Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks
Don Nelson has got the Mavs figured out, he knows them better than any other coach in the league, his team has defeated the Mavs three times this season and he knows how to stop Dirk, yet his team won't beat the Mavs. Dallas had one of the most outstanding seasons of all time, they have got a great bench and Dirk is playing better than ever. Golden State will win one game or another, but they will face a really strong team.
Pick to Win: Dallas in five
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns
Two of the league's most offensive teams, this series will be great to watch. The Phoenix Suns once again got to the playoffs by playing beautiful fastbreak basketball. Steve Nash is getting old, but it doesn't seem to affect him at all. The Lakers almost nailed down this series last year, but they are a weaker team now. Los Angeles will need many 50-point games from Bryant to beat Phoenix, he will make it sometimes but not enough to defeat the hot Suns.
Pick to Win: Phoenix in Six
Denver Nuggets vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Nuggets are a different team since the All-Star break and they finished the season by beating some tough teams. Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson are finally together, but it will take more to go through the Spurs which have a Tim Duncan, Manu and Tony Parker that are already used to winning big series and titles. However, if the Nuggets defeat the Spurs they will have a shot at the championship. Duncan vs. Camby is a great matchup to look forward to.
Pick to Win: San Antonio in Six
Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets
Utah started the season in a good shape, winning many games, showing great defense and a balanced offense, but a late slump made them lose homecourt advantage. Now beating Houston seems impossible, yet it is likely to happen. I'm sure McGrady will play great basketball, since this is the first time one of his teams has a shot at the second-round, but I still see Utah as a better team, especially if Kirilenko steps up.
Pick to Win: Utah in seven