NBA PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

NBA PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS: FIRST ROUND
by Xavier Thompson, basketball player and analyst
The EAST

1. BOS vs. 8. ATL

Not much too say about this matchup except for the fact that Atlanta will be lucky to even win a match. They have a good team but will have to wait for another two seasons before really being a contender.

Celtics sweeps Hawks 4-0

2. DET vs. PHI

With the way Philadelphia has played coming into the playoffs there is no doubt that they will prove problematic for the Pistons to get rid of. In fact, if the 76ers had been fortuitous enough to get the 6th or 5th seed, they would have a real possibility of upsetting a top seed. However, they are matched up with the veteran Piston side who even though have a history of becoming complacent, have not lost a first round series in more than 6 years. So, unfortunately for the upstarts from Philadelphia this is where their surprising season comes to a halt.

Pistons prevail 4-2

3. ORL vs. 6. TOR

This series probably won't provide much in the way of excitement and will be possibly one of the more overlooked matchups. The raptors are a good team but really do not have the strength or vigor to cause much problems for the Magic. In fact they will probably bring the series to six games for the sheer fact that the Magics on a whole are not a very experienced playoff team. However with Dwight Howard at the helm, the Raptors will have little chance of causing an upset.

Magics wins the series in 6 games.

4. CLE vs. 5. WAS

This is the only series in the east with a very good chance of going either way. Though assembling the best team roster since LeBron James' arrival, the Cavaliers have looked less than impressive in their run up to the playoffs and barely managed to get home court advantage over Washington. The Wizards on the other hand have learned to win without their star Gilbert Arenas (including two over the top team in the NBA, the Celtics) and with him now back will have a very good chance of finally getting past arch playoff rivals Cleveland. The two things going for the Cavs right now is the brilliance of King James and their mental advantage.

Wizards pull of the East's only upset and down the Cavs in 7



The WEST

1. LAL vs. 8. DEN

Sweep, sweep, sweep! The Nuggets allowed the Seattle Supersonics led by two rookies to not only beat them in a CRUCIAL must-win game but allowed them to score 161 points. Now double overtime or not that is HORRENDOUS. What does it show? Its a clear indication that this team has no defense and if that young Sonics could run them rampant, then I can only imagine what the Los Angeles Lakers will do to teroirize them. Out of all the playoff series this is the likeliest of sweeps you will find. The Lakers are just too god.

Lakers in easy sweep 4-0

2. NOH vs. 7. DAL

One of the two playoff seires in the West with serious 'upset' possibilities. As good as the Hornets have been and as bad as the Mavericks have proven to be against +.500 teams, one factor will ultimately let down New Orleans - their INEXPERIENCE. None of the starting five, except Peja, have any real playoff experience and though this can be compared to Deron Williams and the Jazz last year, let's face it, the West is just too tight this year (plus the Jazz didn't exactly have the toughest road to the Conference Finals). This series should provide for great entertainemnt and nail biting finishes and will be decided by one player: Peja Stojakovic. Yes, he isn't what he used to be but without him the Hornets will not be able to overcome the Mavericks. WIth him providing offense, the Hornets will probably prove too much for the Avery Johnsons coached Dallas. Who will come out on top?

Dallas given the edge to end Chris Paul's Hornets run in exciting 7 game seires.

3. SAS vs. 6. PHO

This is the other western series with serious threats of producing an 'upset'. The Spurs have previously proven too much for the Suns to handle in a playoff series (they haven't beaten the Spurs in a playoff series since the Spurs championship run began). However with a new look and with the Spurs not looking like they have in previous years, the Suns may just have their chance. The series will go down to the wire no doubt and will be decided depending on the team which is more hungry. Right now, that is looking like the Suns.

Phoenix tipped to win in 7

4. UTA vs. 5. HOU

The Rockets have done the unthinkable. Not only have they made the playoffs without the help of Yao Ming but they were actually in the hunt of a top seed position. And let's not forget their 20+ game winning streak. However, despite all of this Utah will still have an easy time disposing of them. T-Mac is an infamous playoff choker and the Jazz are even better than last year. Though last year's series came down to home court advantage and despite the fact that Rockets have it this time around, they just don't have the players to shut down the likes of Carlos Boozer, Deron Williams and Memhet 'Money' Okur. Great season but Rockets can't do much to help keep it alive.

Jazz win 4-2