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.
