Eastern Conference
Boston (1) vs Atlanta (8) - Series @ 2-2
This series has been much more competitive that I would have guessed. Think the Big 3 are sweatin a little bit right now? What was heralded as a likely walk in the park, has turned into ATL finding a way to get easy buckets on the suposedly best defensive team in L. Joe Johnson and Josh Smith are really coming to play. Someone needs to take over this series for the Celts, but who will it be? Boston has to slow the game down and get to the line. Unfortunatley for the Celts, Bibby Longshottings is the truth!!! I'm rootin for the Hawks in "Best of 3" contest and if they can win the next game in Boston, we may have a legendary upset (like the 94 Nuggets over the Sonics, but bigger).
Detroit (2) vs Philadelphia (7) Series @ 2-2
Another highly contested series. Detroit is not looking like the team of old right now. Phili is certainly giving the vets a run for their money led by stellar efforts by the entire team. Detroit needs to get back to their bread and butter- dictate the tempo of the game and don't let their opponents get easy hoops. I would assume the Pistons will take the next game at home and ice the series, but Phili is really just an unpredictable team right now. Is there to be a changing of the guard in the East? Detroit has been a staple in the Conference Finals for years, but they are facing stiff competition in 08'.
Orlando (3) vs Toronto (6) Magic win @ 4-1
Saw this coming a mile away. The Raptors give you flashes of legitimacy all season, but as I mentioned before- they were not playing their best ball come playoff time. The Magic really had no trouble getting it done, and the lack of toughness on the part of Toronto really showed. Dwight had his way on the block, and the supporting cast of Rashard Lewis, Hedo and most notably, Jameer Nelson all played very well. The Raptors have severe difficulty being consistant and there is just something missing from their equation. Whatever it is, it might be worth shipping T.J. and one of their swingmen for. Peace Sam?
Cleveland(4) vs Washington (5) Series @ 3-1
Cleveland is not looking half bad right now, aside from that 30 point loss after their 30 point win. If this team can gel, and get some good supporting effort from Z, Gibson and Delonte, then the winner of the Celts/Hawks may be in trouble. Gilbert doesn't look too natural out their right now, while Lebron is just plain dominating. Washington hasn't played great defense and they haven't been able to get out and run past the relatively slow Cavs. The Wiz are getting taken out of their game, and Caron has been a ghost. Closing this series out in 5 will give the Cavs some momentum which will certainly help them on their quest through the playoffs
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Western Conference
Los Angeles (1) vs Denver (8) Lakers win @ 4-0
In my prediction, I gave the Nuggets the benefit of a single win, but they couldn't even pull that off. The Lakers are playing far superior ball right now and just exploited Denver for everything they were worth. The match-up of Pau vs the interior defense of Marcus Camby, came up all Gasol baby. Kobe is in that zone Mike was in around 1990...winning the big games, with a big game attitude. While the Nuggs sit at home thinking about a new approach to winning for next year, the Lakers are looking unstoppable right now. I trust Bynum will be effective once he returns.
New Orleans (2) vs Dallas (7) Series @ 3-1
I think we're seeing what was to be expected. The Mavs weren't particularly good against the better teams in the NBA since the Jason Kidd deal, and the Hornets are proving to be simply to much. Can anyone stop Chris Paul from; a) exploiting Dallas' poor perimeter defense by penetrating and dishing at will to the increasingly confident Peja and Janero Pargo, b) finding ways to create his own shot -off screens or off the dribble and c) taking over the NBA playoffs? When David West is hitting that mid range jumper on you like he has been, you're in for a long night. How about Jason Kidd just not being an offensive threat in the slightest, he passes on open jumpers and is seemingly scared to initiate contact. The Mavs also deperatley need defense. Hmm I can't remember, was Devin Harris a solid perimeter defender? Ooopssss. The Hornets have been suprising people all year with their play, but how far can they go? Sup Spurs.
San Antonio (3) vs Phoenix (6) Series @ 3-1
Well, Phoenix just can't seem to get past the the Spurs. Game One was pre destined to go the Spurs' way. Timmy, Tony and Manu have all taken over all parts of this series, while the Suns have been apparentley shell-shocked. Game 4 is a good indication of what the Suns can do when they are playing well. Great efforts from Raja Bell and Boris Diaw cerainly don't hurt the Suns chances of coming back in this series. If the Suns can win the next game in San Antonio, we could be in line for an epic comeback. That said, the reality is that San Antonio will likely close out at home. If the Suns lose tonight, Mike D'Antoni could get canned. In such a case, please come to Toronto.
Utah (4) vs Houston (5) Series @ 3-1
Despite a few close games, the Jazz have really been dominating this series. From their inside presence and rebounding, to their outside shooting and defense. Deron Williams is leading this team into the next decade with some swagger. Houston has not been getting consistent efforts from their supporting cast and Rafer has been gettin lit up. I see T-Mac losing another first round series, but I did think it would go 7, so we'll see.
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