Eastern Conference:
Celtics vs. Heat- The Celtics are lunch Lebron? If that's the case you ain't never been able to finish a meal against them and you sure haven't been able to pay the bill for what you have eaten. As much as I like how the Heat performed against the Sixers, I just don't see them getting passed the deeper, more experienced Celtics team. The key for the Celtics will be the play of Rondo. He is the engine and needs to play well for Boston to get into a rhythm. For the Heat, they need to try and pick the pace of the game up and avoid getting emotionally involved in the series. I believe that Chris Bosh will have the worst series of his life. I like the Celtics to win in 6...but I wouldn't be surprised if they won it in 5.
Bulls vs. Hawks- What we saw against the Pacers was an aberration for a Bulls team that dominated both offensively and defensively all year. Their Defense was stellar, but the offense dragged until the close out game. When both came together the Bulls dominated. I do not believe they will have the same start against Atlanta. Atlanta had something to prove against the Magic after being embarraseed last year. But please don't forget that when put in unchartered waters, the Hawks disappear. Look for Joe Johnson to do his best Houdini impersonation and for the Hawks to lose in 5. The League's MVP, as long as he gets some consistent help, will have no problem beating the Hawks. Bulls win...in 5.
Western Conference:
Grizzles vs. Thunder- KD, Westbrook, new look interior and solid bench play have be tremendous all year and in the playoffs. However, they are 1-3 against this Memphis Grizzles team. Memphis will bring the same passion and intensity, particularly in the paint, that they showed against the Spurs. The key for them winning though will once again be the play of Mike Conley. Conley lived in the lane against the Spurs and was hitting jumpers. Can he repeat his performance? Kendrick Perkins, need you to understand that this is Marc Gasol and not Pau...you won't be able to punk him. Oh and yeah who is going to guard Zach Randolph? Memphis will throw a combination of Allen and Battier at Durant which will be extremely frustrating against the Leagues top scorer and watch out for OJ Mayo in this series...I like Memphis to win this series in 6.
Lakers vs. Mavs- I have not been shy about my disdain for the Mavs, but I give them all the credit for beating the Blazers and doing it with defense. Here is the problem. The Lakers have two seven footers who play in the paint and the have more versatility on the wing and coming off the bench. Let's also not forget the Jason Kidd plays point, which is not nearly an advantage against Fisher, because Fish likes playing against bigger, more physical guards. Oh and at the end of games the Lakers best player, Kobe, is head and shoulder better than the Mavs best player, Dirk, at taking games over. For those who might say that the Lakers are soft, they will look like Street Thugs against the Mavericks softer than soft style of play. However, because it is the Lakers, I could see this game going 7. Lakers win in 7.
Re-Cap
Celtics def. Heat; Bulls def. Hawks; Memphis def. Thunder, and Lakers def. Mavericks
Let's see how this plays out!
looks like the heat are poised to sweep the defending eastern conference champs! I didn't see that coming and the Hawks are giving the bulls all their anemic offense can handle. Might be some upsets brewing in LA too!!
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