Just like any other sports fanatic, I would like to have my own NBA playoffs predictions.
The match-ups are:
Eastern Conference
1. Cleveland vs Detroit
- I think Detroit may have been one of the best defensive teams of the decade but the Cavaliers being the best team in the regular season are proving that they are also one of the best defensive teams today. So I think Defense can be equal to both teams. I think that the factor would be, how can the Pistons stop Lebron James who might be or should be the MVP of the regular season. Or can the Pistons stop the bench of the Cavaliers which is one of the best in the NBA. So I think that the Cavs can win this series easily by 4-1 or maybe a sweep.
2. Boston vs Chicago
- with KG out of the picture, this could be a tough series for the Celtics. The main factor that I see here is the advantage of the Celtics in experience, so I think that the Celtics can pull it of in tough 7 game series. I see it 4-3 for the Celtics.
3. Orlando vs Philadelphia
-with EB also out the Sixers proved that they are playoff contender which they did. The Sixers became a run and gun team which is very effective. But can they also do this against the Magic which is also having a great season? Even the Sixers are more effective without Brand, they would like to have EB in they would need a post presence at the playoffs because its hard to win in the playoffs with just running. So i think the magic can win this 4-2.
4. Atlanta vs Miami
- this might be the toughest series the eastern conference because the Hawks might have the advantage on papers, but I cannot see Wade magical season ending in the first round. So i think that, once more, Dwayne Wade can carry his team to the next level which is very interesting. I think the Heat could win it in a hard fought 7 game series.
Western Conference
1. Los Angeles vs Utah
- I think the Lakers are very determined to go back in the finals and with enough talent to do that, I think they would out work the jazz in this series and win it in a 5 game series.
2. Denver vs New Orleans
- the Nuggets are having a magical season because of Billups and I think that the Hornets will have a hard time stopping the Nugget's Offence, so I think that this much improved team can beat the struggling Hornets in a 6 game series.
3. San Antonio vs Dallas
- with Ginobili done for the season and the Mavericks playing on a high note lately, it may still be a tough series for the Mavericks but the Old Spurs might tire out in this series and Homecourt might not be that of a factor. So i See the Mavericks winning 4-3.
4. Portland vs Houston
- I think the that Defence will be the main factor in this series and the Rockets are better in that category than the Blazers. I think the Blazers cannot win at the Toyota Center but the Rockets can win at the Rose Garden so I see the Rockets winning 4-3.
Thats how I see it in the first round of the playoffs... Wait for my 2nd round Predictions next week.. Thanks for reading.
