EASTENRN CONFERENCE –
Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks (Celtics 4-0)
Game 1 – 104-88 (Celtics)
Game 2 – 107-95 (Celtics)
Game 3 – 102-91 (Celtics)
Game 4 – 101-85 (Celtics)
It will be a walk in the park for the Celtics. They will blow by the Hawks with ease. There is nothing really else to say about this series.
Detroit Pistons vs Philadelphia 76er's (Pistons 4-0)
Game 1 – 98-89 (Pistons)
Game 2 – 104-98 (Pistons)
Game 3 – 93-91 (Pistons)
Game 4 – 101-85 (Pistons)
The Sixers have played well lately, but it’s unfortunate for them to play the Pistons. The Pistons head into the playoffs looking for a championship. The Pistons are too good and know how to get it done the Sixers will have no chance here.
Orlando Magic vs Toronto Raptors (Magic 4-1)
Game 1 – 114-109 (Magic)
Game 2 – 121-113 (Magic)
Game 3 – 116-105 (Raptors)
Game 4 – 124-121 (Magic)
Game 5 – 116-101 (Magic)
The past few years the 6 seed has beaten the 3 seed in the eastern conference. Last year the Nets beat the Raptors. This year the Raptors have the sixth seed and play <st1:city><st1:place>Orlando</st1:place></st1:city>. However I don’t see the Raptors upsetting the Magic. The magic should fly past the Raptors without any trouble. Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkulogu and Rahard Lewis are the keys to <st1:city><st1:place>Orlando</st1:place></st1:city>’s success. The Raptors on the other end have only Chris Bosh as a key player. There are guys who play well but that won’t be enough.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Washington Wizards(Wizards 4-3)
Game 1 – 109-101(Cavaliers)
Game 2 – 107-98(Cavaliers)
Game 3 – 113-109(Wizards)
Game 4 – 116-109(Wizards)
Game 5 – 124-113(Cavaliers)
Game 6 – 118-115(Wizards)
Game 7 – 116-114(Wizards)
The Wizards head into the playoffs healthy in a long time. Gilbert Arenas is back and has reenergized the Wizards team. The Cavaliers come into the playoffs being the eastern conference defending champions. The Wizards and Cavaliers have met in the playoffs the last two years as well with the Cavaliers winning both times. But like the say “Third times a charm” The key for the Wizards is containing LeBron James and staying healthy.
WESTERN CONFERENCE –
<st1:city><st1:place>Los Angeles Lakers vs DenverNuggets(Lakers 4-0)</st1:place></st1:city>
Game 1 – 121-107(Lakers)
Game 2 – 116-109(Lakers)
Game 3 – 114-108(Lakers)
Game 4 – 115-103(Lakers)
Kobe Bryant is gunning to win a fourth ring. The last time he won a championship was with another superstar player Shaquille O Neal. Times have changed though and he has another superstar player beside him. This time its Pau Gasol acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Grizzlies. The Nuggets on the other hand hold the eighth seed having edged the Warriors for the final spot. The Lakers should get it done without giving a game.
New Orleans Hornets vs Dallas Mavericks (Hornets 4-2)
Game 1 – 116-107 (Hornets)
Game 2 – 113-108 (Hornets)
Game 3 -115-107 (Mavericks)
Game 4 – 113-110 (Mavericks)
Game 5 - 107-106 (Hornets)
Game 6 – 117-108 (Hornets)
Chris Paul has turned around the Hornets franchise and is now trying to take it a step further with a championship. In their way are the Dallas Mavericks who come in after a disappointing loss to the Warriors last year in the first round. Paul, Peja and West along with <st1:city><st1:place>Chandler</st1:place></st1:city> have a powering offense which should be able to take down the Mavericks.
<st1:city><st1:place></st1:place></st1:city>
<st1:city><st1:place>San Antonio</st1:place></st1:city> Spurs vs. <st1:city><st1:place>Phoenix</st1:place></st1:city> Suns (Suns 4-2)
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p>San Antonio Spurs vs Phoenix Suns (Suns 4-2) </o:p>
Game 1 – 116-108 (Spurs)
Game 2 – 113-109 (Spurs)
Game 3 – 117-111 (Suns)
Game 4 – 123-116 (Suns)
Game 5 – 121-113 (Suns)
Game 6 – 116-114 (Suns)
Shaquille O’ Neal has come to the Suns and is trying to win a championship like any other playoff team. They play the defending champions Spurs. The Spurs come in with the three seed and are trying to win a championship. The Suns have fit in well lately however and should be able to pull it off. The Spurs team is good but is aging away. The Suns can frustrate the Spurs with their fast break play.
<st1:city><st1:place>Houston Rockets vs Utah Jazz (Jazz 4-2)</st1:place></st1:city>
Game 1 – 121-106 (Rockets)
Game 2 – 113-104 (Rockets)
Game 3 – 128-116 (Jazz)
Game 4 – 131-115 (Jazz)
Game 5 – 123-121 (Jazz)
Game 6 – 128-113 (Jazz)
The Jazz made a long run in the playoffs last year and are looking to go further. In their way is Tracy McGrady and the Rockets. Tracy McGrady is trying to get out of the first round for the first time in his career. The Utah Jazz have the best home record in the league and will not drop a game their. If they steal one on the Rockets soil they will win their series.
