Eastern Conference#1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #8 Detroit Pistons
Pick: Cavs
Winner: Cavs
To think that this would for sure be a knock down drag out battle a year ago. Way to trade away Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson, Mr. Former Executive of the Year (Joe Dumars). That move may have surpassed drafting Darko Milicic with a number two overall pick.
#2 Boston Celtics vs #7 Chicago Bulls
Pick: Celtics
Winner: Celtics
The Celts did pretty well without KG, but they lost an edge when then they lost James Posey. Losing KG is unfathomable. They will struggle to beat the young Bulls.
#3 Orlando Magic vs #6 Philadelphia 76ers
Pick: Magic
Winner: Magic
The Magic will squeek by and beat a better structured, but less talented 76ers team.
#4 Atlanta Hawks vs #5 Miami Heat
Pick: Hawks
Winner: Hawks
This will be a seven game thriller. Look for some cut-throat intensity. Joe Johnson and the Hawks will fly higher than Wade. He did it all in the season, but it takes more of a team effort in the playoffs. Ask Kobe.
Western Conference
#1 Los Angeles Lakers vs #8 Utah Jazz
Pick: Lakers
Winner: Lakers
The Jazz lost their confidence at the worst possible time. If they get their heads right we still could see a series.
# 2 San Antonio Spurs vs # 7 Dallas Mavericks
Pick: Spurs
Winner: Mavericks
Tony Parker won championships partly in Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili's shadows. Now it is time for him to show that he is a real star.
#3 Denver Nuggets vs #6 New Orleans Hornets
Pick: Nuggets
Winner: Nuggets
Chris Paul is the most efficient player in the NBA. But the Hornets will need to rely on x-factors like James Posey and Peja Stojakovic to win. That assumes that David West plays big. The odds of the Hornets clicking on all those cylinders is not great. So give this to the Nuggets, who hold home court advantage.
#4 Portland Trailblazers vs #5 Houston Rockets
Pick: Rockets
Winner: Rockets
Yao, this is your chance to shine. He is poised and the Blazers are inexperienced. He needs to take control of the series and not let it go past five.
Picture: Paul Pierce displays his Bean Town and Celtic Pride
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