Over at Ballhype there is an NBA Playoff Predictions jousting match of sorts going on. I’ve decided to throw my pole into the ring (I probably should be thrusting it, but nonetheless…) with the following hastily put together predictions for the first round of the NBA playoffs to help you with your online betting. As always, the floor is more than open to criticism of my choices, including who those final 16 teams indeed are.
Eastern Conference (winners underlined)
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers
v
(8) Charlotte Bobcats
(2) Boston Celtics
v
(7) Philadelphia 76ers
(3) Orlando Magic
v
(6) Detroit Pistons
(4) Atlanta Hawks
v
(5) Miami Heat
Series worthy of your attention: Atlanta Hawks vs Dwyane Wade. This will be a series to firmly cement Wade as a clutch performer and a constant entry into MVP discussions for the next 5-7 years. Joe Johnson is a phenomenal leader, but if this season is anything to go by, Wade can not be stopped.
Western Conference (winners underlined)
(1) Los Angeles Lakers
v
(8) Dallas Mavericks
(2) San Antonio Spurs
v
(7) Utah Jazz
(3) Denver Nuggets
v
(6) New Orleans Hornets
(4) Houston Rockets
v
(5) Portland Trail Blazers
Series worthy of your attention: Rockets v Blazers. The Blazers will make smoother work of this than many would envisage. Oh yes, it’s a controversial prediction, but the clutchness of Roy will be aided by a strong, injury-free playoff performance from Oden to silence the critics. It all will hinge on LaMarcus Aldridge — but in the end, another early Rockets exit from the playoffs.
