NBA Playoffs Round 1
Apr 23rd, 2007 by Alex
April is the time for spring, growth, and rejuvenation. However, to die-hard basketball fans, it’s time for the playoffs to start. From the heart-breaking loses to the spectacular victories, the playoffs would make anyone jump up and down. Here is my 2 cents on what will happen in the first round.
East Conference:
This one should be an obvious one. With Chris Webber, Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, and Chris Webber as the starters, Pistons are going to dominate. Not to mention, their bench is wonderful with Antonio McDyess and Lindsey Hunter. The Orlando Magic has struggled to get to the playoffs but will have an early leave. My prediction: Pistons win it in 5 games.
Cleveland Cavaliers (2) vs. Washington Wizards (7)
This game also should also be hands down. With the unstoppable Lebron James, the Cavaliers should be able to see the light of the second round. The Wizards started out strong in the regular season, but towards the end, they have slumped their way into the playoffs. They are just not consistent enough to win this series. My prediction: Cavaliers win it in 6.
New Jersey Nets (6) vs. Toronto Raptors (3)
This one will definitely be a close one. However, I think the New Jersey’s poor defense will be the ultimate cause of their loss. The Raptors are very good offense team, and with Chris Bosh, they will just tear the Nets’ defense apart. My prediction: Raptors win it in 7.
Chicago Bulls (5) vs. Miami Heat (4)
This series is probably the only must watch of the East in the first round. The defense dominant Bulls vs. the star power of the heat. Although the Bulls will put up a fight, I don’t think they will be able to contain both Dwayne Wade and Shaq. Sure Dwayne Wade has just come back from a major injury, but he is already getting back on track. It’s only a matter time when the Heat will become a major threat. My prediction: Heat wins it in 7.That’s all the games for the Eastern Conference. Right now, I think it’s either the Pistons or the Heat for best in the East. Now, it’s time for the dominant Western Conference.
Dallas Mavericks (1) vs. Golden State Warriors (8)
Just looking at the seed number it seems like an easy choice, however it’s a very hard decision. The Golden State Warriors, despite their horrid record, have defeated the Mavericks every single time in the regular season. However, the playoffs are a very different setting and Dirk Nowitzki wants to show everyone why he’s MVP. Although the Warriors 3-0 record against the Mavericks, the Mavericks are just a better team. My prediction: Mavericks in 6.
LA Lakers (7) vs. Phoenix Suns (2)
Steve Nash will be just too much for the Lakers. He has averaged more than 11 assists per game in the regular season and 19 points per game. Even with another 80 point game, Kobe Bryant can’t carry his team to beat the Suns. My prediction: Suns win it in 5.
San Antonio Spurs (3) vs. the Denver Nuggets (6)
The Spurs just have awesome defense, holding their opponents to only 90 points per game in the regular seasons. Add in Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, and Bruce Bowen to the equation spells a win over the Nuggets. My prediction: Spurs in 5.
Utah Jazz (4) vs. Houston Rockets (5)
This one should be the closest series in the Western conference. The Rockets with McGrady and Yao Ming should be able to rock past the Jazz though. The Rockets have held their opponents to only 92 points per game in the regular season. On top of that, the Jazz have slumped into the playoffs losing 6 games out of 10 in April. The funny thing is they were the only team to have a perfect record in the beginning of the season. My prediction: Rockets win it in 6.
Yeah nice article, Pistons going to win all the way. NBA
Don’t forget that Don Nelson (coach for Golden State) is the former coach of Dallas, so he knows exactly what Avery Johnson has to work with. Golden State may yet dethrone the mighty Mavericks…
Yea, the Warriors might win, but I think Mavericks will be able to pull it off. It would be one of the biggest upset in awhile
You’ve missed a lot - Detroit has crushed Orlando, Chicago didn’t left Miami any chance (WOW!!!). Golden State won two games against Mavs…
This year playoffs are getting warmer…
Wow I missed the Warriors game. Holy crap now I’m thinking the Mavs are in a deep whole.
I am not a big sports fan. But I do know that basketball was very popular on the first Playoffs. Alot of my guy friends betted on all the good teams!