Round 1 Predictions

[Mazzocchi]

Western Conference
(1) Phoenix Suns
vs
(8) Memphis Grizzlies

(2) San Antonio Spurs
vs
(7) Denver Nuggets

(3) Seattle Supersonics
vs
(6) Sacramento Kings

(4) Dallas Mavericks
vs
(5) Houston Rockets

Eastern Conference
(1) Miami Heat
vs
(8) New Jersey Nets

(2) Detroit Pistons
vs
(7) Philadelphia 76ers

(3) Boston Celtics
vs
(6) Indiana Pacers

(4) Chicago Bulls
vs
(5) Washington Wizards

Lets Go Mavs

EDIT: Incase You Want It...

Code: Select all

[b]Western Conference[/b]
(1) [color=purple]Phoenix[/color] [color=orange]Suns[/color]
vs
(8) [color=lightblue]Memphis[/color] [color=teal]Grizzlies[/color]

(2) [color=black]San Antonio[/color] [color=silver]Spurs[/color]
vs
(7) [color=gold]Denver[/color] [color=lightblue]Nuggets[/color]

(3) [color=gold]Seattle[/color] [color=darkgreen]Supersonics[/color]
vs
(6) [color=silver]Sacramento[/color] [color=purple]Kings[/color]

(4) [color=grey]Dallas[/color] [color=darkblue]Mavericks[/color]
vs
(5) [color=grey]Houston[/color] [color=red]Rockets[/color]

[b]Eastern Conference[/b]
(1) [color=black]Miami[/color] [color=red]Heat[/color]
vs
(8) [color=dakrblue]New Jersey[/color] [color=grey]Nets[/color]

(2) [color=darkred]Detroit[/color] [color=darkblue]Pistons[/color]
vs
(7) [color=black]Philadelphia[/color] [color=gold]76ers[/color]

(3) [color=darkgreen]Boston[/color] [color=green]Celtics[/color]
vs
(6) [color=darkblue]Indiana[/color] [color=darkyellow]Pacers[/color]

(4) [color=darkred]Chicago[/color] [color=black]Bulls[/color]
vs
(5) [color=darkblue]Washington[/color] [color=gold]Wizards[/color]

Lets Go Mavs :wink:

[AlwaysWhat,NeverWhy]

Every higher seeded team advances except the Sonics, who will lose to the Kings.

[Andrew]

Beat me to it, so I'll sticky this one. I'll also post my predictions once the brackets are finalised.

[The GOAT]

Western Conference
(1) Phoenix Suns
vs
(8) Memphis Grizzlies

(2) San Antonio Spurs
vs
(7) Denver Nuggets

(3) Seattle Supersonics
vs
(6) Sacramento Kings

(4) Dallas Mavericks
vs
(5) Houston Rockets

Eastern Conference
(1) Miami Heat
vs
(8) T.B.D

(2) Detroit Pistons
vs
(7) Philadelphia 76ers

(3) Boston Celtics
vs
(6) Indiana Pacers

(4) Chicago Bulls
vs
(5) Washington Wizards

I don't care who teh number 8 in teh East is, they're gonna get crushed. With my luck though, whoever it is will win just because I predicted teh opposite.

[Doobie]

Western Conference
(1) Phoenix Suns
vs
(8) Memphis Grizzlies

(2) San Antonio Spurs
vs
(7) Denver Nuggets

(3) Seattle Supersonics
vs
(6) Sacramento Kings

(4) Dallas Mavericks
vs
(5) Houston Rockets

Eastern Conference
(1) Miami Heat
vs
(8) T.B.D

(2) Detroit Pistons
vs
(7) Philadelphia 76ers

(3) Boston Celtics
vs
(6) Indiana Pacers
(4) Chicago Bulls
vs
(5) Washington Wizards

[-BHZMAFIA-]

Well since the brackets are set, let's start some predictions and I guess this can be the thread to talk about all the playoff games in as well.

EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Miami vs. (8) New Jersey
Heat win series 4-3

The Nets have a good chance of winning, but because of the Heat having Shaq, it will be just about impossible for them to get an upset in the first round.

