It's that time of year again and I'm not talking about the Stanley Cup playoffs, or the beginning of another controversial Baseball season, but maybe the most exciting playoffs in sports, The NBA Playoffs. Let's have a look on how this year bracket will go down. Keep in mind as I'm writing this all series are 2 games in.
Round 1
#1 Lakers vs. #8 Nuggets
Prediction = Lakers in 5
The Lakers got off to a quick start taking the first two games at home which is no surprise. Prior to the series I thought maybe Camby could hold down Gasol, Martin could make some noise down low, and the scoring duo of Iverson and Melo could out score Kobe and Lamar convincingly. If the above mentioned come to pass then perhaps the Nuggets could Take this series to a game 7. After the first two games we've seen Camby can't contain Gasol who has a total of 54 points and 26 rebounds in Two games. Martin only has 15 points in both games and while melo and Iverson have been doing their job offensively, Kobe has erupted for 81 points in two games. We knew the Nuggets had no D but to give up 250 points in the first two games, come on guys it's the playoffs, step up!! I figure the Lakers should have this series in 4 but you never know Iverson and Melo could go off so I'll Give the Nuggets a pity game, Lakers in 5
#2 Hornets vs. #7 Mavericks
Prediction = Mavericks in 7
Mavericks in 7 might sound like a bold prediction after we've seen Chris Paul single handedly beat the Mavs in the first two games at New Orleans, but remember a series dosen't start until someone wins on the road. Right now Avery Johnson is letting his Mavs have it while he is figuring out a way to stop Chris Paul. Expect the veteran Maverick team to hold down home court as they did so well in the regular season and when it comes down the a decisive game 7, J. Kidd and a big game from Dirk will lead Dallas to round 2. Expect last years upset by Golden State act as a catalyst to a much more grittier Maverick team in the upcoming games. Mavs in 7 baby
#3 Spurs vs. #6 Suns
Prediction = Spurs in 7
I consider this the best match up in the first round. The reining champs against maybe the most talented team the last few years. Spurs did their job at home taking the first two which is why I believe the Spurs will take this series. Before the series started I thought the Suns would pull the upset but they needed to snag a game in San Antonio. Expect the home team to win each game in this series. And when Game 7 rolls around make sure you clear your schedule because it is going to be a dog fight. But as we saw in Game one the Spurs always seems to find a way to win.
Duncan will continue to dominate, while Ginobli will break the Suns heart in 4th Quarter. Don't worry Nash, with a ever improving Stoudimire and the big Aristotle on your side maybe next year. Spurs in 7
#5 Rockets vs #4 Jazz
Prediction = Jazz in 4
All I can say about this series is: The Rockets lost the first two at home and now their getting ready for the next two at Utah where the Jazz lost 4 games all year. Not ever the nostalgia of a 22 game win streak and a determined T-mac can dig the Rockets out off this hole. Jazz in 4
A Look at the East
#1 Celtics vs. #8 Hawks
Prediction = Celtics in 4
No Comment
#2 Detroit vs. #7 Sixers
Prediction = Pistons in 6
Well I have to give it to Philly stealing a game at the Palace, well done. Unfortunately, you awoke a sleeping beast. The Pistons are a great team when they want to be and after losing at home to the Sixers, trust me they want to be. The Sixers have a future but their not going to be able to get past Detroit this year. Taking a game at the Palace is an accomplishment itself for a very young .500 team that probably should'nt even be in the playoffs. Expect the Sixers to win one in front of the home fans before they are sent to the offseason. Pistons in 6
#3 Magic vs. #6 Raptors
Prediction = Magic in 5
Eveyone seems to be excited about the Chris Bosh, Dwight Howard matchup. And as we seen in Games 1 and 2 Howard is just to much for Bosh. Toranto need to do something to contain Howard he's a mad man averaging over 20 points and 20 rebounds thus far, thats just plan silly. Howard will continue to own the Raptor and will win this one decisively. Magic in 5
