The Playoffs. The Only Picks that Matter

Once again it is time for my favorite time of year, The NBA Playoffs. The start of the playoffs mean a lot to me. It means more games over more nights then any other time in the year, it means more exciting finishes, and heck, it also means warmer weather. But that is not why it is my favorite.

It is my favorite because it is time for my yearly rants with friends and foes alike over who is gonna win the NBA Title, and why my opinion is right, and how everyone else is wrong. Call me irrational, but if you think about it, someone might always find your opinion irrational. 


But as I once heard from a great friend; find me someone that knows more about the game than I do - you wont by the way - and I still wont listen. (Hows that for an irrational opinion?)


So here we go, my picks for the Quarterfinals:

East:


Bulls vs Sixers:
The Sixers laid down in their last game to be able to play Chicago. Be careful what you wish for, Derrick Rose hates getting disrespected, ask the Indiana Pacers. If he is healthy, look for this series to be over on the quicks.

Heat vs Knicks:
The Knicks can beat this team, and if JR Smith comes to play, not only can he score with Dwyane Wade, but he can defend him. Carmelo has shown time in and time out that he has the skills to cancel out Lebron's impact on a game. Stat and Tyson can shut down what little inside presence the Heat have with Bosh Spice. That means this series will come down to the benches or lack thereof for the Heat. Advantage NYK. Knickerbockers in 6

Magic vs Pacers:
No Dwight. That changes things greatly. With him this is a good close series, without him I will take the Pacers in 6.


Celtics vs Hawks:
I think that Rondo and company (and yes Rondo, because he is their best player) will have no problem handing the Hawks. Celtics are primed for a run, and MAYBE, just maybe, they can do it. This series will be over in 5 or 6. 



West:


Mavs vs Thunder:
This can go the distance, and if the Mavs had the Lamar Odom of last year, or more appropriately even Lamar Odom at all, they would probably win. Nonetheless, I think it will be a hard fought series, but the Thunder will win in 7.

Jazz vs Spurs:
San Antonio will win. Jazz dont have much playoff experience. There will be no first round let down for the Spurs this year. SAS in 5.


Nuggets vs Lakers:
So not sure if anyone noticed but Denver is DEEP. Especially with Gallo back. Durant and Westbrook combined for 90+, and in the same game Ibaka had a trip-dub against them earlier in the year, and the Thunder still BARELY won. This team keeps coming at you. No MWP will hurt them. If Kobe does not get Bynum his touches the Nuggets will win. Kobe will not get Bynum his touches so Nuggets in 6.

Clippers vs Grizzlies:
I think Blake is a lot of style, albeit very very good style, and not enough substance. He struggles with the jumper, and rebounding the basketball. Not to mention a bad free throw shooter. Z-Bo on the other hand is the anti-Blake. No style, just points-rebounds, hard hat and lunch pail. The Grizz in 6.


So there you have it. I will be back to update the later rounds, but for now these are my First Round Picks. Remember, I know more than you about this, so trust me picks.