From game 1 to game 1230, the NBA season has had its ups and downs. Now that the contenders and pretenders have been separated, it's time to start the next chapter of the 08/09 NBA season, the Playoffs. 16 teams are now going to battle it out all with the same goal of leaving with the NBA championship. The first round of the Playoffs this year has many great matchups that are sure to please NBA enthusiasts alike.
Eastern Conference
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Detroit Pistons
This series looks a bit one sided. Detroit has fallen off of their once prominent thrown atop the Eastern Conference ever since the loss of All Star Chauncey Billups. Cleveland is too much of a dominant team for Detroit to give them much trouble.
Outcome: (4-1) Cavs in 5
(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Chicago Bulls
This series might be a bit more interesting as Boston could be going into this series one man down. Staring All Star PF Kevin Garnett could miss most if not all of the Celtics Playoff action with an injury that hit him during a game on Feb 19th. After the mid season trade that sent Brad Miller and John Salmons to Chicago, the team has been playing at a different level and knocking off the former champions in the first round is nothing new to the Bulls. Back in 2007, the Bulls knocked off the Miami Heat after they had been Champions the previous year. Chicago will look to rekindle that playoff magic but in the end, Boston seems to legitimate of a team that can be easily pushed aside.
Outcome: (4-2) Celtics in 6
(3) Orlando Magic vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers
Orlando came into this season dominant as ever at times holding the best record in the Eastern Conference. But as of late, their intensity hasn't been there for them. This might be due to an injury to their PG Jameer Nelson but they filled that void with the acquisition of Rafer Alston. This series doesn't look to good for the 76ers as they need to play an up-tempo style of basketball in order for them to have a chance to win. In the playoffs, the games are usually slow and draught out so if Philly wants to try and snatch this series from the Magic, they push the tempo while still playing poised and composed.
Outcome: (4-2) Magic in 6
(4) Atlanta Hawks vs. (5) Miami Heat
This looks like it might be the most competitive matchup in the Eastern Conference. Both teams have been on a roll coming into this series and it could go either way. The only advantage in this series is that the Hawks have a much deeper and stronger lineup. This could come in handy in a long playoff run for the Hawks. But the X-Factor in this series is Heat C Jermaine O`Neal. After being acquired from the Raptors for Shawn Marion, Jermaine has proven to be a good sidekick to Wade. If he can stay healthy, Miami might have a shot at winning this series.Outcome: (4-3) Hawks in 7
Western Conference
(1) L.A. Lakers vs. (8) Utah Jazz
The Western conference has once again shown that you can't merely judge a team by it finishes. Utah will be a formidable opponent for Kobe and the Lakers but with Andrew Bynum back, the Lakers look poised to make a run to the Finals.
Outcome (4-2) Lakers in 6
(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (7) New Orleans Hornets
Ever since the early trade that sent Chauncey Billups to Denver, the Nuggets have been a different team. New Orleans on the other hand, have fallen and are sitting 7th in the West. Though their records are not too far apart, their demeanor on the court are far apart.Outcome: (4-3) Nuggets in 7
(3) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Dallas Mavericks
San Antonio had many injury problems at the beginning of the season but have pulled together ever since and they are ready to make yer another run far into the playoffs. Dallas on the other hand don't look ready to compete in a playoff series. San Antonio has the veteran presence along with young studs that should be able to get the job done against the Mavericks.
Outcome: (4-1) Spurs in 5
(4) Portland Trailblazers vs. (5) Houston Rockets
Once again, Tracy McGrady will not get the chance to make it out the first round of the playoffs. If McGrady was healthy and in the lineup for the Rockets, it would have been a bit more easier to pick them to win this series but without him, Portland looks to land a victory over them in the first round. Portland is a young team that is lead by a superstar to be in Brandon Roy. Along with Aldridge and rookie Gregg Oden they look like they can contend in the first round but their inexperience will hurt going forward.
Outcome: (4-3) Portland in 7
