1. Chicago @ Cleveland: The Bulls are absolutely no match for the Cavs and they know it. They have absolutely no length and other than Derrick Rose, they are miserable outside shooters. This is not the same team who took the Celtics to the brink last year either. It's evident they miss Ben Gordon and John Salmons. As long as the Cavs stay interested, it's hard to see them lose a single game in this series.
2. Charlotte @ Orlando: The Magic are clearly the better team, but the Bobcats will make them work hard for each and every victory. Originally I had Orlando winning in 6 and I think I'll stick with that prediction.
3. Milwaukee @ Atlanta: The Hawks are a dangerous team. They're athletic, tough and peaking in talent. At the end of this year, Joe Johnson is a free agent, so this might be their last shot at glory. I still like the Hawks to mow down the Bucks in a 4 game sweep.
4. Miami @ Boston: This is going to be a heckuva series. The resilient, battle tested Celtics pulled off a hard fought Game 1 win, but look for the Heat to bounce back in Game 2 with Garnett out. I still see this series going to Game 7 where anything is possible.
5. OKC @ LA Lakers: So much for the Lakers heading into the playoffs on a losing streak and it having any lingering effects. They looked like defending Champions and shut down the wide-eyed playoff first timer, Kevin Durant. I stick to my original prediction: Lakers in 5.
6. San Antonio @ Dallas: The Spurs shot nearly 50% from the field (which is high for them) and still lost by 6. Dirk Nowitzki was out of his mind last night and is as tough of a matchup as anyone in the West. The Mavs are my sleeper pick to go to the NBA Finals. This team is as hot and deep as anyone out there.
7. Portland @ Phoenix: This was the stunner of the weekend. No Brandon Roy, on the road and against a streaking Suns team, the Blazers still won?! This series will be interesting. Apparently Phoenix still thinks they can out-score every team while slacking on defense. That may work in the regular season, but not the playoffs. The Suns may still win this series, but I'm still not sold on their style of ball.
8. Utah @ Denver: 126-113 final, for a playoff game?! Melo for 42? Yikes. Look who's awoken a sleeping giant. The Nuggets are an exciting team. As an NBA fan, I'd love to see a Nuggets/Cavs Finals.
