Denver, CO – The NBA regular season is now in the books, and we don’t have much time to breathe before the playoffs begin tomorrow. Our Denver Nuggets are hot, red hot in fact, and playing really good basketball at the right time of the year. The Nuggets face the Los Angeles Lakers in their first round series which starts Sunday afternoon. The playoffs are gonna be absolutely fabulous this year, as many questions will soon be answered. Can Miami and LeBron finally get it done? Are the Lakers too old for another run? Is Oklahoma City still too young to win it all? Which team shocks us all with a surprising first round upset? Let’s get to the first round picks, by J Simp….
WEST
Nuggets vs Lakers - This is gonna be fun, as L.A. is going to be without the man formerly known as Ron Artest, Metta World Peace. He was suspended for throwing a wild elbow last weekend, and may miss this entire series. Denver has a nice mix of veterans and youth, and is peaking at a perfect time. The Lakers still have Kobe of course, and tons of playoff experience. This has all the makings of a long series, but in the end Kobe will not let them lose. Lakers in 7.
Spurs vs Jazz - San Antonio is well rested and hungry after getting upset last year in the first round by Memphis. The Spurs never seem to get a ton of respect, but again they have enough to make a run and win it all. The Jazz are way too young for this stage. Spurs in 5.
Thunder vs Mavericks - The defending champs vs the young, explosive Thunder. I believe Oklahoma City is gonna blaze through the West, and destroy teams along the way. Dallas is still fat and happy after winning it all, but may win one game here. Thunder in 5.
Grizzlies vs Clippers - This is a really compelling series because these teams are so athletic. The Clippers are a nightly highlight reel, with Blake Griffin usually posterizing someone in the process. Memphis is vastly underrated, with several really good, young players. I think this series goes a while, with the better team squeaking it out. Grizzlies in 7.
EAST
Bulls vs 76ers - Chicago has proven they can win, with or without Derrick Rose. He has battled injuries all year, but the Bulls still ended up with the top seed. Philly is not playing great ball, and this should be a quick series. Bulls in 4.
Heat vs Knicks - Miami got bored about two months ago, and knows they will be judged only on what they do starting now. The Knicks have the ability to compete in this series, and some have even picked the upset. Not me. One thing I learned a while ago is never trust Carmelo to be unselfish in key moments. LeBron and Wade are primed to show up big vs New York. Heat in 5.
Pacers vs Magic - No Dwight Howard means no playoff run. Orlando is a mess anyway, and Indiana is deep and just a whole lot better. Should be a boring, quick series. Pacers in 5.
Celtics vs Hawks - These teams seem to meet every year in the playoffs. Like Miami, Boston has been bored and now know it’s time to turn it up a notch or two. Atlanta is the same old Atlanta….very athletic and has the capability of beating anyone, but also sometimes doesn’t show up and ends up stinking up the joint. Can’t pick against the Celtics here, as it should be their last hurrah with this group of veterans. Celtics in 6.
For the most part, I think the first round will be a tad boring. A couple series will be great, but the 2nd round should be sensational. Let me know if you disagree with my picks, and what you think will happen instead!…FYI, to look ahead a bit, I have the Thunder defeating the Heat in the NBA Finals…
Denver Sports by J Simp
Recent Comments