WESTERN CONFERENCE
San Antonio (1) vs. Dallas (4)
This series figures to be one of the best in this year’s playoffs. It really could go either way, as the Spurs are vulnerable, and the Mavs field the best squad they’ve had in years. The Spurs are still the favorites here, however. Game one saw a rested Mavericks team lose a closely fought battle with a tired Spurs group. It was an opportunity the Mavs will regret not taking advantage of. Homecourt will probably be the difference in the end. It will be interesting to see how Bruce Bowen affects Nowitski’s play; in the past, smaller defenders have given him trouble, and Bowen is about as tough a defender as there is. Dirk, however, has taken his game to another level this year. Then again, so has Tony Parker. For all the talk of Duncan having an off year, the numbers don’t really support it; he looks as good as ever to me.
Spurs 4-3
Phoenix (2) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (6)
This series is an extremely tough call. The Clippers are rested and haven’t played in a week, while the Suns had to fight out a tough seven game series that just ended two days ago; one of the very best series in recent memory, I might add. The Clippers haven’t been to the second round in 30 years, while the Suns advanced to the Conference finals just last year. They split their regular season series 2-2, with each team winning once at home and once on the road. The Phoenix Suns did not win one single game decided by 1-3 points this year, making them the worst team in close games in the history of the NBA. Whether that eventually comes back to haunt them remains to be seen, but it certainly doesn’t bode well. Sure, the Suns don’t play any defense, but they really do have an awful lot of firepower. While it would’ve been great to see the “Hallway” series, this one still should prove to be a good one, with the Suns ultimately winning their second consecutive game seven.
Suns 4-3
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Detroit (1) vs. Cleveland (4)
The Cavs have won seven consecutive one-point games; too bad they won’t be close enough for that to matter. After Cleveland won the first game of this matchup in the regular season, Detroit took the next three by an average margin of 15.7 points. Then in game one they won by 27. Hamilton’s ankle injury is something to watch, but this series will almost certainly be the shortest of the second round matchups. Maybe the Cavs could have made it close with any other Eastern Conference opponent; the Pistons, however, make this series destined to be lopsided.
Pistons 4-1
Miami (2) vs. New Jersey (3)
The Nets took the final three meetings to take the regular season series 3-1. Before that, New Jersey had lost 10 straight games to Miami, including a first-round sweep in last year’s playoffs. Vince Carter averaged 38.5 points on 55.7 percent shooting against Miami this year. It seems the Heat has been headed for an inevitable matchup with the Pistons all season long, and although it will probably happen, the Nets will make them really work for it. It should come as no surprise if the Nets do take this series, but I still say the Heat will outlast them for the right to get bounced in the Conference finals.
Heat 4-3
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