DTTWSB NBA Conference Semifinal Predictions

Now that the first round of the NBA playoffs are in the books, it's time for the big boys to step up and assert themselves in the conference semifinals. I went five for eight with picks last round. I have to give it up to the Memphis Grizzlies for dominating the Spurs; they had high energy in each game, and showed they were the better team. The conference semifinals are about to start in 15 minutes so I'm going to hurry up and make my picks.

Eastern Conference

1. Chicago Bulls vs. 5. Atlanta Hawks: Bulls in 6

This is a very intriguing series to me. The young Bulls team finally has a series underneath their belt, but it was a lot closer than most people thought it would be. Personally I like the Bulls to win this series but the Hawks matchup well with them. Atlanta has the athletes to somewhat contain Bulls point guard Derrick Rose, but I'm not sure if the Hawks will be able to generate enough points to win this series or even push it to seven games.

2. Miami Heat vs. 3. Boston Celtics: Heat in 6

At the beginning of the season we knew these teams would face off in the playoffs. I thought it would be in the conference finals, but we got it earlier than expected. This is the classic matchup between old versus young. I have to go with the team that has the best player in the league and the homecourt advantage. Now that Heat small forward LeBron James has some help against the Celtics, I think he'll be able to get over the hump.


Western Conference

2. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 3. Dallas Mavericks: Lakers in 6

We have never seen Kobe and Dirk face off in a series until now. This should be a good one for sure. I'm not too sure that Dallas has the mental toughness to contend with a team like the Lakers. I believe the Lakers have finally waken up from their nap and are ready to turn it on. If they play the way I know they can they shouldn't have trouble beating the Mavericks. Dallas will make it interesting, but at no point in the series will they scare the Lakers.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 8. Memphis Grizzlies: Thunder in 5

First and foremost I would like to congratulate the Grizzlies for winning their first series in franchise history. That was a big accomplishment, but I think the Cindarella story stops once they have to face this dangerous Thunder team. Oklahoma City is a great team on the rise and showed that they are ready to take the next step as a contender for a championship. Last round the Grizzlies had an athletic advantage against an older team, but that will not happen this round. Give me the Thunder in 5.