Music to listen to: Kashmir by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant
Quick NBA first-round playoff predictions:
Chicago over Philadelphia in six: This series may come down to the first team that scores 90 points wins each individual game. The Sixers were looking like a trendy pick to notch a first-round upset a month ago but the squad has been in a major tailspin. I know that they’ve won five of their last six games but the Bulls will be too strong. For Chicago, getting Derrick Rose healthy or at least as close to functional at an elite level is imperative for the Bull’s NBA title chances. Philadelphia plays hard, especially on the defensive end, so I’ll give it two wins in the series but Chicago wins out in the end.
Miami over New York in five: I’m a Knicks fan and would love to pick the upset but the Heat’s fast break efficiency will be too much for New York. Furthermore, Miami is still a top-five defensive team and the Knicks will struggle to score points too often to pick them to get more than one win in this series.
Indiana over Orlando in six: Without Dwight Howard, the Magic are in major trouble. Indiana is poised to make a run in the playoffs and this series against Orlando will be a perfect start. The Magic will have one of their excellent three-point shooting nights and win a game or two in this series.
Boston over Atlanta in six: I like the maturity that Josh Smith has shown this season and as someone who’s been one of his biggest vocal critics throughout his career, respect has to be given to him. The Hawks can actually win this series, especially with the health issues of Ray Allen and Paul Pierce for the Celtics. However, the Hawks need Joe Johnson to be the best overall player in the series to win and I don’t see that happening. Rajon Rondo will have a field day against the Hawks perimeter defense.
San Antonio over Utah in five: I really wanted to take the Jazz to shake up the entire playoffs. The Jazz have a front court with Al Jefferson, Paul Milsap and Derrick Favors coming off the bench that could give the Spurs trouble similar to what Memphis did last season to San Antonio. However, the Spurs are better rested this year, have the services of Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan isn’t hampered with leg injuries like last season. Finally, the emergence of Tony Parker relieves the Spurs of placing pressure on his teammates to perform.
Memphis over Los Angeles Clippers in seven: I love the highlights of the Clippers just as much as anybody else but besides Chris Paul, who do you trust on Los Angeles? Blake Griffin has improved this year but still lacks offensive moves to make him more efficient on that side of the floor, struggles defensively despite his elite athletic acumen and barely hits 50% of his free throws. Furthermore, the one think the Clippers don’t want to face is a bruising front line and the Grizzlies have that in waves with Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. Also, Memphis’ bench, led by O.J. Mayo is significantly better than Los Angeles and will wear down the Clippers over the long haul.
Los Angeles Lakers over Denver in five: The Lakers have three of the best players in this series.
Oklahoma City over Dallas in six: This is the Thunder’s year and something has been off with Dallas all year. I think the Thunder will outrun the older Mavericks’ roster and wear them down over the series.
The Sports Inquirer 
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