NBA Playoffs - Eastern Conference Picks
Before I get to my picks, I have to voice my complete disappointment that Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers will not be in the playoffs, thanks to New Jersey's late surge, led by Jason Kidd and Vince Carter. These last few weeks, Lebron has carried the team and it seems the rest of the players woke up too late to make a difference. I think they won their last 3 games to make it close, but if they would've won 4 games, they'd be in... maybe next year. Now to my picks.
Eastern Conference
1 - Miami Heat vs. 8 - New Jersey Nets
If you asked me 2 weeks ago who would win this series, I would've said Miami in 4 games, but New Jersey has really improved since that time. Coupled with the injury to Shaquille O'Neal, the Heat find themselves in a tough series - much more difficult than they likely expected. The late push of the Nets, led by Jason Kidd and Vince Carter has them looking pretty good. Their supporting is cast is average at best, but is complimenting both players well right now. New Jersey may get Richard Jefferson back for the playoffs also, so they could be even better - they could be worse too - no one knows how RJ and VC will get along yet. I think the difference maker in this series is going to Dywane Wade - if he's able to control the game and score at will, I think Miami will make it to the next round. If the Nets can control Wade like the Pistions did a few weeks ago, the Heat are in big trouble. As long as Shaq plays, I have to take the Heat - 6 games.
2 - Detroit Pistons vs. 7 - Philadelphia 76ers
I'm not going to delve into this one too deep... Detroit is a very deep team and has started playing like the champions from last year. The 76ers are banged up and Iverson is carrying too much of the load right now - what happened to C-Webb? Unless the entire Philadelphia team steps up, and Iverson plays at MVP-levels, Detroit is going to the 2nd round without any serious problems. Pistons in 5 games.
3 - Boston Celtics vs. 6 - Indiana Pacers
Boston has been struggling lately and Indiana is finally getting healthy, so I see the Pacers coming out of this one on top, but it won't be easy. Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker will keep the Celtics in the series for a few games and they do have homecourt, so there's a chance they could suprise and beat Indiana, but I doubt it. Boston is too inconsistent - one night they look like a Top 5 team, and another they look like a Bottom 5. Jermaine O'Neal and Stephen Jackson are key for Indiana - each will need to play at the top of their game. I think Indiana will have the advantage in the post and rebounding, so they should control the series. Reggie Miller will also play an important role in what could be his last NBA playoff series (we'll miss him). Overall, I just think the Celtics are a little too weak to compete with the Pacers, Indiana in 6 games.
4 - Chicago vs. 5 - Washington
This is probably the hardest matchup to pick a winner because both teams are unaccustomed to playoff basketball. I really like seeing Washington playing better ball with their superstar trio of Jamison, Arenas & Hughes, but I think their immaturity will show in the playoffs. They don't know how to play playoff-style basketball - defense & grind-it-out offense. While I like Gilbert Arenas a lot, I think he especially, will keep the Wizards from moving to the next round. The Bulls are full of young talent, just like Washington, but Scott Skiles has them playing great team ball and they have a newfound confidence - they are playing at a level beyond their experience. With Eddy Curry out, they are going to need a strong showing by their big men & bench. Washington can put a lot of points on the board, so Chicago is going to need to play consistant defense and score on the offensive end. Larry Hughes will likely be matched up opposite of Ben Gordon, which should provide some interesting events - steals leader vs. 4th quarter hero. Again, this is a tough one, but I think Chicago will win it in 7 games.
See my Western Conference picks...