I have a feeling I will be wrong more than right with these predictions. However, at least that means I will be proven right about my ability to be wrong so I can hold my head up high about something. Agree or disagree? Let me know at zmehenti@cw2.com
NBA Eastern Conference First Round
(8) Atlanta Hawks vs. (1) Boston Celtics
I think the Celtics are more focused than any team in the East. They have three veterans hungry to win and nobody, in my estimation, in the NBA plays with more intensity than Kevin Garnett. His focus and dedication has spread to his teammates and helped produce one of the great season to season turnarounds in NBA history. His drive and tenacity were legendary in Minnesota, a place where the team made only one serious playoff run with him. If he was that motivated in a mediocre settting, just imagine how mentally prepared he will be knowing he now has the talent around him to go the distance. As for Atlanta, they at least get to be a footnote to a trivia question: "Who did the Celtics defeat on their way to their first NBA title in 22 years?"
Prediction: Celtics 4-0.
(7) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (2) Detroit Pistons
I think the Pistons window is rapidly closing. They still have former George Washington star and CU standout Chauncey Billups but I am not totally sold on the rest of this team. To me, there seems to be a disconnect between the coaching staff and players. Then again, dealing with Rasheed Wallace, on occasion, will want to make any coach disengage for a while. The Sixers are an exciting team with a bright future but experience in the postseason matters. That last factor leans heavily in the favor of the Pistons.
Prediction: Pistons 4-1
(6) Toronto Raptors vs. (3) Orlando Magic
Outside of watching two of the brightest stars the NBA has to offer in Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard, this series isn't that exciting. Though, those two guys are so incredibly good that it'll be worth it to just watch them and ignore the other eight guys on the floor.
Prediction: Magic 4-1
(5) Washington Wizards vs. (4) Cleveland Cavs
This week Charles Barkley called the Wizards "the dumbest team in the history of civilization" for Washington's vocal outcry of wanting to face Cleveland in the first round and most likely angering LeBron James in the process. Barkley is hilarious and the Wizards thinking they have anyone who can stop James is almost as funny, too.
Prediction: Cavs 4-1
NBA Western Conference First Round
(8) Denver Nuggets vs. (1) Los Angeles Lakers
I just do not see how the Nuggets can pull this one out unless they are totally committed to playing defense. As we have come to see, the offense is there but at times the defensive effort is offensive. No more lazy performances, half-hearted games, and lethargic play. Sounds like a plan any team would have that makes the postseason. Then again, the Nuggets made it despite falling victim to those issues. If they creep up again, it will be a blotch on their desire and willingness to win, something the Lakers have done plenty of this season.
Prediction: Lakers 4-1
(7) Dallas Mavericks vs. (2) New Orleans Hornets
Almost nobody gave the Hornets a chance to finish the regular season as the top seed in the West or for that matter hang around as long as they did. It took the Lakers all 82 games to pass them. The Hornets are motivated. They have heard they are not legitimate contenders despite that sustained run as nearly the best in the West this regular season. They have been chided for a lack of Playoff experience. That last part is true. However, you could argue the Playoff experience that Dallas has had to end 2006 and its first round appearance in 2007 were not exactly confidence builders.
Prediction: Hornets 4-3
(6) Phoenix Suns vs. (3) San Antonio Spurs
The Suns traded for Shaquille O'Neal more or less to contend with this team. In terms of the emotional aspect, the Suns still are smarting over last year's loss to the Spurs. I think the Suns know this could be it for them. Shaquille,Steve Nash,and Grant Hill know time is of the essence as far as their careers go. They have watched San Antonio win four titles, the latest one of them, as we mentioned, a title Phoenix thought could have been their own. Revenge is sweet, Suns fans.
Prediction: Suns 4-2
(5) Houston Rockets vs. (4) Utah Jazz
The Jazz are tremedous at home. Away from Energy Solutions Arena, their level of success is different. However, if they can just win one game in Houston, I think this series is over.
Prediction: Jazz 4-1
Should be a fun weekend of games. See you on Monday morning, have a nice weekend.
-"z"
