DTTWSB NBA 1st Round Predictions

It is time! The NBA playoffs are back! This year we have even more interesting match ups in the 1st round. I cannot wait for Saturday to get going with these games. Last year I did alright with my predictions, but there were a few surprises here and there. I've done a little more research this year and should be able to make better selections. Let me stop wasting time, here are my picks for the 1st round of the NBA playoffs.

Eastern Conference

1. Chicago Bulls vs. 8. Philadelphia 76ers: Bulls in 5

This will be a defensive series. Both teams are built on playing hard and having strong benches. Unfortunately for the Sixers, they have to play the Bulls. Derrick Rose is rested and has recovered from his back injury. It will be tough for Philly to handle him. I see the Bulls dropping one game on the road, but definitely holding serve at home and finishing this series early.

2. Miami Heat vs. 7. New York Knicks: Heat in 6

Hands down this is the best series of the 1st round. There is star power all over the court. Also, we finally get to see LeBron vs. Melo in a playoff series. Anytime you get big-time players matched up against each other in a series it should make for an intense battle. Ultimately I like the Heat to win this series, but not without being tested by those pesky Knickerbockers.

3. Indiana Pacers vs. 6. Orlando Magic: Pacers in 5

In my opinion this series has lost its luster since Dwight Howard will not play. I don't see how the Magic can win now. It's going to take a masterful job from head coach Stan Van Gundy. I don't see that happening because he's pretty much a dead man walking. The Pacers play hard and are a cohesive unit so I think they'll be able to move on with ease.

4. Boston Celtics vs. 5. Atlanta Hawks: Celtics in 5

This is a tricky series to gauge. The Celtics are the higher seed but the Hawks have the home court advantage. With that said, I believe the Celtics steal at least one of the first two games in Atlanta. Boston is playing their best basketball at the right time. Every year we say they're done, but I think these Celtics have one last run left in them.


Western Conference

1. San Antonio Spurs vs. 8. Utah Jazz: Spurs in 5

Welcome to Boringville, USA. This series has no spice to it. I probably won't watch any of the games to be honest. I hope the Spurs are able to advance as soon as possible so they can just get on to the next round. Sorry Utah, it's been a good run but your season is coming to an end.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 7. Dallas Mavericks: Thunder in 6

In a rematch of last year's WCF, the Thunder will take on the Mavericks. This time OKC has the home court advantage. Right now the Thunder have hit the wall it seems like. They aren't playing their best basketball right now which they cannot afford to do if they want to beat the Mavs. I think this will be a good series, but because Dallas lost some of their toughness from last year the Thunder will come out on top.

3. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 6. Denver Nuggets: Lakers in 5

The Lakers seem to be coming together as a team at the right time. If that's the case, the Nuggets are in trouble here. You bet Kobe wants to make one last run at a 6th championship and tie Michael Jordan. No team in the playoffs has two big men who can score and defend like the Lakers do. It's a huge advantage. Look for them to play lock down defense throughout this series and advance with ease.

4. Memphis Grizzlies vs. 5. Los Angeles Clippers: Clippers in 7

For the second year in a row, the 4-5 series is the most intriguing in the West. These are two teams that are potential dark horses to represent the conference in the NBA Finals. I expect this series to go the distance. Memphis has the home court, but I can see either team winning at each other's venue. The difference maker in this series will be Mr. CP3. His experience and leadership will propel Lob City to the next round.