Ok, so we are on to the second round off the NBA playoffs and there were several surprises in the first round. The second round looks to be just as entertaining. I am still sticking with my original picks for the Finals. Thunder vs. Heat. (not a popular pick)

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The Thunder put on a show against the Nuggets with Durant playing ball as he always does. Westbrook really stepped up in the series when people knocked him for his playoff series last year. The Grizzlies stunned the basketball world by upsetting the top seeded Spurs. The Grizzlies will bring a load of confidence into the series. However, with Durant, Westbrook, Perkins solidifying the defense in the middle, and timely shooting, I have the Thunder advancing in 5 games.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks

This is going to be a tough series as the Lakers struggled to rebound against the smaller Hornets and now they face a much bigger team in the Mavericks. Dirk and the Mavs have always been plagued by not performing in the playoffs. The Lakers are two time defending champs and have been struggling lately. Look for this to be a 7 game series with the Lakers winning because they have home court advantage.

Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks played extremely well against the Magic. They let Dwight Howard be Dwight Howard and shut down everyone else in a great defensive scheme. The Bulls have the league MVP in Rose. Although they struggled a little bit with the Pacers, the Bulls got it done and will take this series in 6 games.

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics

Everyone is already taking the experienced Celtics to knock off the Heat. Rondo is playing superb ball as the floor general for the team. the Celtics did defeat the Heat three times out of four, but they failed to win the last game. the Heat won that game by an easy margin and that is because the Celtics did not have someone in the middle. The Celtics traded away Perkins and now the lane is open for both Wade and James. Those two will not hesitate to take it to the lane. I have the Heat taking the series in 6.

2011 NBA Playoffs

This years playoffs is as wide open as it has ever been. You still have the regular powerhouses out West and a new look East with a lot of star power. The first round will be something to marvel at as I get the feeling that just like the NCAA Tournament, upsets could occur. Here are my predictions for the first round of the playoffs.

EAST:

1 Bulls vs. 8 Pacers

The Bulls have this years MVP in Derrick Rose. Noah's knee sprain should not be to awful for them as the team has been riding high ad-mist injuries all year long. Michael Jordan spoke in the city of Chicago earlier this year and said that he believes more titles will be coming their way. The legend likes them as do I. Bulls in 4.

2 Heat vs. 7 76ers

The big three have started to come along and what impressed me the most was their win against the Celtics, late in the season. They looked tougher and stronger. The Heat were on a mission and know one was stopping them. Again I look for a sweep with the Heat in 4.

3 Celtics vs. 6 Knicks

The Celtics are getting older and when they traded away Kendrick Perkins it effected the team. They are not as physical anymore. Anthony joined the Knicks and they were shaking but needless have made it into the playoffs and the team has a lot of confidence. I look for an upset with the Knicks in 7.

4 Magic vs. 5 Hawks

The Hawks always seem to have a little something special when it comes playoff time but they can not ever get over the hump. I do not see that changing with Dwight Howard on the other team. Howard will get the Magic past the Hawks in 6.

WEST:

1 Spurs vs. 8 Grizzlies

The Spurs are recognized as a boring fundamental team. They have experience and people forget that they won a few championships in the early 2000's. Grizzlies are a surprise to have made the playoffs but it ends their. Spurs take it in 5.

2 Lakers vs. 7 Hornets

The Hornets looked as though it was going to be a dismal year when the season started. Chris Paul wanted to be traded then he didn't, but regardless this team has made it into the playoffs. Unfortunately, they have to meet Kobe Bryant in the first round. Lakers win in 5.

3 Mavs vs. Blazers

This is everyone's upset pick and I do not doubt them because the Mavs are known to be a bust when it comes playoff time. However, i do see this being a tough and entertaining series, I do not see the Blazers winning. Mavs in 7.

4 Thunder vs. 5 Nuggets

Know one though the Nuggets would do this well with the loss of Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. But, here they are in the fifth seed and going up against a young talented Thunder team. Kevin Durant works as hard as anyone and will get his team to the next round. Thunder in 5.

MJD for MVP?

Maurice Jones-Drew has made a strong push lately to put himself into the MVP race. The Jaguars have played very well as of late and Jones-Drew has had five consecutive 100 yard games. On top of his strong performance lately the Jaguars have put themselves into first place in the AFC South. This is one of the more underrated teams in football but if they keep producing wins and Jones-Drew extends this streak a few more games, then I do not see why his name should not be mentioned.