NBA Playoff Series Predictions

You need some NBA playoff predictions for the 1st round? No problem, here you go.

Eastern Conference

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons

Maybe it is my inner fan boy speaking, but I think that people underestimate Detroit…again. You can’t call it disrespect this time, because the team finished under .500, but they are forming an identity right now. The Iverson drama is over, the team is coming into it’s own…too late? Maybe…

Don’t expect Cleveland to sweep Detroit – this are the playoffs. I would feel much better if we’d have a proven coach, but I still think our guys will do a good job of preparing for this series and making the Cavaliers work for every point they score.

Prediction: Cavs in 6Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls

No KG, no problem? Definitely not. The Celtics are favored even without Garnett, but not having KG could be the difference between a 4-game series and a 6-game series.

Prediction: Celtics in 6

Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Are those the 76ers that are on a losing streak right now? The guys that beat Cleveland by one in overtime even tho LeBron didn’t even play? Or are those the guys killing you with fastbreaks like they know they can? Doesn’t matter, because nobody on that team can stop Dwight Howard and his outside shooters.

The Magic’s philosophy ‘living and dying by the 3‘ is not a very comfortable spot to work from, but it should be enough to get to the 2nd round.

Prediction: Magic in 5

Atlanta Hawks vs. Miami Heat

This could be the most watchable series of all, because there shouldn’t be any blowouts. Hawks versus Heat has 7-game series written all over it and if you think that anybody not named LeBron or Kobe can beat Wade in a game 7, you are crazy.

Prediction: Heat in 7

Western Conference

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz

Yeah…

Prediction: Lakers in 4(!)

Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Hornets

That is what I love about the West, just by looking at the roster (or team name) you can’t tell who is the 2nd seed and how is the 7th seed. Anyway, I’m a big Chauncey Billups fan and this guy always steps his game up come playoff time. Sure, nobody wants to see Chris Paul in a playoff series, but who on the Hornets other than Paul can guard anyone? Who will stop Carmelo Anthony? Peja? Please…

BTW: Watch out for Nene. He will destroy the Hornets.

Prediction: Nuggets in 6

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks

This is the toughest series to even try to predict. The Spurs miss Ginobili which is a big factor, but Tony Parker is flying under the radar even tho he is in a career year. The Mavericks had a good run lately, but who knows how long it will hold up. They have a reputation of going down come playoff time and the way the Warriors took out Nowitzki back in the day is a prefect blueprint for the Spurs…

Prediction: Spurs in 7

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Houston Rockets

Uhm…let’s see. Yao Ming vs. Greg Oden/Joel Przybilla. Even if they play 5-on-6 they couldn’t guard him. Too bad for the Rockets that Yao isn’t more than a 20-10 guy, so it’s nothing to worry about for the Blazers.

I’m really looking forward to watching Brandon Roy in the playoffs. This guy is one of the best players in crunch time and he is just getting started.

Prediction: Blazers in 7