My Predictions
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Miami Heat 4 vs. #8 New Jersey Nets 2
MY PICK: Miami
Be that as it may, Shaq may be roughed up a bit but when the going gets tough, The Diesel gets going. With Flash rested up and the Jones ready to rock I still think that Miami will come out strong and take this series even with an amazing VC and Kidd up against them.
#2 Detroit Pistons 4 vs. #7 Philadelphia 76ers 3
MY PICK: Detroit
They're the reigning champs and I just don't see the Sixers knocking them out. But with Iverson on such form and the Pistons hurting with some injuries it won't be easy. I sort of expect a 7 game series, especially if Webber is around.
#3 Boston Celtics 4 vs. #6 Indiana Pacers 3
MY PICK: Celtics
My C's may have lost 2 in a row but Doc really used them to prepare the 2nd team for the playoffs so I don't think those losses really show the state of the team. But with Reggie in his last season I know that the Pacers will give all they've got and their fans will really be rocking when they play at home. But EVEN SO the C's have a better team and a strong bench and I think the men in green will overcome in 7.
#4 Chicago Bulls 2 vs. #5 Washington Wizards 4
MY PICK: Wizards
With Eddy Curry and Luol Deng out I simply don't see the Bulls as strong a contender as they have been all season. But even so their so defensively good that the absence of those 2 can be covered by whose left. But the big 3 of the Wiz coupled with more experience will simply be too much for the Baby Bulls (yes they are STILL Babys ... in the playoffs atleast...)
WESTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Phoenix Suns 4 vs. #8 Memphis Grizzlies 1
MY PICK: Suns
As deep as the Grizzlies are they just don't cut it on the defensive end to stop the high rolling Suns. With Nash back and everyone ready to rumble I see the Suns rolling over the Grizz. Not a sweep, but close to it.
#2 San Antonio Spurs (59-23) vs. #7 Denver Nuggets (49-33)
MY PICK Spurs
To be honest I'm not so sure about this one. The Spurs are considered by many the team to beat in the West but with so many injuries they've been hurting. But the Big Fundamental is back and so is Ginobili, so I think by game 7 they will be able to slightly, oh so ever slightly knock off the Nuggest who have been on a roll. But it won't be easy. I expect this series to go to 7 games more then any other.
#3 Seattle SuperSonics 3 vs. #6 Sacramento Kings 4
MY PICK: Kings
No one has faith in the Sonics even with their current record. And to be honest I don't either. But with Stojakovic and B. Miller out the Kings just aren't as good as they should be. But I've heard that they will make it by the end of the series. But will it be enough? I actually think so. I'm not a firm believe in the Sonics either.
#4 Dallas Mavericks (58-24) vs. #5 Houston Rockets (51-31)
MY PICK: Mavs
And then there was one. The big matchup of the opening round. Blue vs. Red, Dirk/Finley vs. McGrady/Yao. This will be a good one and I definately expect it to go to 7 games. But with the Mavericks on such a role and playing better defense I think they will make it past T-Mac and co. in 7.
I'll make my all the other predictions later. Though I'd just like to add the NBA Final matchup I'd most like to see would have to be the Suns vs. the Heat (but I bet I'm definately not alone with that one)
Good night, and GOOD LUCK CELTICS
(even though there shouldn't even be a talk)