Western Conference
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Rockets ended their 12 year first round hex, riding Luis Scola and Yao Ming to victory in 6 over the Blazers, while the Lakers breezed by the Jazz in 5. Shane Battier and Ron Artest will have their hands full with Kobe Bryant in this round, but the overall depth of the Lakers inside with Gasol, Odom, and Bynum will be the difference in the series.
Lakers in 6
Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets
Dallas upset the Spurs in round one, winning the series easily in 5 games. The Nuggets did the same to the Hornets, setting up this exciting series. Lots of offense in this series. I like Denver's homecourt and their matchups in the end.
Nuggets in 6
Eastern Conference
Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Hawks won a very physical series with Miami in 7, while the Cavs swept the Pistons and are well rested. Injuries and the inability to stop LeBron dooms Atlanta.
Cavs in 5
Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics
The Dwight-less Magic stomped on the 76ers in the decisive Game 6 in an otherwise pretty even series. The Celtics won one of the most exciting first-round playoff matchups ever over the Bulls in 7. I think both teams are pretty evenly matched and it comes down to getting stops down the stretch in close games. In the end, I don't think that Boston, without Garnett, can contain Dwight Howard inside.
Magic in 7
My First Round Record: 7-1
No comments:
Post a Comment