If The NBA Season Ended Today: A Playoff Preview

Below is a preview of the 2009 NBA Playoffs, using the seeds as they would be if the season ended today.

Eastern Conference: First Round

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Detroit Pistons

(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) seed Chicago Bulls

(3) Orlando Magic vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers

(4) Atlanta Hawks vs. (5) Miami Heat

Cavs vs. Pistons

The Cavaliers would probably win this series in five games. They have the best home record, and would definitely not lose a game in Cleveland.

The Pistons have now lost Iverson for the year, and 'Sheed now comes off the bench. They do, however, have a chance of sneaking in a win at the Palace, especially with their dedicated fans supporting them.

Celtics vs. Bulls

I see the Celtics winning this in four or five games, with the determining factor being KG's health and playing time. Garnett is obviously not 100 percent, and probably will not be heading into the Playoffs.

But regardless, Boston is too strong of a team to lose a seven-game series to the Bulls.

Magic vs. Sixers

The Magic will win this series in five games. The Sixers have no answer for big man Dwight Howard, and have lost a key piece of their rotation in Thaddeus Young (who is out for two to three weeks).

Hawks vs. Heat

This will probably be the best first round series in the East, as it should actually go six, or even seven games.

After almost getting a first round victory over the high and mighty Boston Celtics in '08, the Hawks are expected to come out stronger than ever. On the other hand, potential MVP Dwyane Wade has the talent to completely take over any game and give his team a victory.

This series should be fun, and I'll take the Heat in six or seven.

East: Second Round

Cavs vs. Heat

Call it what you will: MVP vs. MVP, LeBron vs. Wade, or King vs. Flash.

No matter what you pick, the Cavs will beat the Heat in five games. Dwyane will propel the Heat to steal a win at American Airlines Arena, but that is about it.

Celtics vs. Magic

Again, depending on Garnett's health, this series could have one of two results.

The Celtics will rely on Garnett's contribution heavily in a seven-game series against the Magic. But if KG is not 100 percent, the Magic will take advantage and win the series.

East: Conference Finals

Cavs vs. Magic

What a great matchup this would be! I see it going to six.

The Magic will need to capture a victory in Cleveland if they want any chance at beating the Cavs over a series.

But even if Orlando does take one in the Q, LeBron and the Cavaliers are too good to be stopped this season.

Western Conference: First round

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (8) Dallas Mavericks

(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (7) Utah Jazz

(3) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) New Orleans Hornets

(4) Houston Rockets vs. (5) Portland Trail Blazers

Lakers vs. Mavericks

The Mavs will be lucky to win one game against the Lakers this season. I can not see this series going further than five games; 'nuff said.

Nuggets vs. Jazz

The Jazz have a big problem winning games on the road this season, as evidenced by their lousy away record of 15-23.

The Nuggets will win this series in six games, and that's assuming the Jazz win both games at home.

Spurs vs. Hornets

Let's face it, both these teams are not what they used to be. The Spurs will win this in five or six games, depending on Duncan's health. They are too strong for Chris Paul and the Hornets to stop.

Rockets vs. Blazers

This will be a great string of contests between two young and upcoming teams.

I see the Rockets taking the series in six or seven games. The Blazers will gain a tremendous amount of experience during this series, but are still too young to win.

West: Second Round

Lakers vs. Rockets

The Lakers will take this series in five or six games. The Rockets are a great team, but the real L.A. club is that much better.

Houston has no answer for Kobe Bryant (not that any other team in the NBA does), and will have no chance of stopping the Lakers four times.

Nuggets vs. Spurs

This will be an outstanding matchup and a very close series. If Carmelo Anthony and the Nuggets can stay healthy, I see them winning this series in six or seven games.

But if Duncan and Ginobili can stay healthy, the Spurs easily have the experience, fans, and coach to get their chance to face the Lakers in the WCF.

I am going with the Spurs in seven.

West: Conference Finals

Lakers vs. Spurs

This is probably the pairing that most are predicting.

I say the Lakers, with Andrew Bynum back on the court, will take this series in six games. They will overpower the Spurs and get a chance at the title against the Cavaliers.

NBA Finals

Cavs vs. Lakers

It's the series that every fan has been waiting to see since the start of the season. Count on it being aired on ESPN Classic years from now, as the excitement of King James versus Kobe is just too much for one telecast.

Two of the best players in the sport will put on a seven game show for NBA fans around the world.

Earlier this season, I wrote articles on why both the

Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers would win the 'chip in '09. Check them out for additional info.

This is definitely a tough prediction, but I am going with the Cavaliers in seven, if only because LeBron deserves a ring already.

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