40 Games..40 Nights Round 1

Its that time of year again for the NBA Playoffs.  Here are my predictions for the 1st Round of the 2009 Playoffs.

CHICAGO -VS- BOSTON

If KG was in the lineup I would have picked the Celtics in sweeping fashion..but hes not and the Bulls are quite capable of upsetting the champs.  The series is currently tied at 1 game a piece so this prediction isn't too much of a cheat.  I have the C's advancing in 6 games.  The Bulls stole game 1 (Paul Pierce missed free throw would have iced it) and ill give them 1 at home with the champs finishing them off in Boston.  Rose will shine as he did in game 1 and show that he was worthy of that #1 pick, and Rondo will prove why he should have made the All-Star team over Devin Harris. 

Prediction: 4-2Celtics


DETROIT -VS- CLEVELAND

There is a reason why LeBron is alone on this picture, because the King sits alone on the throne..for now.  The Cavs will not be challenged in this series, and I see a sweep in 4.  Detroit basically sent Chauncey Billups to the Nuggets for nothing, yes A.I basically gave them nothing if hes not available for the playoffs where it matters the most.  Imagine if they would have traded him for Rafer Alston how much could he have helped.  We know you aren't trying to win now Joey D so maybe you guys should have just let Charlotte make the playoffs for the 1st time in team history.  Detroit will keep it interesting at home, then LeBron will go on a tear attacking the rim like he did 2 years ago. 

Prediction:  4-0 Cavs
HOUSTON -VS- PORTLAND

 Ok, so Portland got smashed in the first game of this match up but I had them on the outside looking in from the start.  They are a young and exciting team but not playoff proven and I'm not sure if they can compete with the Rockets and that enormous burden of finally getting out of the 1st round.  The Blazers should win game 2 and maybe another 1 late but I have the too much Yao Ming and the Rockets should win in 6.  By the way once they win does T-Mac still shoulder the load of not getting out of the first round?  I think so.

Prediction: 4-2 Rockets





DALLAS-VS- SAN ANTONIO

The Spurs and the Mavs separated geographically by miles but years in age.  San Antonio has officially gotten old (to me) and with the loss of Ginobli they should wear out by game 7.  The combination of Josh Howard, Dirk Norwitzki and a little Jason Terry and Kidd mixed in should do the Spurs in, especially after stealing one from the Spurs at home.  The series is currently tied, and I have Dallas winning big at home and closing it out in 6 or 7.  Since I have to make a decision lets go with the Mavs in 7 (for drama) led by Norwitzki hitting a walk off 3 for the game. 

Prediction: 4-3 Mavericks



NEW ORLEANS -VS- DENVER

Carmelo Anthony hasn't made it out of the first round, and this is the year he finally does.  The Hornets are good and CP3 is great but without a healthy Tyson Chandler and a sub par (I should have stayed in Boston) James Posey the Nola will fall in 6.  They will play hard at home because they always do, but will never overcome the altitude of Denver and their long front line of Birdman, K-Mart, and Nene. 

Prediction: 4-2 Nuggets







UTAH -VS- LOS ANGELES
Is it me or are the Lakers destined to win the trophy this year?  Sort of like how everyone knew that Boston would figure it out last year I have that same feeling about LA.  The Jazz have the unfortunate luck of facing LA in the first round; if it was round 2 or maybe the Western finals they may have had a chance.  Too much balance for LA will wear the Jazz down every game and Kobe wont even have to go for 30 in order for them to win in 5 games.  Not having Okur in the lineup will definitely put them close to a sweep but I'll give them 1 win in Utah...just to be nice. 

Prediction: 4-1 Lakers



PHILADEPHIA -VS- ORLANDO

In game 1 Philly came out the gate swinging; took a shot in the mouth, got knocked down and delivered a knock out punch to the Magic.  Orlando seems as if they were reading the press clippings and living up to the hype as they pushed the lead to 18 in game 1, only to let the 76ers back in the game.  Not sure why Stan Van Gundy put his version of the human cigar (JJ Reddick) and pulled other starters to start the 4th quarter.  With all that said, the 76ers played as good as they can play and will only win 2 or 3 more games.  Look for the Magic to get Dwight Howard going early and often in game 2 then the 3's will start to fall.  Also, Hedo Turkoglu wont go 1 for everything he shot again so the Magic march on to round 2.

Prediction: 4-2 Magic

MIAMI -VS- ATLANTA

Since game 1 has already transpired I'll keep it real and say that I picked the Heat to win in 7.  Now, with that being said the Hawks will win in 6.  They looked like a team with something to prove while trouncing the Heat in the process.  All of a sudden D-Wade looked normal and the supporting cast looked lost as the Hawks won by almost 30 in a packed out Phillips Arena.  The Heat cant afford for Wade not to go for 30, heck to not go for 40 puts them in danger most nights, because that team feeds off of his energy.  Kudos to Joe Johnson and Josh Smith for getting ATL a big win in game 1.  So do I get to change my pick?  Of course I do. 

Prediction: 4-2 Hawks

See you in Round 2...lets see how many teams ill have left then.

Peace,
Agent 34