Upon NBA Playoffs- Round 1

So the NBA Playoffs have begun, and I'll quickly run through my predictions for Round 1.

EAST


(1) Miami V (8) New Jersey- Miami Leads 1-0
The Nets held off the fading Cavs to grab the 8-spot in the East, and a date with Miami. Simply making the playoffs after their bad start, and losing Richard Jefferson for a large part of the year, looks like it will have to be enough for N.J. Kidd and Carter will make it interesting, but I think 2 games are the most the Nets can hope to win. Too much Shaq, too little interior presence from Kristic and Collins. Shaq will leave the dominating to Wade, but his mere presence on the floor allows others to thrive.

HEAT IN 5

(2) Detroit V (7) Philadelphia- Detroit Leads 1-0
The defending NBA Champs have flown somewhat under the radar this year, with the exception of the bad press that resulted from the brawl. However, this team has returned almost totally intact, and also added Carlos Arroyo and Antonio McDyess. Philly still has AI, and Andre Igodala, who is poised to become a force in the league. However, Chris Webber seems severely limited by his leg injury, and the defending champs don't figure to lose more than one possible game where AI goes off in Philly.

PISTONS IN 6

(3) Boston v (6) Indiana- Boston Leads 1-0
The Celtics gained the number 3 seed by virtue of the automatic top seed going to each Division winner. The Atlantic division was not world-class this year, and Boston was able to separate themselves from the pack. The return of Antoine Walker provided a nice boost to the Celts, as they ran and shot their way to a birth in the playoffs. The Pacers lost heavily in the brawl, with O'Neal and Jackson missing significant time, and Artest going out for the season. I still think that the Pacers should prevail in the matchup, but I am not confident. Walker, Davis and Pierce provide potent scorers in the front and backcourt, but the center position is lacking. The Pacers have O'Neal back from his shoulder injury, and Reggie on his swan song. I like the Pacers in a close one.

PACERS IN 7

(4) Chicago v (5) Washington- Chicago leads 1-0
The Wizards and Bulls make their return to the playoffs after long absences for both. The Bulls lost Luol Deng to an arm injury, and Eddy Curry to an irregular heartbeat, and they will certainly feel these absences. However, if Ben Gordon can go off for 30, and Nocioni can exceed 20 and 15 (out of nowhere), the Bulls have a good shot. Their defense is one of the stronger ones in the league, and they have tested players like Heinrich, Duhon, Gordon, whose college experience prepared them for do or die games. The Wiz surprised a lot of folks this year with their potent trio of Arenas, Hughes, and Jamison. With any of the three good for 30 a game, you have to give the Wizards a shot in the series. An apparent knee injury to Kwame Brown could prove costly, as the front-line of the Bulls is strong.

BULLS IN 7


WEST

(1) Phoenix V (8) Memphis- Phoenix leads 1-0
The run-and-gun Suns had the NBAs big worst-to-first turnaround. The additions of Steve Nash and Quentin Richardson, combined with huge contributions from Amare Stoudamire and Shawn Marion rocketed the Suns to the league's best record, and home court throughout the playoffs. Memphis "backed in" to the playoffs when the T-Wolves couldn't get it done. Their team has a variety of weapons, and can attack you in a few ways. Pau Gasol is rounding back into form, after missing significant time to injury, but this has made the Griz into a low-post team half the time, where they had thrived as a pick-and-roll team. The Suns have way too much, and I am calling for the brooms.

SUNS IN 4

(2) San Antonio V (7) Denver- Denver leads 1-0
The Spurs are another team dealing with significant injury issues. Tim Duncan is working through some injuries, and as he goes, so goes San Antonio. Denver is being tabbed the "team no one wants to face" since catching fire with the hiring of George Karl, and a change in team philosophy. San Antonio should always be viewed as a title contender, but Denver matches up well with them in many areas. Camby was identified by Duncan as one of the defenders who gives him problems, Carmelo can punish Ginobli, and Wesley Person and Vashon Lenard are threats from deep. After Denver beat the Spurs at home, which only 3 teams had done this year, I may have to jump on the bandwagon. I will stick with the Spurs, but wouldn't be surprised if it went the other way.

SPURS IN 7

(3) Dallas V (6) Houston- Houston leads 1-0
The Mavericks came on strong to grab the 3-seed, and have Dirk playing at an MVP level. Coach Avery Johnson replaced Don Nelson mid-season, and hopes to use his renewed focus on defense to help the team advance. Houston will lean on T-Mac to carry them along, and hope that big Yao can take advantage of Dampier and Shawn Bradley. The road win will often make people predict rashly, and I am cautious of this as well. Jawan Howard is injured, and the Rockets don't have a strong defender for Dirk. However, I think McGrady and Dirk can reprise their duels from earlier in the season, and that Yao, Bob Sura, and Mike James can outmatch Mike Finley and Josh Howard.

HOUSTON IN 6

(4) Seattle V (5) Sacramento- Seattle Leads 1-0
The Supersonics were another big surprise this year, as they jumped out to a huge lead early, and stayed strong through injuries to win their division. With Rashard Lewis hurting, the Sonics will have to hope that Ray Allen has a lot in him down the stretch. The Kings traded franchise cornerstone Webber, and are hoping that Brian Skinner and company can serve as good replacements. Injuries have hit the Kings hard as well, and Peja needs to be healthy for them to entertain thoughts of advancing. This is another tough series to call, as I am not sure which players from which team will show up to play big. I am picking experience and Mike Bibby over good shooting and Luke Ridenour.

SACRAMENTO IN 6

Lets see how I do.