Bullish Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers
I'd just like to state that its a better NBA when the Indiana Pacers are good. Unfortunately, they fell to the eighth seed to face the Bulls. The Bulls do many things well. They defend and rebound exceptionally well. That wins playoff series.
Bulls in 4
Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers have one card to play: Andre Iguodala's defense. The dude is a stud. However, there's one of him and three of Lebron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. Miami will go as far as Bosh is willing to play. Find a Miami loss in the regular season and I'll show you a simply awful game from Bosh.
Miami in 5
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks
I-N-T-E-R-E-S-T-E-D. The Knicks have my attention. Although I fervently believe a Mike D'Antoni-coached team will never sniff the Finals, they are still interesting and fun to watch. It's the league's best offense against the league's best defense. Worlds will collide! I think missing Kendrick Perkins matters, the Celtics have sputtered, the Knicks have righted the ship a little and something's got to give.
New York in 6
Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks
No way the Hawks rebound from Dominique Wilkins getting punched. Aside from that, they're a flawed team. Orlando's creeping too much. Too quiet. No enough headlines. I see them going under the radar.
Orlando in 4
San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Spurs are highly susceptible to the upset. But I don't think it's coming here. The Grizzlie's best bet is to finish off Manu Ginobili with a tire iron and absolutely run the Spurs out of the gym. Memphis can D it up. They got some match-ups. Can Tony Allen check Ginobili or George Hill? Can Z-Bo go toe to toe with Duncan? Did I just write that sentence?
San Antonio in 6
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Hornets
The Lakers probably love this match-up. The Hornets are not deep and if you can wrangle Chris Paul and decrease his effectiveness, they're an easy out.
Los Angeles in 4
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets
Could be a great series, probably the best on paper in the Western Conference. The Nuggets play their guts out for their coach with cancer and to prove all the doubters wrong. The Thunder just being good. In the NBA, more so than other leagues, teams with the best player are often rewarded. Just look at who has all the rings. What the Celtics lost in Kendrick Perkins the Thunder gained.
Oklahoma City in 6
