Western Conference
Spurs in 6 over Grizzlies: San Antonio has looked shaky down the stretch, and Memphis has actually improved as a team after losing Rudy Gay for the season. In the end, the playoff tested Spurs come out the victors, although Zach Randolph and the Grizz do finally win a playoff game.
Thunder in 6 over Nuggets: What a run the Nuggets have been on since the Carmelo Anthony trade. Nobody thought they could still make the playoffs without their superstar, but George Karl's squad has proved them wrong by playing as a true team. Against division rival OKC, it'll be a speedy point guard battle between Ty Lawson and Russell Westbrook. However, the Thunder also have scoring champ Kevin Durant and should have the advantage on the inside with Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka against Nene and Kenyon Martin.
Mavericks in 7 over Trailblazers: It's a power forward match-up for the ages with Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge and Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki both borderline MVP candidates for their respective clubs. The Blazers are certainly capable of pulling off this upset, as Portland is very strong defensively, and Dallas has yet to consistently live up to its spectacular regular seasons with good postseasons. In the end, too much Dirk, Jason Terry, and J-Kidd is the difference.
Lakers in 5 over Hornets: The defending champs have been up and down again this season, but are once again favorites out West. Andrew Bynum may have the worst knees ever, but he, along with Pau Gasol will dominate New Orleans' bigs. (they are without David West) Chris Paul may be best player on court in the series, but Hornets just can't match the Lakers' length.
Eastern Conference
Bulls in 4 over Pacers: MVP D-Rose and Bulls roll over 37-win Indiana.
Magic in 6 over Hawks: Dwight Howard has made gigantic strides this season, after working with Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon in the offseason. The effectiveness of Hawks center Al Horford's single-coverage defense on him will determine how long this series lasts. Both teams like to bomb three-pointers away, but I like Orlando's overall balance better than Atlanta's dependence on Joe Johnson.
Celtics in 6 over Knicks: C's traded away (in my mind) its 18th title earlier this year when it dumped center Kendrick Perkins, replacing him in the lineup with broken down Jermaine O'Neal and undersized Nenad Krstic. But more in later series. New York has Amare and Carmelo, the two best offensive players in the series, but as a team, is pathetically awful defensively, and Boston is too well coached not to execute offensively.
Heat in 5 over 76ers: Doug Collins has done a great job in his first season in Philly, and he has an outstanding bench led by Thaddeus Young and first team led by emerging star point guard Drue Holliday. However, Miami just has too much firepower with LeBron, D-Wade, and Chris Bosh.
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