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.
