2008 NBA PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

 

OK, it's playoff time. The regular season has been one of the more interesting ones but that doesn't count for anything come playoff time. So what's hoing to happen?

EAST

Celtics vs Hawks: For the Celtics this is amazingly their first playoff appearance since '05 while the Hawks haven't made the postseason since '99. However the Hawks have to be up against the strongest Celtics side since the Larry Bird era. The Celts have swept the Hawks in the regular season, I can't honestly see this being much of a series. Celts in four.

Cavs vs Wizards: Well well well, what do we have here? These two sides up against each other in the first round of the playoffs for the third season in a row! This time round the Cavs haven't had that brilliant a season and the Wizards are well up for the series looking for third time lucky. Will it be? Well the two sides split the regular season games between them and it'll be tough but I'll still go Cavs in six.

Pistons vs Sixers: The last time the Sixers were in the playoffs was back in '05. Back then they were led by Allen Iversen and they still lost to the Pistons in the first round. Now, this current Sixers side can beat the Pistons but they only seem to do so by out-uglying the side from Motor City. Not good news for the neutral. Pistons won't get beaten at their own game over a seven game series. Will win in five.

Magic vs Raptors: Well both sides know the playoffs well enough but this is still the strongest Magic season since a relatively young Shaq was on their books. Dwight Howard definately knows what he's doing for the Magic but so does Chris Bosch for the Raptors. The Magic seem to have the edge though, particularly with home court advantage. Will win in six.

WEST

Lakers vs Nuggets: Well the Lakers have stuck around the playoffs the last couple of years but not off the back of this kind of regular season. The Nuggets were there last year as well but now they've got Allen Iversen and his matchup vs Kobe should be tasty, enough to make this series interesting. Not enough to overcome the Lakers home advantage though, they'll win in six.

Jazz vs Rockets: A rematch of last year's series in exactly the same circumstances and last year the Jazz made a moron out of me! Once again the Rockets have not only homecourt despite the number 5 seeding but the advantage in terms of good players. Furthermore, they are unlikely to let last year happen again despite the Jazz beating them twice in the regular season. Rockets to make it through this time round, in five.

Hornets vs Mavs: Well the last time the Hornets were in the playoffs was in '04 and they were based out of Charlotte. Then followed some dodgy years but this season they've come out of nowhere. The Mavs may have had an iffy season but they are more than equipped to give the Hornets a reality check and I think that's exactly what they'll do. In six.

Spurs vs Suns: Well for starters it's a rematch of a conference semi from last year and it has to be the tie of the round! It's the defending NBA champions vs a team that has both Steve Nash and Shaquille O'Neal on board! OK so Shaq hasn't really caught fire in Phoenix yet but these two sides going all guns blazing will be something spectacular. Spurs the safe bet to win due to home court advantage but only in seven.

Time to go hypothetical:

CONFERENCE SEMI FINALS

Celtics vs Cavs: Now we'd get to see what the '08 Celtics can do in a playoff series and I'd expect them to win in seven.

Pistons vs Magic: The Magic have the class but the Pistons would have home court advantage and would have had the easier ride. Pistons in seven through gritted teeth.

Lakers vs Rockets: This would be one heck of a rumble, Lakers in seven.

Spurs vs Mavs: Another playoff series between these two, Spurs would have the edge. In six.

CONFERENCE FINALS

Celtics vs Pistons: Pistons would be out of their depth. Celtics in six.

Lakers vs Spurs: Spurs would have more strength in depth, we're not going back to the 80s just yet. Spurs in six.

NBA FINALS

Celtics vs Spurs: This would be one hell of a rumble. Spurs know how to win a title though. This Celtics side...doesn't. Yet. Even with home court advantage. Maybe next year. Spurs retain their title in six.

Well, showtime, let's see how it plays out. Enjoy.

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