I’m not going to spend that much time here because it looks like it will be a mostly chalk first round.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Chicago Bulls vs. #8 Indiana Pacers
Indiana can run and gun a little bit, but Chicago’s overwhelming defense will be too much for them. I would be surprised if any of these games were close.
Prediction = Bulls in 4
#2 Miami Heat vs. #7 Philadelphia 76ers
Some of you may think I’m on drugs, but I expect this to be the most competitive first-round series in the Eastern Conference. Remember back in 2008, when Boston’s Big 3 played its first playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks? Joe Johnson and Josh Smith played out of their minds during the Hawks’ home games, and ended up pushing Boston to seven games. 76ers coach Doug Collins has had his group playing inspired defense since the New Year. Miami obviously has the best three players, but Philadelphia probably has the 4th through 11th best. Look for plenty of drama, and a spike in “What’s wrong with the Heat?” stories on ESPN (because we haven’t been force fed enough of those all year).
Prediction = Heat in 7
#3 Boston Celtics vs. # New York Knicks
Boston has looked like a drunken college student playing Madden at 2 am ever since the February trade deadline, but the Knicks are the perfect opponent to get them fired up. The Knicks actually believe that they are a very dangerous team, and are dumb enough to talk that up with the media. Garnett and Pierce will not let Boston lose this series.
Prediction = Celtics in 6
#4 Orlando Magic vs. #5 Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta always chokes in the postseason (with the exception of 2008 against Boston). There undersized front-line will be no match against Dwight Howard.
Prediction = Magic in 4
WESTERN CONFERENCE
#1 San Antonio Spurs vs. #8 Memphis Grizzlies
I’m predicting a Spurs sweep, but I also am willing to bet Memphis will be in every game. Memphis plays real tough defense, but when you rely on a few crazy dudes (Zack Randolph, O.J. Mayo, Tony Allen), you should expect a few late-game breakdowns.
Prediction = Spurs in 4
#2 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #7 New Orleans Hornets
It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Lakers win every game by more than 10 points. Along with the Bulls-Pacers, this is the most lop-sided match-up of the first round.
Prediction = Lakers in 4
#3 Dallas Mavericks vs. #6 Portland Trail-Blazers
The only “upset” I’m willing to bet on (I say upset loosely because on paper, Portland is a better team). Portland’s massive front-line should be able to overwhelm Dallas. Other than Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks do no have another player that would crack the starting lineup for Portland. Unless Dirk scores 35 a game, I like Portland to advance to the second round.
Prediction = Blazers in 6
#4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #5 Denver Nuggets
Since trading away Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggets have been a fantastic story. However, they could not have ended up with a worse match up than Oklahoma City. They don’t have anyone that can guard Kevin Durant, and the Perkins-Ibaka duo should be able to control the paint. I’d like to see Denver move on, but it’s not going to happen.
Prediction = Thunder in 5
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