NBA Playoffs Game 1s: Observations and Outlook

I made predictions and broke down the match-ups before the series started. Now that one game is in the books, lets look back and see where I was right, where I was wrong, and what to expect going forward.

Western Conference

Lakers-Nuggets: The Nuggets still play NO defense what-so-ever. Gasol is picking apart Denver's defense, and Kobe is starting to get on track. Denver doesn't have a defensive tone-setter. No one on the team steps up and motivates the rest of the team to play defense. AI and Melo don't play defense, and that sends a message to the rest of the team that defense is optional, and that it doesn't need to be played. The Lakers were decent defensively. The Lakers have great chemistry right now, and the team is clicking on all cylinders. The Nuggets are frustrated and are a total mess, as was shown by AI's ejection. Previous prediction: Lakers win in 6. Current outlook: Lakers roll in 5.

Hornets-Mavericks: Chris Paul took over Game 1, and Dallas is still lacking the ability to come through in the clutch. I think Game 1 showed that this series is very even, and that all the games will be very close. New Orleans still comes out victorious behind Chris Paul. Previous prediction: Hornets in 6. Current outlook: Hornets in 7.

Spurs-Suns: The Suns know how to choke. That's right, they choked. The Spurs know how to care of business and get the job done. Duncan is unstoppable, and Ginobli is one of the most clutch players in the league. Stoudamire was excellent, and Nash was solid. The Spurs have the experience, and no matter their age, will come out victorious. Previous prediction: Suns in 7. Current outlook: Spurs in 7.

Jazz-Rockets: The Jazz are just better. Deron Williams is excellent, and is one of the top-5 point guards in the league. Houston got good games from McGrady and Scola, but the roster doesn't have enough talent. The 22-game winning streak may have been a fluke because the players on this roster just aren't good enough to compete in this tough conference. For the Jazz, Kirilinko played a solid game with good numbers all around. These teams still played about even, so I expect close games throughout. Previous prediction: Jazz in 6. Current outlook: Jazz in 6.

Eastern Conference

Celtics-Hawks: The Celtics are much better. Ray Allen is heating up, and KG is fired up. KG's passion is contagious, and the Celtics team is on a roll. The Hawks have no chance, even at home. Previous prediction: Celtics in 4. Current outlook: Celtics in 4. 

Pistons-76ers: The Pistons sometimes don't play their best and seem disintersted. The Pistons seemed not to take the 76ers seriously, and payed the price. I still think that the Pistons win the series because of their experience and better depth. The Pistons got a wake-up call, and now will respond. I still think that the 76ers can get one more game in this series, probably at home. Previous prediction: Pistons in 5. Current outlook: Pistons in 6. 

Magic-Raptors: Dwight Howard is a beast, and is getting help on the perimeter. The  3s are falling for Orlando. The Magic are a better team, and still get it done. Previous prediction: Magic in 6. Current outlook: Magic in 6.  

Caveliers-Wizards: LeBron is amazing. He put up 32 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal. What a line. Ilguaskas was good, as was Delonte West. LeBron is making his teammates better, and the Cavs take the series. previous prediction: Caveliers in 5. Current outlook: Caveliers in 6. 

There you have it. Feel free to rip me, as always.