Well, it's that time again, when I spend hours glued to the TV each night and proceed to ignore my family far too much. Yes, it's the NBA playoffs. And with the first round complete, now it's down to business with the best teams in the league. Here's my take, so far:
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers - It took Boston seven games to eliminate the worst team in the playoffs. Even though they crushed them at home, they were unable to win a single game on the road. This does not bode well. Boston is a better team on paper, but it all comes down to how well they play defense on Lebron James. I think their best strategy is to try and make LBJ a passer by doubling him, and then rotating to the other guys fast enough so they don't get clean looks. Make those other guys try to beat you. The Cavs need to move without the ball and make Boston pay for doubling James. Too often they just stand around and let LBJ work on his own. That will not get it done against the Celtics. Prediction: Cavs in 7.
Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic - The Pistons have the physical toughness to handle Dwight Howard down low, and the mental toughness to execute down the stretch. The only way Orlando can make this a competitive series is if Turkoglu or Lewis come up huge. So far, that doesn't seem likely. Prediction: Pistons in 5.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz - Simply put, Williams-to-Boozer ain't Stockton-to-Malone just yet. In the first game, the Lakers handled the physical play of the Jazz very well, but if they let the Jazz pound them on the boards again, this could be a long series. Ultimately though, the Lakers have the soon-to-be MVP, and that will be the difference in this series. Prediction: Lakers in 6.
New Orleans Hornets vs. San Antonio Spurs - Man, I hate the Spurs. They have to be respected as repeat champions, but I hate their boring style, their borderline dirty play and most of all their big stars Parker, Ginobli, and Duncan. So as an avowed hater, you'd probably expect I am rooting for the Hornets. And mostly, I am. But if the Spurs slip by the Hornets, I'd love to see my Lakers get the opportunity to knock them out. But the Hornets already smacked them up once, and they've got the talent and chemistry to do it three more times. Prediction: Hornets in 7.