NBA Playoffs

Well it's that time again. The east was fairly predictable, but the west was a bit of conundrum. here it goes -

Western Conference - First Round
Lakers vs. Nuggets
Regular Season: Lakers beat Denver 3-0
My pick: Lakers - While both are very offensive teams, Kobe is still Kobe and Andrew Bynum's strong presence alongside their steal of deal for Gasol presents and all around solid team. Denver is somewhat similar to the Lakers, but just not as good over all.

Jazz vs. Rockets
Regular season: Jazz beat Rockets 2 -1(Yao not present for one game)
My Pick: Rockets - After an impressive streak during the season, the Rocket's seasoned team is still cranking. While the Jazz won the regular season match-up, you have to remember that Yao wasn't present for a game.

Suns vs Spurs
Regular season: Suns beat Spurs 3-1
My Pick: Spurs - Defense always beats offense in the playoffs. Remember last year when the Spurs beat the suns? That's because the Spurs are battle-hardened gritty defensive team that knows what they have to do. While the suns now have Shaq, they are really no better. Besides, by trading away for an old man like Shaq, they're shooting themselves in the foot for next season(Does anyone recall the Miami Heat?)

Hornets vs. Mavericks
Regular season: Hornets tie with Mavs 2-2
My Pick: Hornets - Jason Kidd didn't make them much better and the Mavericks always seem to falter in the playoffs. On the other hand, New Orleans is well oiled machine with Chris Paul pulling the strings(and who wouldn't want Peja as their string?) Mavericks are in for another frustrating post-season

Eastern Conference - First Round
Celtics vs. Hawks
Regular season: Celtics 3 -0 against Hawks
My Pick: Celtics - Sorry Hawks fans, but I don't even have to explain this pick

Cavaliers vs. Wizards
Regular Season: Cavs and wizards tied 2 -2
My Pick: Cavaliers - As shown last year, the Cavaliers are a good play-off team with a lot of energy. The Wizards have some great players (Jamison, Butler, and Agent Zero), but Gilbert Arenas isn't doing so well. This will be a hard series. In this series, Gilbert Arenas is the key.

Magic vs. Raptors
Regular Season: Magic beat Toronto 2-1
My Pick: Magic - Improving upon last year, the Magic will just keep getting better. However, the Raptors have done well in building a strong team around Chris Bosh. These two young teams will give us a good series, but the Presence of Dwight Howard is pretty immovable.

Pistons vs. Sixers
Regular Season: Pistons split with Sixers 2-2
My Pick: Pistons - A good defensive team, Detroit is hungry and motivated for a championship. They'll be taking no prisoners. However, the Sixers can look up - they're a team with some raw talent. Tighten down their play and they could go farther next year.

Now it's time for round two -
Western Conference - Second Round
Lakers vs. Rockets
My Pick: Lakers - The Rockets are just not good enough to hang around with the Lakers. This will just allow the Lakers to pick up momentum coming into the West Finals.

Spurs vs. Hornets
My Pick: Spurs - Defense and experience is what'll crush the Hornets. The Hornets are a good team and will most likely make it to this match-up, but they have little experience in situation like this. The hornets are similar to last years Suns by their style of play and it will be an interesting season.

Eastern Conference - Second Round
Celtics vs. Cavaliers
My Pick: Celtics - Come on already! Why can't we just skip to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics, a strong defensive team, are unlikely to suffer the same fate as the Pistons last year. They're a team of veterans who know what they want. As long as they keep their focus, it won't be too much of a competition.

Pistons vs. Magic
My Pick: Pistons - Swept by the Pistons last year, the Magic are looking for a good fight, but with the Pistons' defense it's unlikely to happen. Let's just hope the Pistons' confidence isn't their downfall again.

Western Conference - Finals
Lakers vs. Spurs
My Pick: (this is where it gets tough) Spurs - I just don't see how a team that averages more than 100 points a game can beat a team that gives up only 90. The Spurs will control the tempo, Duncan will outplay Bynum, and Manu will harass Kobe.

I'll finish the rest up later.