(2) Detroit vs. (7) Sixers
Pistons win series 4-1

There is no question that the Pistons will win this matchup. The Sixers just don't have that swagger to compete with Detroit and the Pistons defense is good and the Sixers offense is so weak where they don't have that many scorers other than Iverson. Webber hasn't been the same since going to the Sixers and Iggy can put up some solid numbers, but not enough to change the series.

(3) Boston vs. (6) Indiana
Pacers win series 4-3

This will probably be the best matchup in the East along with the Bulls/Washington matchup. The Celtics will look just like the old Celtics in the playoffs in the 2003 playoffs and this matchup just seems classical. This will be Reggie's last year in the playoffs, so I can't wait to see what type of show he puts on.

(4) Chicago vs. (5) Washington
Bulls win series 4-3

At first I didn't think the Bulls had no chance at winning in the first round with Curry and Deng out, but after thinking about it a little bit, the Wizards aren't THAT good. Yes, they have 3 real good players in Arenas, Hughes and Jamison, but when you look at the rest of their team, they aren't the best supporting group you will find in the league. The young Bulls team have a solid bench, not the best, but solid and with the Wizards having no real big man in the paint, it shouldn't be that hard for Chandler to grab 9-10 rebounds a game along with a couple of blocks.

WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Phoenix vs. (8) Memphis
Grizzlies win series 4-2

Yes, this is a homer move, but I really think the Grizzlies can win this series in six games. The fact that the Suns don't have alot of playoff experience on the team other than Nash, the Grizzlies have the athletes and depth to match up with the Suns. I think Memphis can steal a few games on the road and win two home games against the Suns. I'm hoping that the fatigue factor will come into play for the Suns as well.
(2) San Antonio vs. (7) Denver
Spurs win series 4-3

As hot as the Nuggets have been, I just have a feeling that the Nuggets can win this series, but the Spurs are the Spurs and I just can't see them losing in the first round just like the Heat.

(3) Seattle vs. (6) Sacramento
Sonics win series 4-2

The Kings just will not be able to matchup with the Sonics high-powered offense. The Kings have a great offense as well, but Seattle has been doing it all season long and Seattle hasn't really missed a beat at all this season. The Kings do have the most playoff experience overall, but the Sonics are just too good for Sacramento.

(4) Houston vs. (5) Dallas
Mavericks win series 4-3

These two teams had a very good season series and I think Dallas will just be too deep of a team that the Rockets won't be able to contain them with everyone healthy. Game 7 of this matchup will be very intense and I'll say that the Mavs will win it by 3-4 points.

[Indy]

Western Conference

1.) Phoenix Suns vs.
8.) Memphis Grizzlies
Phoenix Wins 4-1.

Phoenix is far too powerful for Memphis and they will win this one. I say Memphis will fall 3-0 in this series but then win one more home game before their season comes to an end.

2.) San Antonio Spurs vs.
7.) Denver Nuggets
Spurs win 4-2

Its the hottest team in the NBA vs. the most expirienced and best defensive team. Defense wins championships, nuff said.

3.) Seattle Supersonics vs.
6.) Sacramento Kings
Kings win 4-3

Ray Allen doesn't seem excited for the playoffs, and the type of basketball that the Sonics play doesnt win series in the playoffs. After this year its bye-bye to Ray, and the Sonics will fall out of the playoffs again. This year they lose to a gritty Kings team.

4.) Dallas Mavericks vs.
5.) Houston Rockets
Mavs win 4-3

Another 7 game series in the West, but Dallas was my pick to come out of the West from the beginning and I'm going to stick with that. If the Rockets had the 6 seed they would be in better shape, but Dallas is hot, and won't lose in the first round.

Eastern Conference

1.) Miami Heat vs.
8.) New Jersey Nets
Heat win 4-1

Whos going to guard a playoff Shaq? The Nets have no big bodies and they wont be able to compete with the firey Miami Heat. Congratulations getting here New Jersey, but you'll be lucky to win a game.

2.) Detroit Pistons vs.
7.) Philadelphia 76ers
Pistons win 4-2

As much as I would LOVE to see the 6ers win this one, its not gonna happen. The Pistons are unfortunatley a team built for the playoffs, and they are not going to be beat by this team.

