Eastern Conference
(1) Chicago Bulls - CHI wins in 5 games(8) Indiana Pacers
Chicago's a great team, but they're not a dominating one and may let one slip to the scrappy Pacers.
(2) Miami Heat - MIA sweeps in 4 games
(7) Philadelphia 76ers
Look for Miami to flex it's muscle in the first round, and sweep in the ecstasy of the honeymoon phase
(3) Boston Celtics - BOS wins in 6 games
(6) New York Knicks
Boston is going to have to play tough and gritty, which is their game. I'd be surprised if NY keeps up this pressure, but Amare has the potential to be a playoff beast. We saw Boston's experience and clutch in game one and it has a defining factor in this series. The Celtics have been together longer, the Knicks need more time to gel.
(4) Orlando Magic - ORL wins in 7 games
(5) Atlanta Hawks
This is an odd rivalry, these teams always match up in the playoffs. Dwight has been dominant, but the Magic have yet to find a consistent second option on offense. This may take seven games, but Dwight can shoulder the Magic into the second round.
Western Conference
(1) San Antonio Spurs - SAS wins in 7 games
(8) Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are better than people think, and will put up a fight against the Spurs. The Spurs don't dominate anybody but always prove to be the better team in the end., so look for them to subtly eliminate the Grizzlies, provided Ginobili returns in good health and the rest of the Spurs stay healthy.
(2) Los Angeles Lakers - LAL wins in 6 games
(7) New Orleans Hornets
The Lakers will learn from the game one scare and come back strong. Phil Jackson will probably mould it into a learning experience for his squad on their path to championship glory, it just makes a better story anyways.
(3) Dallas Mavericks - DAL sweeps in 4 games
(6) Portland Trail Blazers
Dallas has the firepower, the Blazers have too many question marks. The sweep will screw up Dallas the rest of the playoffs and they will play the Lakers next...
(4) Oklahoma City Thunder - OKC wins in 7 games
(5) Denver Nuggets
An exciting and unpredictable series. I just think Oklahoma is a little more solid throughout its lineup and Denver doesn't have the starpower that a closer like Kevin Durant and a secong option like Russel Westbrook provides down the stretch in the playoffs.
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