By Andrew `Soda`Wadden
East
1 Cleveland (start of season prediction- Cleveland)
vs
8 Chicago (start of season prediction- Toronto)
The way Chicago has played down the stretch it would not surprise me if this suddenly healthy Bulls squad pulls out a game or two from the mighty Cavs. They won’t win the series, but like Metro League player Chris Peerless (SWAT) told me, the Bulls matchup better to Cleveland and will give the Cavs a better fight then the Raptor’s would. I doubted him up until a the last few days or so. Now I believe him, but I don’t believe the hype. The Bulls might have played like a team possessed down the final two weeks, but King James and company will exorcise that demon in little time.
Cavs in five.
2 Orlando (start of season prediction- Boston)
vs
7 Charlotte (start of season prediction- Miami)
Orlando has proved that there is life after Hedo Turkoglu…. that was a joke. They have done what they have always done with or without the Turkish Delight and that’s win by shooting tons of threes and letting Dwight Howard dunk basketballs. End of story. I like the look of this Charlotte team. They have a nice mix of youth and veterans who like to play an exciting brand of ball. Howard, however, will be the difference in this series. His presence is too much for most teams including the Bobcats who do have a capable matchup for Howard, in big man Tyson Chandler. Tyson will have his hands full and it won’t be long before the Magic wash there hands of the Bobcats.
Magic in five.
3 Atlanta (start of season prediction- Orlando)
vs
6 Milwaukee (start of season prediction- Chicago)
This series looks to be one of the better first round matchups in the East. It’s a shame that Buck’s star center Andrew Bogut is out for the year, as this series could even sway towards Milwaukee with him in the lineup. The Hawks are just too deep of a squad and can beat you in too many ways. They’re dynamic in the open floor, plus they have top flight scorers in Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford, who can burn you inside and from long range. The Bucks will give it their all, but it will be the Hawks that soar.
Hawks in six.
4 Boston (start of season prediction- Atlanta)
vs
5 Miami (start of season prediction- Washington)
I don’t think I’m the only person that feels this way, but I think the Heat are going to pull this out and upset the once mighty Boston Celtics. The Celt’s have been average for most of the season and if not for their incredible start they would be the underdog going into the playoffs. Boston has looked old and battered throughout most of the year. I see Dwyane Wade having one of those epic series where he just takes over and leads his squad to victory over the falling giants of Boston. I may be off a bit here, but I’m not 100% certain that Boston has any gas left in the tank to handle Miami.
Heat in seven.
West
1 Los Angeles (start of season prediction- Los Angeles)
vs
8 Oklahoma City (start of season prediction- Los Angeles Clippers)
Yes, the Lakers will win this series, but this will be a better series then most people think. Kevin Durant and his young Thunder team have nothing to lose and will give the Lakers five memorable games. They’ll take one on their home floor but that’s all they win. I see three to four games going down to the dieing seconds, but LA will prevail.
Lakers in five.
2 Dallas (start of season prediction- San Antonio)
vs
7 San Antonio (start of season prediction- Utah)
Both teams are healthy going into the first round with San Antonio hoping to have Tony Parker back to his old self just as Manu Ginobili has been, One really can never count out the Spurs as they’re a proven playoff team that knows how to win in the post-season. However, the Mav’s despite being a little erratic this year, have a nice core group that could very easily make a run for the Western title. Before I get in over my head, let me say this. Dallas will beat San Antonio. It will be a very fun series with the winner owning Texas bragging rights. It will go deep and every game will be tight.
Mavs in seven.
3 Phoenix (start of season prediction- Denver)
vs
6 Portland (start of season prediction- New Orleans Hornets)
I didn’t even have Phoenix in the playoffs at the start of the season, so shows how much I know. What I do know is this. The Suns have impressed me more then any other team in the NBA this year. Yes, the Thunder surprised pretty much everyone, even themselves, but who would have thought the Suns would have the season they have had. Steve Nash and Amar’e Stoudemire have been themselves, but better. I mean, Amar’e has been sensational since the trade deadline, when he was rumored to be traded to any city that wasn’t in Arizona. Nash, at 36 is playing like Nash of old. Wait a second, Nash of old is just Nash that is old. The man hasn’t slowed down! That being said the Blazers have been jinxed all season long with injuries but they still found a way to win 50 games and make the playoffs. Brandon Roy’s injury is another story. Roy is headed to surgery on his knee and done for the season, just as his Blazer’s squad will be soon. Portland can play without many of their top guys, but Roy is the exception. The Blazers will pull one out at home, but that will be all.
Suns in five.
4 Denver (start of season prediction- Dallas)
vs
5 Utah (start of season prediction- Portland)
Candidate for best first round series. This is going the distance and will be one for the ages, I can guarantee it. Utah is another team that just flat out knows how to win. Deron Williams is the real deal. Legit top three point guard in the NBA. One has to love the stick-it-to-ya season Carlos Boozer has had as well. I want to pick the Jazz because they very well could win this series, but I can’t. Denver to me will pull it out. I have visions of a last second game seven winner from Carmelo or Chauncey dancing in my head. Both Melo and Mr Big Shot have that ice-water touch when it’s needed. That’s why I’m going with Denver.
Nuggets in seven.