3.) Boston Celtics vs.
6.) Indiana Pacers
Pacers win 4-2

This is the third straight 1st round match-up between these two teams, and i couldn't be happier. Jermaine is getting his rythm back, he played fantastic vs. the bulls tonight and Reggie will no way lose in the first round. The Celtics look no different from the team from last year, I am not impressed. We should win this one. KNOCK ON WOOD

4.) Chicago Bulls vs.
5.) Washington Wizards
Bulls win 4-3

Im excited to watch this series because there is no stress on my part about it. I think the Bulls will have a tough time without Eddie and Luol, but Washington is struggling right now. The Bulls will not win game 1 because they won't be ready for the playoff intensity, but look for them to come out very strong in games 2,3,4 and 5. Then games 6 and 7 will be dog fights. Should be fun.

[Andrew]

The playoffs are set so it's time for me to jinx teams...I mean, make predictions...

EAST

Miami Heat (1st) vs New Jersey Nets (8th)

New Jersey are hot right now, Shaq's health has been questioned. But I think sitting out these last two games will benefit the Diesel and the Heat have been the best team in the Eastern conference standings for most of the season. The Nets will run out of steam but they won't go quietly.

Miami wins 4-1

Chicago Bulls (4th) vs Washington Wizards (5th)

The first round matchup I've got the most interest in (surprise, surprise), the Bulls are shorthanded and the Wizards won 2 of 3 in the regular season. But Chicago's got a fine home record and they have found ways of winning without Curry and Deng in the past few weeks. I think the homecourt advantage will help them prevail, but Washington isn't going to just roll over.

Chicago wins 4-3

Detroit Pistons (2nd) vs Philadelphia 76ers (7th)

Detroit's favoured to win and it's difficult to pick against them. But anyone who thinks Philly is going to slink off into the night is underestimating AI and co...or maybe they know something I don't. Regardless, my gut says that Philly will take at least one from the defending champs, so I say...

Detroit wins 4-1

Boston Celtics (3rd) vs Indiana Pacers (6th)

I'm really not sure about this one, but Indiana in my view is the better team who have been forced to come from behind. On the other hand Boston is much better since getting Antoine Walker back at the trade deadline. I'm picking Indiana to win it, but in seven games.

Indiana wins 4-3

WEST

Phoenix Suns (1st) vs Memphis Grizzlies (8th)

It's been mentioned a couple of times that Memphis plays extremely well against the Suns. Phoenix has been hot all year but they haven't won a playoff series as a unit yet. The Grizz should take one or two when the series shifts to the home of the King, but the Suns aren't going to set just yet. Sorry for the pun.

Phoenix wins 4-2

Dallas Mavericks (4th) vs Houston Rockets (5th)

Another tough one to predict. T-Mac had some impressive outings against the Mavericks this year but Dirk Nowitzki's been having a season that should garner at least a few MVP votes. I feel pretty safe in saying this one will go the distance, but picking the winner is basically a toss up. At this point, I'll have to go with the Mavericks who are playoff-tested and have won more than one series in the last few years.

Dallas wins 4-3

San Antonio Spurs (2nd) vs Denver Nuggets (7th)

The series with the most potential to be an upset, in the eyes of some. As good as Denver's been since the All-Star break, I just can't see the Spurs falling so soon especially with Tim Duncan back in the lineup. The playoffs are different ballgame and the Spurs have a lot more experience in games where the stakes are high. Denver won't be swept, but they won't pull off the upset.

San Antonio wins 4-1, 4-2 tops

Seattle Supersonics (3rd) vs Sacramento Kings (6th)

It'd be a different story if Webber was still in town, and Miller and Jackson were healthy, but I don't think these Kings will pull off the upset. Seattle doesn't look quite as good as they were earlier in the year but they still won 52 games. I say this one lasts six games, with Seattle advancing to round two.

