-Not much intrigue here. Derrick Rose takes his remarkable MVP-type skills up against the Indiana Pacers, who are by all accounts just happy to be in the mix this year. The Chicago Bulls have flown under the radar throughout this NBA season, and should continue to quietly but steadily handle their business against the severely under-matched Pacers. Look for a quick and easy dismantling of the Pacers, further proving why D-Rose should and will be MVP.

-Now it’s time to see what the Heatles are made of. After a season of intense scrutiny, Wade, Lebron and Bosh finally step into the limelight of playoff hoops against the upstart 76ers, lead by potential Coach of the Year candidate Doug Collins. The real problem for the Sixers is that they play the same up-tempo style that Miami likes to run, and they simply cannot hang with the three-headed monster that is the Heat, especially in transition.

-This series is by far the best and most interesting of the four matchups in the East. The Knicks have played well down the stretch, and are seemingly beginning to gel with newly acquired Chauncey Billups and star forward Carmelo Anthony, while the Celtics have stumbled towards the finish line. The Celtics are perennial favorites to come out of the East, but have been in a bit of a funk since the Kendrick Perkins trade, a trade which might doom them should they advance to the later rounds. While my heart says pick New York, my head says pick the team that actually practices and preaches defense.

-It seems that every year these teams meet up in the first round, with the end result being the same – the Magic trampling the hapless Hawks in a joke of a series. While the Hawks played the Magic tougher during the regular season, I see no reason why Dwight Howard and the three-happy Magic shouldn’t advance past the under-sized Hawks. No mortal man can defend Howard, and he will have his way with the Hawks in the paint.

-The Spurs shocked everyone this year with their big three, who I like to call “The Big AARP”, running off to the West’s best record. The upstart Grizzlies are fast, solid in transition, and can play good enough defense to wear down the Spurs. This series will not be as quick and easy for San Antonio as everyone thinks, although I cannot picture the Spurs getting knocked off in the first round, even with the questionable health of Manu.

-The Lake Show have had an interesting year, being counted and discounted many times, even though they are defending champs. The health of Andrew Bynum is a large factor, even though I believe the Lakers can beat the Hornets without him. The Lakers are proven champs, and have the tools to get back to the Conference Finals once again baring any major injuries or let downs. They also have Kobe, who would love nothing more than a three-peat after the Lebron-a-thon this past summer. Plus, Chris Paul has visions of Orange and Blue in his near future, otherwise known as a New York state of mind.

-Upset Alert. The Mavs are everyone’s favorite patsy, regular season superstars, and the ultimate bums when push comes to shove. Mark Cuban’s crew are a one-trick pony, they go as Dirk goes. There is no secret to beating the Mavs; if you slow down Dirk, you slow down the Mavs potent offense. Jason Kidd is 38, and they have two young, inexperienced point guards backing him up. The Blazers on the other hand are young, fast and talented enough to pull of the upset against Dallas. They are deadly in transition, and play solid defense down the stretch. The numbers don’t lie. Be on high alert Mr. Cuban.  Remember where you heard it first.

-This should be a great series. The Nuggets were prepping for life after Carmelo, and are doing just fine without him. Denver has played great team basketball since the blockbuster trade, and looks to prove they can win without their former beloved superstar. George Karl has his team believing that they are capable of winning even without their dearly departed ‘Melo. The Thunder on the other hand are a team on the rise, with a superstar who is staying put. With Kevin Durant in their corner, they are capable of winning any game with his ability to knock down clutch shots on call. I believe it will be a competitive series, but a game seven in OKC with Kevin Durant primed to make a statement, I am putting my money on the Thunder.

@DoseKatzby

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