NBA Playoffs Predictions (First Round)

Just a note, until summer, Jacob Sports will not be in full out coverage of the sports world.

West:

San Antonio Spurs (1) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (8)  Its hard not to take the one seed, especially when they have the experience that the Spurs possess.  Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobli all know how to win games late in the year, Spurs show off their number one seed early.  Spurs in five.

Oklahoma City Thunder (4) vs. Denver Nuggets (5) The average fan would have given up on the Nuggets after Anthony and Billups were given away to the Knicks, but the Nuggets have as good a chance as any now! Although, as I say, you need a guard who can score at any time, in the playoffs.  The Thunder have that in superstar Kevin Durant.  Thunder in six.

Dallas Mavericks (3) vs. Portland Trailblazers (6)  Everybody has a chance to see the light of the Finals in the Western Conference, except the Spurs.  While everything is bigger in Texas, their chances of winning it all are very slim.  While Big Dirk is a great player, I believe that the Mavericks are overrated.  Upset, Trailblazers in seven!

Los Angeles Lakers (2) vs. New Orleans Hornets (7)  Kobe and company are hungry for a three-peat.  Only, that didn’t show in the last five games of the season, where the Lakers went 1-4, their only win coming against the top seeded Spurs.  Still, the Lakers will sweep here.

East:

Chicago Bulls (1) vs. Indiana Pacers (8) The Bulls are led by the Great Drive, Derrick Rose.  In marvelous fashion the Bulls won today, 104-99, after trailing the whole game.  Derrick Rose proved that his Bulls are the best, although their inexperience may give way to one game in this series..  Bulls in five.

Orlando Magic (4) vs. Atlanta Hawks (5) Late in the season Dwight Howard and Quentin Richardson both were given suspensions, a shame as the Magic have what it takes to go deep.  A monster in the post, Superman, a stellar leading guard, Jameer Nelson, and the shooting (Gilbert Arenas, JJ Redick, Ryan Anderson).  Albeit, the Hawks are a tough customer,  the Magic will be fine if they stay suspension-free.  Magic in seven.

Boston Celtics (3) vs. New York Knicks (6) If the Knicks actually decide to show up on the defensive end, this could be the greatest first round series of all time.  The Celtics big three haven’t seem as hungry as of late, but in a playoff atmosphere, you better believe the green jersey’s have an appetite.  Interesting to see how the Knicks fare in their first real test as a new group. Celtics in five.

Miami Heat (2) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (7) Outside of the state of Florida, just about every casual fan has hated on the Heat since the arrival of Lebron James and Chris Bosh.  Writers acclaimed the Heat to have the best season of all time, which they did not.  I believe the Heat are starting to mesh together well, and that they can win playoff games.  Heat sweep.

Tomorrow I hope to post my second round predictions.