Playoff Prophecies: NBA First Round Predictions

ESPN made their predictions. Sports Illustrated made theirs.

Now it's time for the big dogs to do the barking.

Everyone is talking Detroit vs. Dallas in the Finals'but they'd better size up the brackets before just winging their picks. Here's a look at the NBA's version of the Wild Card Playoffs.

Eastern Conference

 

New Jersey vs. Toronto

 

This is more of a Vince Carter Reunion Tour than a playoff series. Everyone will be talking about the return of the Raptors' former "future"...instead of the fact that Toronto made the playoffs without him.

 

Jersey had to squeeze in some wins to clinch, whereas the Raptors secured their birth early and cruised down the stretch. The Nets have enough veterans to win, but Toronto's mix of youth and experience will make the difference. Look for the Garden Staters to jump out to an early edge before the Raptors knock them off Soprano-style.

 

Prediction: Raptors in 6

 

 

Orlando vs. Detroit

 

Detroit hasn't swept a team in awhile—but they just might make it happen here.

 

Since picking up Chris Webber, the Pistons have emerged as major threat to the Heat's repeat dreams. Orlando squeaked into the playoffs, and may not have much left in the tank. Get your brooms ready, Motor City fans.

 

Prediction: Pistons in 4

 

 

Washington vs. Cleveland

 

SI called the Cavs a one-man team—but it took an entire squad to secure a playoff berth.

 

This series will either make or break the hype surrounding LeBron James.  SI picked the Cavaliers to win five...but Washington is tough enough to take it to six—even without Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler.

 

Prediction: Cavs in 6

 

  

Miami vs. Chicago

 

This is an old-school rivalry with a new-school feel.

 

Instead of Jordan, there's Big Ben. Instead of Alonzo, there's Shaq. Dwyane Wade is back and showing signs of his old self—but it's not clear that he's all-the-way recovered from a separated shoulder. If everyone's on the ball in South Florida, the Heat will win the fistfight. Otherwise, expect the young Bulls to seal the fate of the defending champs.

 

Prediction: Heat in 7

 

 

Western Conference

  

Utah vs. Houston

 

No Malone. No Stockton. No Hornacek. No Problem.

 

That's what they're saying in Salt Lake City these days. The Jazz have finally made it back to the postseason—but now they have to deal with Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. McGrady makes the folks in H-Town smile like Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon used to...and he'll keep the good vibes going into the second round. Nothing much else to say here-except that they still miss the Mailman in Utah.

 

Prediction: Rockets in 5

 

 

Denver vs. San Antonio

 

Everybody's already written off Denver in this one. I say that's crazy.

 

Any team with AI always has a chance. With Tim Duncan sporting a referee's bull's-eye on his chest, look for Denver to play for penetration from Iverson and Carmelo Anthony. Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili will be hard to beat at home, but the Nuggets have the depth to challenge the Three Musketeers. And since I like to play devil's advocate—I'm taking a chance on this one.

 

Prediction: Nuggets in 7

 

 

LA Lakers vs. Phoenix

 

This may be the most interesting series in the Western Conference.

 

Kobe says he can win it all without the Diesel. Not this year, Kobe boy—the Suns are too tough to be brought down by a bunch of Southern California sissies. Memo to Phil Jackson: Retire and stay retired. Learn from Michael's mistakes and enjoy the good life after basketball.

 

Steve Nash will lead the charge for Phoenix, followed closely by Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion. Kobe isn't MJ—and he can't fight the world on his own. His supporting cast will be overwhelmed...and KB will crawl home to the Terminator's state to confront an angry mob of frustrated Lakers fans.

 

Prediction: Suns in 4

 

 

Golden State vs. Dallas

 

Once again, the Mavs are picked to win it all.

 

And once again, someone took the muzzle off of Mark Cuban.

 

Here's a good way to silence him: EITHER WIN A TITLE OR GET SHUNNED BY THE BLEACHER REPORT!!!

 

Dirk Nowitzki is the man, but Golden State has shown some promise in the final stretch of the season. Dallas would do well to not underestimate the Warriors' tenacity. If Cuban doesn't win it this time, Michael Jordan himself won't be able to save the Lone Star State from the Wrath of the Bleacher Creatures.

 

Prediction: Mavericks in 5