Backdoor Cut: NBA First-Round Predictions

By E. Marcel Pourtout, Editor

Here are my quick predictions for the first round of the NBA playoffs.

Eastern Conference:

Cleveland Cavs over Detroit Pistons in five

Toronto Raptors over Indiana Pacers in six

Miami Heat over Charlotte Hornets in six

Atlanta Hawks over Boston Celtics in seven

Western Conference:

Golden State Warriors over Houston Rockets in five

San Antonio Spurs over Memphis Grizzlies in four

Oklahoma City Thunder over Dallas Mavs in six

Los Angeles Clippers over Portland Trail Blazers in six