Seattle wins 4-2

[fgrep15]

Eastern Conference


#1 Miami vs #8 New Jersey

New Jersey is the best 8th seed team that could be put forth, but even with Richardson, they just won't be able to matchup with Miami. Miami wins this one 4-2




#4 Chicago vs #5 Washington

Chicago might have the higher seeding, but Washington is just as good. Chicago is 2 men down with Deng and Curry out, and they're feeling what Washington has experienced all season long, the pain of the injury. This series posesses some great backcourt matchups with Arenas and Hughes vs Hinrich, Gordon and Duhon, and should be interesting. The Wizards should have Haywood back, and with that, they should also have the advantage inside which should be the X-Factor in the serioes. Wizards win 4-2





#2 Detroit vs #7 Philadelphia

This to me should be a sweep or close to one by Detroit. Iverson is great, and he will have some great performances, but the Sixers just don't have the overall depth and talent to matchup against Detroit. Detroit wins 4-1






#3 Boston vs #6 Indiana

Boston might have the higher seed, but in this matchup, that might not mean much. This will be one of the better matchups in the East, and will definately go down to the wire. Indiana is still a man down with Artest out, and have suffered many injuries, but with JO back, they can battle with many teams in the league. Indiana will come out firing, and I feel they'll take this one 4-3



Western Conference

Didn't make any pictures for the Western matchups....

#1 Phoenix vs #8 Memphis

Memphis has had Phoenix's number all year, and have really been able to get the defensive pressure on them. They can matchup with Phoenix in athleticism, and are a much deeper team, but can they slow down Phoenix in the postseason? I think Memphis will put up as good a fight as an 8th seed can, but will fall short, losing to the Suns 4-2.


#4 Dallas vs #5 Houston

This matchup like most 4-5 matchups, posses a possible upset. Dallas though has been even better defensively under the guidance of Avery Johnson, and they're really handled Yao this season. Dallas wins this one 4-3. Houston will give a very good battle, an it could really go either way.


#2 San Antonio vs #7 Denver

This could actually be a very close one, Denver is just on fire, and no team in the league really wants to play them right now. San Antonio has suffered some injury problems, but with Duncan back, they should be right on form again. Denver will pose a tough matchup, but in the end the Spurs win 4-2


#3 Seattle vs #6 Sacremento

Seattle has had the injury bug hit hard, but Sacramento is in no better a situation. Seattle should be fine by the time playoffs start, and they should continue their outside shooting ways into the second round where things will get interesting. Sonics should win this on 4-2

In other notes, Bobby Jackson returned for the Kings in today's game, he could do something for them in the post-season.

[Fresh8]

EAST

Miami Heat (1st) vs New Jersey Nets (8th)

Richard Jefferson will not make any difference. And there is noone in the Net's frontcourt who can stop Shaquille O'neal. It is that simple! Sure, the Nets will give the Heat a more forbidable foe than the Cavs ever would have but VC and JKidd won't be able to stop the Big Aristotle who has his sights set on Ring number Four!

Miami wins 4-2

Chicago Bulls (4th) vs Washington Wizards (5th)

The Bulls don't have their number 1 scorer but they have the NBA's best fourth quarter scorer in Ben Gordon. The Wizards have the most scoring trio i nthe league. This will be a high scoring series... wait! Take a look at this. The Bulls lead the NBA in opponent's FG% which is at 42%. This is an important statistic becuase it may seem that the Bulls are missing their most reliable inside presence, they have a good enough defence to hold the Wizards trio of Larry, Gilly and Tawn at bay! Good luck Bulls!

Chicago wins 4-2

Detroit Pistons (2nd) vs Philadelphia 76ers (7th)

The Detroit Pistons are in playoff mode right now! The defending champions are ready to defend their crown and I doubtr the Sixers will pose much of a threat. Unless C-Webb can start playing real hard down low, the two AI's won't be able to beat Detoit's Wallace's... I'm tipping a S-W-E-E-P!

Detroit sweeps 4-0

Boston Celtics (3rd) vs Indiana Pacers (6th)

This is a hard matchup to decide. The Pacers want to give Reg the best farewell they can (ie. Reachign and/or winning a ring) and they have been through a lot this season. It would be the fairytale I want in this playoffs! The Celtics o nthe other hand have a quite exciting team going back to the playoffs with folks such as P-Dub, Toine, Tricky Ricky, Glove, Al Jefferson and Co. They have improved a bit after the Walker trade. The Pacers will need to dig in deep and play hard every single minute and maybe we will even see some Miller Time! I'm also going for Pacers in 7!

