I'm in a time crunch folks, I'm going to get my marriage license this morning, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten the most important thing, the NBA Playoffs:
(1) Chicago Bulls V. (8) Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers are athletic and deep, but they just don't have enough offensive punch to last in this series. They'll compete and these games will be basketball played the right way: team defense, sharing the ball, good effort. The Bulls just play that style better. Chicago in 5.
(2) Miami Heat V. (7) New York Knicks
This should be a lot of fun. Talent all over the court. Carmelo Anthony has been arguably the best player in the league over the second half of the season, and Tyson Chandler should really dominate the boards and challenge Lebron and DWade at the hoop. Still, There's nobody that impacts the game as profoundly as James, and I think he's on a mission this year. Heat in 6.
(3) Indiana Pacers V. (6) Orlando Magic
It's simple, there's just no way Orlando does anything without Dwight Howard. Indiana gets a free pass into the second round. Pacers in 4.
(4) Boston Celtics V. (5) Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks did it again! Piled up wins in the regular season only to be bounced by a poised, smarter team in the postseason. The Celtics defense has been stifling since the all star break and the emergence of Avery Bradley has made a big impact. Celtics in 6.
(1) San Antonio Spurs V. (8) Utah Jazz
Things didn't turn out well for the Spurs last year when they achieved the top seed, but I don't see that happening again. With Paul Milsap and Al Jefferson the Jazz have the size to bother the Spurs, and should steal a game or two at home, but they won't win the series. Spurs in 5.
(2) Oklahoma City Thunder V. (7) Dallas Mavericks
The Thunder are no longer an inexperienced playoff team, and I think Dallas is on its last legs for this year. The Thunder will run them out of the gym and the series early. Thunder in 5.
(3) LA Lakers V. (6) Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets are the type of team that could bother LA. Their young, deep, and athletic, but they don't have a go to scorer which matters in the playoffs, and they will struggle in the more half-court style of the postseason. Denver also has no match for Bynum and Gasol, but who does? Kobe is rested and the Lakers finally have speed at point guard to counteract the likes of Ty Lawson. It will be a struggle but the Lakers win. Lakers in 6.
(4) Memphis Grizzlies V. (5) LA Clippers
This is the best series of the first round maybe along with the Heat-Knicks. The Grizzlies are really tough inside with Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, but the Clips counter with Deandre Jordan and Blake Griffin. Rudy Gay has no match on the Clippers, but Chris Paul is the best player in the series. Then there are countless good role players on both sides: Nick Young, Caron Butler, Mo Williams and Randy Foye for LA. OJ Mayo, Mike Conley, Tony Allen, and Marreese Speights for the Grizzlies. I Might be nuts here but I think Super-Stars are the difference in the playoffs, so I'll take Chris Paul to find a way. Clippers in 6.
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