Breaking Down the Playoffs

2007 NBA Playoffs are upon us. Here's my breakdown of the matches, and likely winners:

New Jersey vs Toronto - There's a couple matchups that are tough to call this year. This is one of them for sure. Vince Carter revisits his old stomping ground. The Nets have the talent and the Raptors are definitely on the come up.

Orlando vs. Detroit - Would be great to see the young star D-Howard take it to Detroit and knock them out of the playoffs, but I have to try to be unbiased (longtime Bulls fan). I'll go with Detroit here, they are the easy money, and one of the favorites to make the finals and win it all this year.

Washington vs Cleveland - King James and Agent 0 get to face off again, couldn't have scripted it better. The 2 were involved in some great contests in last year's playoffs, and the controversial Lebron touching Arenas' and trash talking before his free throw. I think King James will be elevating his game even more. I'm gonna take Cleveland, and stick with my tough prediction for them to reach the finals. I think Lebron is that talented and can turn it up.

Chicago vs. Miami - The Bulls are hungry to take out their newly formed nemesis, Miami Heat. I see it happening this year. This Miami team is still talented but aging and coming off injuries (D Wade, etc). The Bulls are younger and more hungry and have the talent to pull off a win here. Bulls take it.

Golden State vs. Dallas - Hmmm. Tough pick. Some say Dirk is MVP. I think he's bringing Dallas back to the NBA Finals.

Phoenix vs. LA Lakers - Kobe vs Nash, gonna be a good one. Gonna go with Phoenix here, despite the hate it will bring from Lakers fans. I think Kobe's an amazing player, Phil Jacksons a legendary coach. But the force of Nash, Stoudamire and Marion on the court, plus the fact this team is always playing ultimate team ball, Phoenix will be taking this one.

Denver vs San Antonio - Spurs are favorites to win it all. Denver has the 2 superstars in Melo and AI, but they won't be enough to combat the Spurs guns, Tim Duncan. The Spurs D should have a pretty good lock on Denver, Spurs take the series.

Utah vs Houston - Gotta give the edge here to Houston, thanks to having one of the NBA greats in T-Mac and a future legend in the Great Wall of Yao Ming. Utah started the season hot, and has some great talent but I don't see their forwards being able to stop Yao or T-Mac.

There it is...Without picking each round, I'm sticking with my preseason pick: Cleveland vs Dallas in the Finals. Peace and enjoy the playoffs!!