NBA: 2009 Second Round Predictions

Shots Heard went 15-1 last year on NBA playoff predictions. Shots Heard went 7-1 on 2009 NBA Playoffs First Round predictions.

Western Conference

#1 Los Angeles Lakers vs #5 Houston Rockets

Pick: Rockets

Going into the playoffs I had the Lakers penciled in as the Western Conference Champions. But now I have some doubts. The Rockets are almost exactly the type of team that the Lakers dread playing for the following reasons:

* The Rockets have a speedy point guard that can exploit the much slower Derek Fisher.
* The Rockets have two very good defenders that can match-up with Kobe Bryant. They being Ron Artest and Shane Battier. And unlike a Bruce Bowen, they are not specialists that would be playing big minutes for the sake of the team's regualar adhesion.
* The Rockets have a huge center in Yao Ming that can combat the size of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.
* The Rockets have a power forward, Luis Scola that is more consistent than Lamar Odom.
* The Lakers rely on outscoring their opponents. The Rockets are a defensive minded team.When their defense wins out, Kobe will jack up iladvised shots.

Ron Artest will need to make plays on the offensive end. But the Rockets will need to remember to center their offensive play on Yao Ming. They can usually get good post shots or open shots off of the double team when they do that.

#2 Denver Nuggets vs #7 Dallas Mavericks

Pick: Nuggets

Like the Celtics of last year, the Nuggets thrive when their defensive intensity is undaunted. But they are not as talented or experienced as those Celtics so someone will beat them before too long. But they get the nod over the Mavericks.

Eastern Conference

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs #4 Atlanta Hawks

Pick: Cavaliers

NBA executives are likely still sulking about their being no Dwayne Wade vs. Lebron James match-up. They may continue to feel queezy if this one goes seven games like it just might do.

#2 Boston Celtics vs #3 Orlando Magic

Pick: Celtics

The Celtics desperately miss KG on both ends of the court. But I will still take Ray Allen and Paul Pierce over Dwight Howard when the game is on the line.

Picture: Ray Allen, Boston Celtics shooting guard