Eastern Conference:
No. 1 Detroit vs. No. 8 Orlando: This will be a quick series. Detroit has too many weapons all around the floor. Chauncey Billups will use the size advantage over much smaller Jameer Nelson, and Rip Hamilton will be sensational in the backcourt. The Magic is still too young and is going against a Pistons team that has gotten to at least the conference finals four straight years. Orlando can extend the series if Dwight Howard and Grant Hill have some big games. Pistons in five.
No. 2 Cleveland vs. No. 7 Washington: This had the potential for a great series with Lebron James and Gilbert Arenas going at it. But with Arenas and Caron Butler out for the series with injuries, and the Cavaliers streaking, having won six of their last eight games, expect Cleveland to run away with it. Cavs in four.
No. 3 Toronto vs. No. 6 New Jersey: Wow, two Atlantic division teams in the playoffs. The Raptors shocked the NBA world by winning 47 games this season and taking the division crown, but with Chris Bosh putting up MVP numbers every night it shouldn’t be that shocking to see them third in the weak East. However, New Jersey’s playoff experience will be the key. They also have the big three in Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson who will overcome Toronto’s lone star. Nets in seven.
No. 4 Miami vs. No. 5 Chicago: The defending champs may have the higher seed, but they have had a rough year and go up against an extremely talented Bulls team that could make a deep run in the playoffs. Dwayne Wade’s shoulder has stunted his performance as of late, and his status is still up in the air. Ben Gordon, once dubbed one of the best fourth quarter players in the league, will lead the Bulls past the defending champs. Bulls in six.
Western Conference:
No. 1 Dallas vs. No. 8 Golden State: The league’s best record and an MVP caliber season from Dirk Nowitzki have the Mavericks as a heavy favorite to win the title. Even though the Warriors beat Dallas in all three meetings this season, the bottom line is the Mavs got to the finals last season and are up against a franchise that hasn’t seen postseason action in 13 years. Dallas in five.
No. 2 Phoenix vs. No. 7 Los Angeles Lakers: A rematch of last year’s first round match-up that went seven games. The Lakers were a young, inexperienced team last year when they nearly upset the Suns. You can expect Kobe to go for 50 a couple of times this series and the Suns won’t be able to do a thing. Despite Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire’s ability to create tons of offense, the Lakers will pull the upset. Lakers in seven.
No. 3 San Antonio vs. No. 6 Denver: The Spurs have put together another fantastic season winning 58 games en route to the third-best record in the league. The Spurs are just all-around solid, led by Tim Duncan’s dominance in the paint. Even though the Nuggets have two of the top scorers in the league in Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony, the Spurs defense will keep Denver down. Spurs in six.
No. 4 Utah vs. No. 5 Houston: Another 4-5 matchup where the five seed owns the better regular season record. Houston had a great season despite dealing with injuries to Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, and with both healthy, you can expect a dominating performance from Houston. Carlos Boozer and company have struggled as of late and run into one of the hottest teams in the league. They will not be able to overcome T-Mac’s dominating game. McGrady will finally win the first playoff series of his career. Rockets in five.