It’s that time of year again. When the hard line becomes the field of the NBA’s elite, and blood, sweat and tears flow like wine … and fans, by their very nature, flock to their televisions like Capistrano salmon. Sixteen teams kick their question balls, but only one can be successful;
Round – East
Boston (1) vs. Atlanta (8)
Boston has drawn the regular season series with the Hawks (Atlanta going up and averaging a margin of 14.3 points per game), and this argument should continue in the first round. Boston in 4
Cleveland (4) vs. Washington < b>(5
Although they’ve plagued the Wizards all season, they’re finally healthy and should put up quite a matchup in the first round. The Cavaliers and Wizard split their regular season series, but the Cavaliers have the edge here (i.e. Lebron) and should eke out the necessary wins. Cleveland in 6
Detroit (2) vs. Philadelphia < b>(7
The 76ers have turned a lot of heads this season with their impulsive midseason performance. They are also tied with the Pistons in their season series, but both 76er wins after the Pistons started the year. Detroit will now begin to give full attention and should take this series easily. Detroit in 5
Orlando (3) vs. Toronto b>(6
This very ambitious par-up should also be very entertaining. Pass rushers can be very dangerous when they are on a hot streak. But Toronto has been cold as of late. Since March 1st, they have gone 9-16, a slump that, interestingly enough, coincides with the return of TJ Ford to the team. Under Jose Calderon, the team has thrived… no doubt the team will be looking forward to the offseason. In the end, Dwight Howard will prove to be too much for Chris Bosh and the Raptors. Toronto in 6
Around – West
LA Bruins (1) vs. Denver (8< / b>
The Rams won all 3 regular season meetings by an average of 16.3 points. Denver takes one game at home, not much else. Iverson and Carmelo are down first, and George Karl’s security job is in question. Ugly in 5
Utah (4) vs. Houston < b>(5
The Rockets haven’t played well against the Jazz in recent history. The Houston Jazz were knocked out of the playoffs last year, and won 2 of 3 regular season meetings this year. However, Houston has a few futures. They will have a home-court advantage in this series, and there are rumors that Deron Williams is working through injury issues. But in the end, Boozer will be too much for the trifecta of Mutombo, Scola, and Landry. The Jazz are almost guaranteed to win all 3 meetings in the salt lake, and if they can steal at least one of the wins. in Houston. Utah in 6
New Orleans (2) vs. Dallas (7
I know before I continue, I live in Dallas and am a Mavericks fan. A win on Wednesday will only help their chances in this series; providing a much needed confidence boost after poor showings against Seattle and Portland the previous week. Chris Paul will be few for the Mavs, however, as will David West and Peja. The Crabs have competed strongly in Dallas for years, and hopefully that trend will continue. If the Mavericks can hold their court, where they have been strong all year, and take one of the games in New Orleans, then they will advance to the second round. Dallas in 6
San Antonio (3) vs. Phoenix (6
By far the best match-up in the first round, this series should be extremely entertaining. The Suns have the ghosts still have a big back on their shoulders after handing out suspicious suspensions last year following Robert Horry’s typical crap-bag shenanigans. For the NBA fan’s sake, hopefully this streak will go to 7 games. When Shaq joined the Suns, they won their meetings with the Rockets. Shaq’s ability to rebound and hinder Duncan should be the missing ingredient for the Suns. Phoenix in 7
Around Two – East
Boston (1) vs. Cleveland (4)
Lebron has the ability to win streaks on his own (as he proved last year against Detroit)… but I doubt he can pull off the same plays against Garnett, Allen and Pierce. The teams have done their season series, but the Celtics are the much better team, they have home court advantage, and Boston’s defense is tight to limit the damage that Lebron can do. Boston at 6
Detroit (2) vs. Orlando < b> (3
The Magic and Pistons split the regular season series this year, but Detroit has experience and composure on its side. They have more depth and talent than Orlando. Between Anthony McDyess, Rasheed Wallace, and Jason Maxiell, the Bakers can keep Dwight Howard decent. Tayshaun Prince could handle Hedo Turkoglu without too much trouble, and the Bakers would advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Detroit in 6
Round Two – West
LA Lakers (1) vs. Utah (4
The Bruins took 3 meetings of the 4th regular season this year with Utah. That fact, combined with Utah’s lack of road commentary, doesn’t bode well for the Jazz who will fall to LA in this series. LA Ugly in 6
Phoenix (6) vs. Dallas < b>(7
Conference Finals – East
Boston (1) vs. Detroit < b>(
Boston has won 2 of 3 regular season meetings with the Pistons this year. Then through round and against a light test on the Cavaliers first through round and face is a light test on the Cavaliers, Boston should be rested and prepared for the biggest. competition on the way to the finals. Rondo will need some help defending Billups in this series, but Boston’s first-minded defense will allow them to limit the damage done to Detroit’s big stars. Boston’s second win and first Finals appearance since 1987. Boston in 6
Conference Finals – West
LA Bruins (1) vs. Dallas (7< / b>
The Bruins have won 3 of their four meetings with the Mavericks, but the largest margin of victory was 4 points. Although Kobe usually lights up the Mavs, these two teams have always played very closely together. The Bruins have 3 wins against the Mavericks this year by a combined total of 10 points. With that said, the Mavericks should avenge their previous losses and advance to their second NBA Finals in 3 years. Dallas in 6
NBA finals
Boston (1) vs. Dallas < b>(7
Boston will have home-court advantage in the finals. The Mavericks have struggled on the road this year, and lost-season-4″>lost both seasons to the Celtics ( (but.) the Mavs could win their games in this series, and if they can steal one, I have a shot at winning the whole thing
