2009 NBA Playoffs- First Round Predictions

Western Conference
Lakers in 5 over Jazz : That terrible road record ends Utah's season
Rockets in 6 over Trailblazers: Pretty much a toss up, but matchups and experience favor Yao and Houston
Spurs in 7 over Mavericks: Limping into the playoffs with Manu Ginobili will level the playing field in this Texas showdown. I like Parker running past Kidd in the end.
Nuggets in 7 over Hornets: Billups vs. Paul is marquee matchup at point guard, but it will come down to other superior talent (JR Smith, Carmelo Anthony) in the perimeter for the Nuggets to end their drought.
Eastern Conference
Cavaliers in 4 over Pistons: LeBron's first victim, an injury-riddled Detroit team that went 0-4 against Cleveland in the regular season.
Hawks in 7 over Heat: D-Wade is best player in series, but I don't think he can singlehandedly carry them against a good Atlanta home team.
Magic in 6 over 76ers: Nothing Philly throws at Dwight Howard inside will be enough to stop him and his great shooting team.
Celtics in 5 over Bulls: No KG could mean big trouble for Boston. But not in this round.