Indiana wins 4-3

WEST

Phoenix Suns (1st) vs Memphis Grizzlies (8th)

The Suns are the hottest team in the NBA. This has been a very highly successful season for the team. If the Wolves were i nthe Grizz's place, I would have tipped an upset. With Memphis here, I really think it isn't likely! The Suns are entering their first playoffs with this squad so I don't know how much they can raise their games. Have they gone all out this season? Or is there more? That's why I'm not giving them a sweep yet!

Phoenix wins 4-1

Dallas Mavericks (4th) vs Houston Rockets (5th)

Yao Ming! You need to step up! What has made several players great is the ability to step up when it counts most. Yao will need to do it this game! All season long, it's been T-mac and the vets at work. If Yao can put up 25 and 10, the Rockets will beat the mavs easily... obviously I don't have that much faith in Yao's ability to get those type of numbers every game. However, T-mac and the role plays should be able to give Houston a win in this series!

Houston wins 4-2

San Antonio Spurs (2nd) vs Denver Nuggets (7th)

The playoffs are a different thing altogether. The Spurs are the favourites for the championship right now for me. The Spurs always go up two or three gears when it comes to the playoffs and the team has all of the right players who have had a lot of experience and the youth that keeps the team running. Owner of two rings in the last 6 seasons, the Spurs look liekm the best team in the NBA. For the Nuggets who have had a miracle run this is what they need to win: Duncan's injury limiting him to game time and they have enough fuel to keep up with the Spurs...

San Antonio sweeps 4-0

Seattle Supersonics (3rd) vs Sacramento Kings (6th)

The Kings aren't healthy enough to win this one. The Sonics' Ray Allen will make sure the Kings are taken care of. Not much to say from me because I don't really follow these two teams as much but the Kings will be making their early exit this year and hope for a good Summer!

Seattle wins 4-1

[paradizecityz]

Western Conference
(1) Phoenix Suns
vs
(8) Memphis Grizzlies

(2) San Antonio Spurs
vs
(7) Denver Nuggets

(3) Seattle Supersonics
vs
(6) Sacramento Kings

(4) Dallas Mavericks
vs
(5) Houston Rockets

Eastern Conference
(1) Miami Heat
vs
(8) New Jersey Nets

(2) Detroit Pistons
vs
(7) Philadelphia 76ers

(3) Boston Celtics
vs
(6) Indiana Pacers

(4) Chicago Bulls
vs
(5) Washington Wizards

[cyanide]

Western Conference
(1) Phoenix Suns vs (8) Memphis Grizzlies
Suns win series 4-1

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs (7) Denver Nuggets
Spurs win series 4-2

(3) Seattle Supersonics vs (6) Sacramento Kings
Sonics win series 4-3

(4) Dallas Mavericks vs (5) Houston Rockets
Mavs win series 4-3

Eastern Conference
(1) Miami Heat vs (8) New Jersey Nets
Heat wins series 4-1

(2) Detroit Pistons vs (7) Philadelphia 76ers
Pistons win series 4-0

(3) Boston Celtics vs (6) Indiana Pacers
Pacers win series 4-2

(4) Chicago Bulls vs (5) Washington Wizards
Bulls win series 4-2

[tsbarbee2002]

Western Conference
(1) Phoenix Suns vs (8) Memphis Grizzlies
Suns win series 4-2

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs (7) Denver Nuggets
Spurs win series 4-3

(3) Seattle Supersonics vs (6) Sacramento Kings
Sacramento wins series 4-2

(4) Dallas Mavericks vs (5) Houston Rockets
Houston win series 4-3

Eastern Conference
(1) Miami Heat vs (8) New Jersey Nets
Heat wins series 4-2 Gotta give NJ 2, JKidd's on their roster

(2) Detroit Pistons vs (7) Philadelphia 76ers
Pistons win series 4-2

(3) Boston Celtics vs (6) Indiana Pacers
Celtics win series 4-3 Yall might laugh at this pick but just answer me this: Who's going to stop Pierce.....

