NBA Playoff Atmosphere: what to expect in both conference series

What emotion and excitement the NBA's elite have displayed in the playoffs. The Suns, Spurs series got intense and somewhat gruesome when Steve Nash's got hit and his nose started bleeding. The Goldens State, Utah series had it's moments, although I found it short-lived and disappointing (maybe next year Warriors...remember you upset the Mavs, what other motivation to succeed can exist?)

The Bulls vs. Pistons matchup could have gone either way. In my view Chicago didn't have enough experienced veterans to lead the charge. Gordon and Hinrich's scoring wasn't near enough for their survival. With the Eastern and Western Conference championship series underway history is on the verge on being made. I believe with right amount of pressure and energy on offense the Cavs can pull out the stops and shock Detroit. Lebron James when in the zone is unstoppable! He's got the quickest step, best ball control, and versatility of any forward in the NBA.

I'm pulling for Cleveland to take the series in 7 games. The veterans, Larry Hughes, Eric Snow and Zydrunas Ilgauskas will have to step their game up a notch and deliver with big plays. The big man is averaging 14 ppg, slightly better than his season average. Hughes has fined-tuned a couple 20-plus point efforts, leading to Cavalier wins. He needs to just keep this up. The veteran point guard, Snow averages 4 steals for the season, but his defensive skills will be most handy in this upcoming series starting tonight. Lebron James will draw many double and triple teams from the Pistons and his court vision with his ability to find the open man will be his greatest strength.

In the West the young Utah Jazz took the competition by surprise. Now they have their hands full with Spurs. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker will be the key players in the series. If they don't produce or execute the team will have to rely more on the bench, consisting of guys like Michael Finley and Robert Horry. The Jazz can match their opponent's range of offensive firepower, but can hold them on the boards I think. With Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur in the middle that's possible. In the end I feel though San Antonio will prevail as the better team and win the series in 6 games. For one, Utah hasn't won at San Antonio since 1989 and the Spurs have too good of a defensive lineup. Good luck to all 4 Playoff Final hopefuls as the basketball action continues to heat up.