Western Conference
(1) Los Angeles vs. (8) Utah
This series appears to be a classic mismatch, and it should be. The Lakers have been nothing if not consistent all season long, storming out to a 21-3 record to start, and finishing by winning 12 of their final 15.
(1) Los Angeles vs. (8) Utah
This series appears to be a classic mismatch, and it should be. The Lakers have been nothing if not consistent all season long, storming out to a 21-3 record to start, and finishing by winning 12 of their final 15.
Utah, on the other hand, has faded fast, losing seven of their last nine, and winning just four of their last 12 road games. The Wall Street Journal, however, points out that Utah has been very good in games following at least a day’s break, which would threaten to prolong the series. I’ll be charitable and give the Jazz one.
Prediction: Lakers 4, Jazz 1
(2) Denver vs. (7) New Orleans
Prediction: Lakers 4, Jazz 1
(2) Denver vs. (7) New Orleans
Since the rather one-sided trade that sent Chauncey Billups to the Mile High City for Allen Iverson, the Nuggets have played well over their heads, winning a division title for only the second time since the 1980’s and tying the franchise (NBA) record for regular season wins.
They’ve yet to prove, however, that they can win a playoff series without George Karl on the opposing bench.
Last year’s overachievers, the New Orleans Hornets, are back in the playoffs, and Chris Paul is still one of the premier players in the league.
The Nuggets won a single game in each of their four previous playoff appearances before being swept by the Lakers last year. This year they’ll do better: they’ll win two.
Prediction: Hornets 4, Nuggets 2
(3) San Antonio vs. (6) Dallas
The Spurs were given up for dead just weeks ago when Manu Ginobili was injured and knocked out of the playoffs. Instead, the oldest team in the league won the most competitive division in basketball—and lucked out by drawing a weaker team of Mavericks than the Republican presidential ticket.
Prediction: Hornets 4, Nuggets 2
(3) San Antonio vs. (6) Dallas
The Spurs were given up for dead just weeks ago when Manu Ginobili was injured and knocked out of the playoffs. Instead, the oldest team in the league won the most competitive division in basketball—and lucked out by drawing a weaker team of Mavericks than the Republican presidential ticket.
Few would consider the Mavs a serious contender this season, and they ultimately won’t put up much of a fight against the battle-hardened Spurs. All things considered, a deep playoff run this year under these circumstances might be almost as big an accomplishment as their NBA titles.
Prediction: Spurs 4, Mavericks 2
(4) Portland vs. (5) Houston
Few teams are as hot right now as the Portland Trail Blazers. The team is back in the playoffs for the first time in six seasons and is led by an exciting nucleus of young talent. Add onto that eight-straight Rose Garden wins against the Lakers, and you have the makings of what could be a dangerous team.
Prediction: Spurs 4, Mavericks 2
(4) Portland vs. (5) Houston
Few teams are as hot right now as the Portland Trail Blazers. The team is back in the playoffs for the first time in six seasons and is led by an exciting nucleus of young talent. Add onto that eight-straight Rose Garden wins against the Lakers, and you have the makings of what could be a dangerous team.
Conventional wisdom, however, suggests the Blazers are a year away, but that won’t stop them from making a playoff run this season.
They couldn’t ask for a better opponent either, the Houston TMac’s, who have a well-known history of first round chokes. The Rockets have, however, dominated the Blazers at home this season. Assuming Portland holds serve, a lone road win will be all they need.
Prediction: Blazers 4, Rockets 2
Prediction: Blazers 4, Rockets 2
Eastern Conference
(1) Cleveland vs. (8) Detroit
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