(4) Chicago Bulls vs (5) Washington Wizards
Wizards win series 4-1 Deng and Curry out=Wiz win (Gilbert puts up 30 PPG)

[.PixL]

Western Conference

(1) Phoenix Suns vs (8) Memphis Grizzlies
Suns win series 4-1

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs (7) Denver Nuggets
Spurs win series 4-2

(3) Seattle Supersonics vs (6) Sacramento Kings
Sacramento wins series 4-1

(4) Dallas Mavericks vs (5) Houston Rockets
Houston win series 4-2

Eastern Conference
(1) Miami Heat vs (8) New Jersey Nets
Heat wins series 4-0 I'm interested in seeing how Krstic will handle Shaqasaurus

(2) Detroit Pistons vs (7) Philadelphia 76ers
Pistons win series 4-1

(3) Boston Celtics vs (6) Indiana Pacers
Indiana win series 4-3 I'm hoping that Reggie would get to the finals, so this is pretty biased

(4) Chicago Bulls vs (5) Washington Wizards
Wizards win series 4-2

It's harder to predict the teams in the western conference, because all the teams are equally as good. Eastern conf. teams are much more spread out in terms of talent and skill. =\

[fgrep15]

^
Really? I think the East is just as hard to predict when you get to teams like Washington vs Bulls, and Indiana vs Boston. In the West I don't think anyone is taking Memphis over Phoenix, or Denver over Sacramento, so it's really about the same.

The 3 vs 6 and 4 v 5 are always the hardest to predict.

[cklitsie]

West:
Phoenix>Memphis - only playoff series the Suns will win this year
Denver>Sand Antonio - I'm predicting an upset
Sacramento>Seattle - I predict this matchup to be very physical
Dallas>Houston - Yao is the key in this series IMO and he will fail

East:
Miami>New Jersey - close series w/o Shaq, too easy with him
Detroit>Philadelphia - depending on Webber, the 76ers can win 1 or 2 games
Indiana>Boston - got to have an upset in the East too
Washington>Chicago - Just a wild guess, I have absolutely no idea how this will turn out

...and just to see what's coming up according to my predictions:
2nd Round Matchups:
West:
Phoenix-Dallas
Denver-Sacramento

East:
Miami-Washington
Detroit-Indiana ( )

[Joycean Summons]

Western Conference
(1) Phoenix Suns
vs
(8) Memphis Grizzlies

Phoenix

(2) San Antonio Spurs
vs
(7) Denver Nuggets

San Antonio

(3) Seattle Supersonics
vs
(6) Sacramento Kings

Seattle

(4) Dallas Mavericks
vs
(5) Houston Rockets

Houston

Eastern Conference
(1) Miami Heat
vs
(8) New Jersey Nets

Miami

(2) Detroit Pistons
vs
(7) Philadelphia 76ers

Detroit

(3) Boston Celtics
vs
(6) Indiana Pacers

Indiana

(4) Chicago Bulls
vs
(5) Washington Wizards


Chicago

[cyanide]

fgrep15: your predictions are very similar to mine, except for Chicago vs Washington. If you weren't a Wizards fan, you'd agree with me

[fgrep15]

lol I gotta support the boys from Washington

[DipSetVC]

lol I gotta support the boys from Washington

The Bulls will rout them in 6 games... I could just picture MJ in this series:

"Go Kwame, you're a star, uh, go Bulls!"

The NBA Playoffs are probably the most predictable of any major sports league and the fact that they expanded the first round to seven games eliminates more potential upsets.

[dan_suth]

Western Conference

(1) Phoenix Suns vs (8) Memphis Grizzlies
Phoenix 4-2 - The Suns are just far too powerful for the Grizzlies to handle... I believe the 5 starters on Phoenix can play all 48 minutes and still defeat the Grizzlies if they use their entire bench throughout the game.

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs (7) Denver Nuggets
San Antonio 4-2 - The Spurs, like everyone has said, are built for the playoffs. Their defense will win them this series.

