Action From The NBA Playoffs

By David
Kaye

Sixteen teams have entered the playoffs with one goal and that is to capture the NBA championship. New Jersey, Chicago, Houston, Cleveland and Phoenix took one step closer to that mission by winning their opening round game.

Currently, the Denver and San Antonio game is in progress with the Nuggets on top 72-71. Later on tonight the Warriors and Mavericks do battle in Dallas. There are many question marks entering the playoffs and as the first round unfolds many of those questions will be answered.

In the east, can Washington defeat LeBron and the Cavs despite missing their two best players in Caron Butler and ''Agent Zero'' Gilbert Arenas? Also, can the hobbled Heat defend their NBA title by knocking off the young and energetic Chicago Bulls? They were not able to in game one and if Dwyane Wade wants to win his second title with Shaq he will have to step up his game.

In the west, how will Allen Iverson fair in his first playoff series with the Nuggets and can he and Carmelo pull off the first round upset of the Spurs? While Denver has the talent to do so, San Antonio has the playoff experience led by Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

Additionally, can the run and gun Warriors continue their regular season success against the NBA's best, the Dallas Mavericks. An 8-1 upset is possible and Golden State would be the perfect team to shock the Mavs. I'm rooting for the Warriors and so is the rest of the Bay Area.

The NBA playoffs is a long and argues process that takes many weeks until a champion is crowned. My prediction for the finals is Detroit against Phoenix, with the Suns pulling it out. While Phoenix is an offensive juggernaut, San Antonio and Dallas came at you with stellar defense and timely offense.

It might sound mundane picking the Pistons to come out of the east, but I can't envision another team knocking them off. LeBron and the Cavs have the ability to top their division rival, but it will not occur this season. If New Jersey can escape Toronto they have the best opportunity in my opinion to challenge Detroit. Jason Kidd is the ideal leader who can do it all and Vince Carter is in his final year with the Nets. It's time for him to take it to the next level and shine in the playoffs.