NBA PLAYOFFS

The NBA Playoffs are really heating up, and every game is pivotal. Below I take a look at each of the four remaining series and what I expect to happen.

Cleveland Caviliers vs. New Jersey Nets (CLE leads 2-1)
This series is very intriguing. On paper, New Jersey is the better team. The Nets have the trio of Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson, and Jason Kidd; all with playoff experience. Mikki Moore is an up and coming player that has done well in replacing Nenad Kristic, and Bostjan Nachbar has a deadly three-pointer.
The Cavs are the higher seed because they have LeBron James. But until Cleveland puts more people around him, the Cavs are never going to make it out of the Eastern Conference. James might be enough to get them past the Nets, but once Detroit comes around say goodnight. Just think what the Cavs could be if they still had Carlos Boozer on their roster. Scary isn't it?
PREDICTION: The home court advantage proves to be just enough to hold off the Nets. Cleveland wins in a thrilling game seven.

Utah Jazz vs. Golden State Warriors (UTAH LEADS 2-1)
To me, this is the most exciting match-up remaining. The Warriors run and gun style is thrilling to watch, especially when they are playing at home. Utah is probably still a year or two away from really having the team needed to compete, but the Jazz kind of got thrown into an extraordinary opportunity in getting the No. 8 seed in the second round.
But to count the Warriors out because they are tough and relentless. Baron Davis looks like an MVP; who knows what this team could have been if he hadn't been injured for the majority of the season.
PREDICTION: The speedy Warriors will wear the Jazz out late in the series to take it in seven games.

Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls (DET LEADS 3-0)
This one is very simple. Like I said in an earlier blog, the Bulls still don't have that player that represents Michael Jordan, and the Pistons have far too much talent and experience for them. Detroit really has a better guy at each position, and will easily win this series.
PREDICTION: Detroit sweeps through the Bulls.

Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs (SA LEADS 2-1)
Most people expect the winner of this series to go on to win the title, and I can't say I disagree. The Suns are led by Steve Nash (who should have won the MVP) and they will not quit until it is all said and done. BUT as we very well know, defense wins and the Spurs definitely play defense. The Suns have a good team, but Duncan and Parker will prove to be too much as San Antonio heads on the win the NBA Championship.
PREDICTION: Spurs in 6.