First Round Predictions
There are several interesting matchups in the first round of the NBA playoffs, including the first game today. (Starting in a few minutes). Since I am under the gun, I will just jump into my predictions for the first round. I will give some thoughts on the weekend’s games early next week.
Nets-Raptors - Vince Carter returns to Canada. I cannot wait for the fan response. I think the Nets will give the Raptors all they can handle, especially with Toronto’s utter lack of playoff experience. However, I am pulling for the Raptors; they are the NBA’s feel good story this season. I’m picking…Raptors in 7.
Heat-Bulls - This shoud be another good series. I’m interested to see how healthy D.Wade is. If he’s close to 100%, the Heat can pull this series out. I just don’t think that is happening. When the Bulls implement the Jordan Rules and run Wade off of multiple picks and constantly bump him when he tries to drive, I think Wade will start to break down. Bulls in 6.
Magic-Pistons - Pistons are way to solid right now for a struggling, young Magic team. The Magic will get better and should be force next season, but they don’t stand a chance this time around. Pistons in 5.
Jazz-Rockets - This will be a plodding, low scoring series, similar to the Heat-Knicks’ series of the 90’s (with a little more offensive fireworks from McGrady). It will be a long, tough battle for the winner that will hurt them come round 2. Rockets in 7.
Wizards-Cavs - LeBron is salivating. He could go for 55-9-9 in each game of this series, all four of them. Cavs in 4.
Lakers-Suns - If you read my previous post about Kobe after the All Star break, you should already know where I’m going here. Kobe will win one game on his own though. Suns in 5.
Nuggets-Spurs - Some people were dumb enough to pick this as their upset. That just is not going to happen. Spurs in 6 (which will be enough games to give my brother a heart attack). The Nuggets, much like the Magic, will be awesome next year, and should run away with their division.
Warriors-Mavericks - Nellie and his new mentees, Stephen Jackson and Baron Davis (can’t believe how well that relationship is working) are going to give the Mavericks EVERYTHING they can handle. I am really excited to watch this series. Mavs in 7.
I have a new post coming with my selections for the All NBA teams (All NBA, All Defensive, and All Rookie). I scoured the records, statistics, and watched a couple of Tivo’ed games from the season to help with the selections. I hope you will like them.
