*Note: I go by the current standings in the NBA right now
Eastern Conference First Round
(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (8) Indiana Pacers: Derrick Rose really wants revenge against the Indiana Pacers after they beat them in the final game between them. There is no question that the Bulls will win this game, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Pacers were to put up a fight. I expect Rose and Danny Granger to keep trading shots back and forth as they will be the top players for their teams, respectively.
Final verdict: Bulls in five.
(2) Miami Heat vs. (7) New York Knicks: The Miami Heat just can't lose this game. I expect them to sign Eddy Curry, which can really slap a face in the Knicks. Match-up of the game? No question it will be LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudemire looks like an interesting one, too. Overall, this is going to be a good one, but I don't think the Knicks can stop the Heat's attack.
Final verdict: Heat in six.
(3) Boston Celtics vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers: The Phialdelphia 76ers may have been playing strong since their slump earlier in the season, but I don't think Andre Iguodala can lead this team to a victory over Boston. Iguodala is going to have his hands full guarding up the likes of Paul Pierce, Jeff Green, Ray Allen, and others. Boston is too experienced to lose this one.
Final verdict: Celtics in four.
(4) Orlando Magic vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks: I am going to go pretty far in this one, but I actually think the Atlanta Hawks can pull this one out. They have been playing great as of late, and I wouldn't be surprised if Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Al Horford, and that talented squad can finally make some noise in the playoffs.
Final verdict: Hawks in seven.
Western Conference First Round
(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies: The San Antonio Spurs have been struggling and the Memphis Grizzlies have been improving. Both teams have been going down completely opposite roads this past week. But I see the Spurs turning it on in the playoffs. I see them easily slipping past this Grizzlies team, especially if they are most likely without Rudy Gay.
Final verdict: Spurs in five.
(2) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (7) New Orleans Hornets: There is no way that the New Orleans Hornets can stop this Lakers team. They have been on fire since the All-Star break and there is no team that can stop them. They are in killer mode. They aren't going to let New Orleans sting them with Phil Jackson's last season on the line.
Final verdict: Lakers in four.
(3) Dallas Mavericks vs. (6) Portland Trail Blazers: I wouldn't want to favor this Dallas Mavericks team at all, especially if they could be without Caron Butler. With Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, I see the Portland Trail Blazers pushing for the strong finish. This is going to be a great series.
Final verdict: Blazers in six.
(4) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (5) Denver Nuggets: Both teams have been playing strong and could easily be number one and number two in the West and East. This is going to be the series of this first round of the playoffs.
Final verdict: Thunder in seven.
Eastern Conference Second Round Semifinals
(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks: The Atlanta Hawks will put up a fight in this one, but I just don't see them stopping the likes of Derrick Rose. It's going to be a pretty good one, but with Rose in Chi-Town, you can't stop this beast.
Final verdict: Bulls in six.
(2) Miami Heat vs. (3) Boston Celtics: The Boston Celtics may have taken advantage of the Miami Heat in the regular season, but I see the Miami Heat turning it on in the playoffs against them, really really looking for revenge. LeBron James and the rest of the Big Three are going to really have fun. Definitely the series of this round.
Final verdict: Heat in seven.
Western Conference Second Round Semifinals
(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (4) Oklahoma City Thunder: This is going to be a very interesting series. Kendrick Perkins is going to have a pretty good series, going up against the likes of DeJuan Blair and Tim Duncan. Kevin Durant versus Manu Ginobili and Richard Jefferson looks to be interesting, too. But the match-up will be Russell Westbrook versus Tony Parker. The Spurs are too experienced to not lose this one.
Final verdict: Spurs in six.
(2) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Portland Trail Blazers: LaMarcus Aldridge versus Pau Gasol? That will be the most interesting match-up of this series. However, I really like Brandon Roy going head-up versus Kobe Bryant. But the Lakers are really pushing for Jackson's twelfth ring. It's gotta happen. Los Angeles can not be stopped.
Final verdict: Lakers in five
Eastern Conference Finals
(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (2) Miami Heat: You gotta love this series, I tell ya! This is going to be a really good one, in my opinion. The Chicago Bulls have had a good share of victories this year versus Miami, and I see them earning one more with Derrick Rose in charge.
Final verdict: Bulls in six.
Western Conference Finals
(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (2) Los Angeles Lakers: The San Antonio Spurs have shown they are the team of the decade. Los Angeles needs this. The Spurs have been struggling and the Lakers have been on fire. Kobe Bryant will rally the Lakers to victory while Andrew Bynum has a huge series.
Final verdict: Lakers in five.
THE NBA Finals
(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (2) Los Angeles Lakers: Ah, you finally made it to the big show: The NBA Finals! Kobe Bryant is going to have to guard Derrick Rose most probably here. I don't see Rose being able to take control against this Lakers team. I don't see Boozer and Noah putting up with Gasol. The momentum just has to go all to the Lakers.
Final verdict: Lakers in five.
