Lakers in 5

(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Dallas Mavericks

The Nuggets absolutely embarrassed the Hornets in historical fashion after beating New Orleans at home by a whopping 58 points.  It looks like Melo may finally be developing into a Kobe/D-Wade-type of player who is able to singlehandedly take over a game and win it for his team.  With Chauncey Billups quietly making a case as the best roster move of the year, the Nuggets should cruis by Dallas.

Prediction: Denver in 6