It’s NBA Playoff time and time for me to either prove I could easily be an analysis on any NBA show or prove that I’m still an idiot when it comes to making predictions (somehow I think I might fit both categories). I’m going to do the Eastern Conference now and the Western a little later. So, on to my NBA Playoff Preview… “NBA Basketball, it fan-tanstic!”… or “NBA Basketball, I love this game!” What is the NBA’s slogan anymore?
FIRST ROUND
(1) Detroit Pistons 
vs (8) Orlando Magic 
It’s the return of Darko! Or if that doesn’t fancy your pants how about… It’s the return of Grant Hill! Still no? Then down worry. This series will only last five games, if that, and the Pistons can once again say good-bye to Darko and Grant.
(4) Miami Heat 
vs (5) Chicago Bulls 
All I can say here is “thank you Chicago.” This probably should be the Cavs losing in the first round to the D-Wade and Shaq but instead it’s you. Thank you. I think this will be a pretty good series though. It was last year. The Bulls had the Heat frustrated and I remember seeing them yell at each other on the bench during Game Two. Then Wade took over. I see the same thing happening this year. Wade still isn’t 100-percent and Shaq is about as mobile as Bill Walton but can you ever pick against those two in the first round. Heat in six.
(3) Toronto Raptors 
vs (6) New Jersey Nets
I’d like to see the Raptors win this. I like Chris “I actually look exactly like our logo” Bosh and T.J. Ford. I’d like to see them win because I hate the Nets and Vince Carter. I’d like to see them win because I rather the Cavs play them. But I think the Nets will win. Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson and Carter are too explosive together with too much experience. Nets in six.
(2) Cleveland Cavaliers 
vs (7) Washington Wizards
Habachi! I said it before and I’ll say it again. Thank you Chicago. Washington might be the worst team to make the playoffs, in any sport, ever. All that can be said about this I already have. But I’m not picking a sweep just because I know they’ll let down in one of the games. Cavs in five.
SECOND ROUND
(1) Detroit vs (5) Miami
All the experts are saying this will be the real Easter Conference Finals. Well to bad for them, and the teams, it’s not. It’s just the semifinals. I’ll take Detroit because I don’t think the Pistons (or the refs) will let Wade beat them like they did last year. It should be a great series though and they’ll beat up on each other in seven games. I’ll take Pistons in seven.
(2) Cleveland vs (6) New Jersey
I don’t like this match-up. New Jersey always give the Cavs a hard time and they’ll be riding high after a strong finish to the regular season and the upset of the Raptors. If the Cavs aren’t careful they could be in some trouble. But I think they will be careful and take care of business. LeBron, who will have a easy and restful series against Washington, will be revved up and ready to go. He won’t let his team go down before the Eastern Conference Finals. He has too much to prove and he always seems to answer his critics when he needs to. This is one of those times. Cavs in six.
CONFERENCE FINALS
(1)Detroit vs (2) Cleveland
A classic rematch of a classic seven game series last year. It’s the classic struggle between heart and head. I do pick with my heart and take the Cavs or do I pick with my head and take the Pistons. The Pistons are the experienced established team and the Cavs are still looking for their break through. They came so close last year to beating the league’s best, but did they learn anything from that? I’ll say yes. I’m being bold, stupid and hometown-y and picking the Cavs. Why? Just so if they do go to the NBA Finals I can say I told you so. And because I can’t bet against my team and LeBron, no matter how inconsistent they are. Cavs in seven.