(3) Seattle Supersonics vs (6) Sacramento Kings
Seattle 4-3 - I see this one going either way, but IMO Seattle has just a little more firepower on offense, so I give them the edge.

(4) Dallas Mavericks vs (5) Houston Rockets
Houston 4-2 - The Rockets and Mavs have both closed their seasons pretty strongly, but I think my pick here is just personal preference. I want to see the ex-Pistons from the Rockets face off with Detroit in the Finals

Eastern Conference

(1) Miami Heat vs (8) New Jersey Nets
New Jersey 4-3 - I think New Jersey has a great opportunity to pull off an upset here. I can see Shaq averaging 35ppg in this series, as NJ has no answer for him... but if they throw enough bodies at him and hack at him every time he goes down low, his 25% FT% might come in to play. Vince Carter and Jason Kidd are big enough superstars to lead their team to a couple victories, possibly even a series win.

(2) Detroit Pistons vs (7) Philadelphia 76ers
Detroit 4-1 - The season series went 3-1 in Detroit's favor I believe, and many people see this series as the most lopsided one in the first round. Detroit can easily shut down Webber, making Iverson the only real threat. Hell, stick Tayshaun on Iverson and he'll hold him to 15ppg!

(3) Boston Celtics vs (6) Indiana Pacers
Boston 4-2 - The Pacers have had trouble with Walker in recent times, and since Artest is out, I don't see them shutting down Pierce very easily. I can see those two Celtics pulling their entire team through to the next round.

(4) Chicago Bulls vs (5) Washington Wizards
Chicago 4-3 - This one could go either way. I really like the Bulls, especially with Ben Gordon showing up so many times this year in the 4th quarter. I think he might be their saviour again in this series. This should be the most exciting matchup in the first round.

Indiana>Boston - got to have an upset in the East too

Actually, I think Indiana is the favorite here, as most people are picking them to win.

[fgrep15]

Yea the 7 games didn't give much room for upsets anymore, but ah well...

I don't know man, Kwame doesn't have homecourt advantage since the fans in Washington boo him, so maybe he could do good on the road and help them take a game on the Bulls homecourt

Also the Bulls don't have any more real inside scoring with Curry out, so that could be a big factor, unless Chandler becomes KG for the series.

[Dogg]

Western Conference
(1) Phoenix Suns
vs
(8) Memphis Grizzlies

Phoenix

(2) San Antonio Spurs
vs
(7) Denver Nuggets

Denver

(3) Seattle Supersonics
vs
(6) Sacramento Kings

Seattle

(4) Dallas Mavericks
vs
(5) Houston Rockets

Houston

Eastern Conference
(1) Miami Heat
vs
(8) New Jersey Nets

Miami

(2) Detroit Pistons
vs
(7) Philadelphia 76ers

Detroit

(3) Boston Celtics
vs
(6) Indiana Pacers

Indiana

(4) Chicago Bulls
vs
(5) Washington Wizards

Chicago

[Colin]

Western Conference
(1) Phoenix Suns
vs
(8) Memphis Grizzlies

Phoenix is taking it. C'mon. Memphis might win 2 games.

(2) San Antonio Spurs
vs
(7) Denver Nuggets
I predict a seven-game series win for San Antonio, it's rough that Karl didn't get started with the team until a little later in the year.

(3) Seattle Supersonics
vs
(6) Sacramento Kings
Seattle, partly because I hate Sacremento, partly because I think they are the better team. 6 game series.

(4) Dallas Mavericks
vs
(5) Houston Rockets
Houston wins it in 6. T-Mac baby.


Eastern Conference
(1) Miami Heat
vs
(8) New Jersey Nets
Miami Heat in 5. Vince Carter will score 40 in their only win.

(2) Detroit Pistons
vs
(7) Philadelphia 76ers
Detroit in 6. AI will always put up a fight.

(3) Boston Celtics
vs
(6) Indiana Pacers
Boston in 7. Although I want Reggie to take it.

(4) Chicago Bulls
vs
(5) Washington Wizards

Washington in 7. I think their a more consistent team when healthy. I don't know that status of their injuries though, so... All I know is Curry is out.

[kevC]