DAF playoff preview

So the NBA regular season ended last night. Most of us here at RDWS are not happy with the events of last night, and that includes the end of the reign of Sanjaya. But, in this case, we are referring mostly to a disastrous final game by the Bulls against New Jersey. Apparently Jigga, Josh Boone, and Mikki Moore are way too much for Chicago to handle, as is the concept of transition defense.

Anyway, here's the matchups along with brief predictions by me, hardly an expert:

EAST

1. Orlando Magic (8) vs. Detroit Pistons (1)- Detroit has been a force in the NBA and one of the only threatening teams in the East for some time now. While not as impressive as years past, they still have little competition in their conference. The Magic are lucky to be here. Prediction: Pistons in 5.

2. Washington Wizards (7) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers- It's Agent Zero versus the LeBrons! Oh wait, no it's not. It's a strong Cavs team against a much weaker Wizards team ravaged by injuries. Without Arenas, I have zero interest in this series. Prediction: Cavs in 4.

3. New Jersey Nets (6) vs. Toronto Raptors (3)- Everyone will at least care a little about this matchup because it will pit Vince Carter against his former team. You know, the one he admitted not playing that hard for. Vince is a douchebag, but playing well. The Raptors have also been strong as of late and this could be the 1st round's best series. Chris Bosh and Jason Kidd may be the other key figures in the outcome. I'm just diasppointed I won't be seeing any of Joumanna Kidd in the stands. I can't believe JK also dated Gabrielle Union in high school. Life is so unfair. Prediction: Raptors in 7.

4. Chicago Bulls (5) vs. Miami Heat (4)- So the Bulls are the lower seed but have a better record so they will have homecourt advantage. Understand? Me neither. I would have picked this series as another potential great one (and it may be) except that I'm just not convinced that the Heat and a not quite 100% Dwyane Wade can do it this year. A much weaker Bulls team almost took out the eventual 2006 NBA champions in the first round a year ago. Look for James Posey to shrug off his sprain in time for the playoffs, paint bullseyes on Hinrich and Gordon and start swinging away. Playing dirty is the Heat's best chance here I feel. Prediction: Bulls in 6.

WEST

1. Golden State Warriors (8) vs. Dallas Mavericks (1)- Who isn't excited that the Warriors got the 8th seed? What is also interesting is that GS actually has had some regular season success against the Mavs. Can they pull it off? Nope, but it might keep them from a sweep. The throwback yellow unis hold the key, we can all agree to that. Prediction: Mavs in 5.

2. L.A. Lakers (7) vs. Phoenix Suns (2)- Will this series live up to the hype? Is there any hype? I don't even know. I live in Durham, N.C., the basketball season already ended down here. I'm not referring to the Bobcats last game either. Phoenix will win the series, that's all but guaranteed. The question is how frustrating Kobe can make it for Nash and Co. Prediction: Suns in 6.

3. Denver Nuggets (6) vs. San Antonio Spurs (3)- Of course the big story leading into this is Tim Duncan vs. Joey Crawford and what this all means for the referees officiating Spurs games. I'm sure NBA officials are not happy about Crawford's suspension, but I find it hard to believe that they are going to call the games any differently. It would be their jobs and reputations that would suffer. Besides, Las Vegas and ABC have deeper pockets and would affect the officials more than Crawford gate ever could. The improved play of the Nuggets as of late has me thinking this could be a close series but I'm leaning to the "playoff" Spurs to emerge here. I think this series will be a tough one for whoever wins to overcome when they play the Suns in the next round. Prediction: Spurs in 5.

4. Houston Rockets (5) vs. Utah Jazz (4)- See Bulls/Heat scenario. Yep, still don't get it. OK, I get it, I'm just not sure it is fair/makes sense. Again, despite the seeding, the Rockets actually have homecourt advantage in this one. I believe this will be a close series, probably the most exciting. And by most exciting I mean the games will be very competitive but no one outside of Houston or SLC will give a shit. I plan to watch zero minutes of this series on TV. Deron Williams, Boozer, and Kirilenko are solid young players while coach Sloan has done a lot with this Jazz team despite being so many years away from his heyday with Malone and Stockton. McGrady and Yao Ming seem to be clicking at just the right time heading into the postseason. The Rockets are the hotter team right now. Like I said, who cares? Prediction: Rockets in 6.

See you after the first round!