Round by Round Knockdown: NBA Playoff Prognostications

I guess my picture gives away my Finals prediction.

But who cares. I like to get the small things out of the way first.

Now, on to brass tacks.

This year has some intriguing playoff scenarios that took all 82 games to figure out the seeding, especially in the West.

Let's review the playoff matchups and some key things to watch out for and pay attention to.

THE (B)EAST

Cleveland (1) vs Detroit (8)

It is obvious that the Cavs definitely have their mojo, virtually unbeaten at home (39-1, last game doesn't count). It is equally obvious that the Pistons didn't care to play this year. But there are contracts expiring (Sheed, AI, Kwame Brown, McDyess) that gives players an added incentive to play beyond their talents or actually try.

This is virtually the same Detroit team that LeBron sliced for 26 straight points without shooters around him and little motivation. The real question is can the Cavs win fast enough to rest LeBron and get ready for ATL/MIA.

Boston (2) vs Chicago (7)

This is a bad draw for Boston. A young, athletic team that can catch fire on any night. Boston's bad news of KG out for the playoffs didn't help the morale, but may have given them some extra "Nobody Believes in Us Juice" to not blow this series.

Chicago's guard play will outduel Boston, with Rose, Gordon, Salmons, and Hinrich leading the way, but Boston will play good enough defense to close this out in six games.

Orlando (3) vs Philadelphia (6)

Orlando is just glad they didn't draw Detroit. Detroit owns Orlando, having swept them this season and knocking them out of the playoffs the last two years.

That being said, Philadephia is no easy test. If Philly could borrow one of Orlando's three-point specialists, this would be a great series. Since they can't, Orlando in five games.

Atlanta (4) vs Miami (5)

The only question in this series is whether Dwayne Wade can pull a LeBron of 2006 and carry this team further than they are supposed to go. Wade would need to average about 40 PPG and 10 assists for this to happen, or hope Atlanta's streak shooters of Murray, Bibby, and Johnson are off.

I am pulling for Miami, just to see Cleveland annihilate them in the second round. Miami in seven.

THE WEST

L.A. Lakers (1) vs Utah (8)

The Lakers are the cream of the Western crop, but let's hope that doesn't get in their head. I doubt that will be the case, with the Olympics MVP Kobe Bryant facing a Utah team that is terrible on the road.

If the Lakers can knock the Jazz out in five games, that would be a sign of the domination that is about to happen. Lakers in six.

Denver (2) vs New Orleans (7) 

These are the "sexy" picks to make some noise. Two teams that have great PG play, as well as severe home court positions. Billups is trying to get Denver out of the first round, while Chris Paul will try to show that he should be in the top heavy MVP race.

Carmelo finally reaches the second round, due to New Orleans not having a viable second scorer. Denver in five games.

San Antonio (3) vs Dallas (6) 

This may be Jason Kidd's last hurrah in Dallas. He has to prove he is still a sought after free agent with enough gas to push for the ring.

San Antonio is starting to run over the hill in injuries and games played. Tony Parker is getting better and is deadly in the clutch, while Tim Duncan is Tim Duncan.

Dallas is "gelling" right now, and I like how they are playing. Dallas in six games.

Portland (4) vs Houston (5) 

Two improbable teams that have sneaky talent. Portland is the up-and-coming team (like the Bulls of 2005), loaded with young talent and solid role players. Houston is the aging team with Yao and Artest.

Flip a coin, I'll take Portland in six.