NBA Playoffs

There's no stopping Cleveland.

After seeing the Bulls take game one from the Celtics in Boston, the east is Cleveland's to lose. A couple games in, here are my predictions:

Cleavland in four over Detroit
-The Cavaliers will overwhelm the Pistons without Allen Iverson. He hasn't exactly made Detroit better, but he's a player who could be a factor against LeBron James. The Pistons are going to miss Chauncey in the playoffs, and will further rue that trade. Though Cleveland is still a good team without James, he makes his teammates look better than they really are. And that's exactly why LeBron is the difference each and every game in which he plays. That and he's the best player in the league.

Boston in seven over Chicago
-I was going to pick Boston in five until Chicago stormed The Garden and stole game one behind their rookie point guard. Boston looks a lot shakier than I anticipated, but they should survive round one, even without Garnett. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are a good enough one-two to win the series, but not without some help.

Orlando in five over Philadelphia
-Orlando had a tremendous regular season and are a fun team to watch, with truckloads of outside shooters and the league's best center. But their inexperience could hurt them in the playoffs. That being said, I just don't trust the 76ers.

Miami in seven over Atlanta
-This should be a spectacular series, and I'm picking the Heat in seven because I want the series to go the distance. Dwyane Wade will dominate the series - Miami wins maybe 15 games this season without him.


Los Angeles is the clear favorite in the west, though they're more susceptible to faltering en route to the finals than Cleveland. They'll go as far as Kobe Bryant can carry them - and he can certainly carry them a long way.

Los Angeles in five over Utah
-The Jazz won the season series against the Lakers, but Kobe will rise to the occasion and help them cruise into round two. Pau Gasol and a healthy Andrew Bynum give the Lakers help down low in the physical western conference paint. (Anyone remember what the Lakers gave up to acquire Gasol? Or did they just straight steal him from Memphis? I think I just answered the question.)

Denver in five over New Orleans
-Chris Paul doesn't have nearly enough help to get his team past round one. Carmelo Anthony will step his game up and finally win a playoff series, with Chauncey Billups giving the Nuggets what they've lacked in past playoff failures. A strong supporting cast could help Denver challenge Los Angeles for the west crown.

San Antonio in seven over Dallas
-I could have picked Dallas, but the Spurs are too good this time of year, especially at home. The Mavericks are hot heading to the postseason, but San Antonio's experience and defense will win them the series, even without Emanuel 'Dead Fish' Ginobili.

Portland in six over Houston
-The Trailblazers are an explosive, inexperienced team. They'll be too much for the Rockets, and the tenderfoots will survive to play another round.


I'd love to pick Denver, but the Lakers will beat them and go on to lose to Cleveland in seven. That stellar home mark will pay dividends for the Cavs; I'd take the Lakers to win game seven in LA. LeBron James will bring Cleveland the city's first championship since the Browns in the pre-Super Bowl era. Maybe then he'll be convinced to stay at home and not bolt for the Big Apple to play for the Knicks or the Nets.