It's official the NBA playoff first round match-ups are in line. Last night as I had hoped for the Golden Warriors clinched the final seed in the West after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers with relative ease, 120-98. Baron Davis dropped a triple-double (12 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists) and was a pivotal player in the Warriors run for the postseason. This will mark the first time since 1997 that the franchise has entered the postseason. Way to go Golden State! Unfortunately, they will face the Mavs in the first round. Even though I know that don't have much of a chance I'm pulling for GS.
Also featured starting this weekend will be the Rockets vs. Jazz, which should be a very entertaining, close series. Yao will battle Okur as McGrady counters Kirilenko. I pick the Rockets to win in 7 games. They've got a stronger bench with Mutombo and Juan Howard. The other series in the West are the Lakers vs. Suns and Spurs vs. Nuggets. I realize the Suns have one of the best, running offenses in the league, but I going with the Lakers in 7 games. Kobe can pretty much control any game and enable Los Angeles to make big comebacks. Plus it doesn't hurt they have a lanky, talented veteran in Lamar Odom and a potentially dominating center in Andrew Bynum. We'll see if that's enough. As far as the Spurs-Nuggets the series is going to San Antonio in 5 or 6 games. They have too many weapons and are too good of a defensive team for the Nuggets to withstand.
In the East, I'm confident that the Cavs will knock out the Wizards again. Without Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler it's going to be next to impossible to survive. I think Cleveland will advance on in 5 games. The other match-ups are the Nets vs. Raptors, Heat vs. Bulls, and Magic vs. Pistons. Although, they're the underdogs I believe the Raptors will upset the Nets in 7 games. Toronto is the surprise team of the year and are way underrated. Their young, energetic lineup may wear out the older, tired Nets. Hey, I'm a Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson fan, but I don't think they know who they're up against and may tend to take games for granted.
The Magic and Pistons will be an interesting series because both teams to me are toss-ups. Yes, the Pistons are former NBA champs, but are known for slacking off and making bold promises they can't keep. I like Orlando because of their diverse talent, but I'm going with Detroit in 6 games. They play smart basketball and are filled with veteran, top-caliber players. The most anticipated series in the East, the Heat and Bulls also should be close. I expect a few nail-biters because either team can explode and play up-tempo, high energy basketball on any given night and do the unexpected. Looking over the lineups and benches I feel Miami will knock off their opponents in 6 games. Wade and Shaq will find a way to deliver in the clutch and lead their team to the second round in search of a second consecutive title.
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