The 2008 NBA playoffs matchups are set! Check to see which NBA team is going against whom and how they did against each other during the NBA regular season. However, keep in mind that the NBA postseason is a different beast and anything can happen!
EASTERN CONFERENCE
[1) Boston Celtics (66-16) VS. (8) Atlanta Hawks (37-45)
REGULAR SEASON SERIES - Celtics win 3-0
- Nov. 9: at Celtics 106, Hawks 83
- Mar. 2: at Celtics 98, Hawks 88
- Apr. 12: Celtics 99 at Hawks 89
It's finally go-time for the Celtics to prove that their regular season dominance will follow into the postseason. This is probably the best shot Kevin Garnett will get to putting behind all of his past playoff woes. Not that he needs to necessarily, but going deep in the playoffs this season will cement that he is one of the all-time greats to play the game. The upstart Hawks get a chance to add some playoff experience to their resumes, but probably not much.
PREDICTION: Celtics in four games.
(2) Detroit Pistons (59-23) VS. (7) Philadelphia 76ers (40-42)
REGULAR SEASON SERIES - Tied 2-2
- Nov. 23: at Pistons 83, 76ers 78
- Jan. 23: Pistons 86 at 76ers 78
- Mar. 12: 76ers 83 at Pistons 82
- Apr. 9: at 76ers 101, Pistons 94
The Pistons are once again creeping into the playoffs without much hulabaloo, which is the way they like it. In the East everyone talks about the Celtics, but by the end of this matchup, you will hear the Sixers groaning. Props to the Sixers for improving and ending the second half with a bang, but the Piston veterans and a surprisingly young and effective bench will end the dream for the Sixers.
PREDICTION: Pistons in five games.
(3) Orlando Magic (52-30) VS. (6) Toronto Raptors (41-41)
REGULAR SEASON SERIES - Magic win 2-1
- Nov. 7: Magic 105 at Raptors 96
- Feb. 20: at Raptors 127, Magic 110
- Mar. 4: at Magic 102, Raptors 87
The Magic improved by a dozen games in the W column from last season, thanks in part to Dwight Howard's development and the addition of Rashard Lewis. The Raptors probably underachieved, but Chris Bosh did all he could and when it comes down to it, I think that the Magic's trio of Howard, Lewis, and Hedo Turkoglu will eventually prove to be too much to handle for the Raps.
PREDICTION: Magic in six games.
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers (45-37) VS. (5) Washington Wizards (43-39)
REGULAR SEASON SERIES - Tied 2-2
- Dec. 5: at Wizards 105, Cavaliers 86
- Jan. 23: at Cavaliers 121, Wizards 85
- Feb. 22: at Cavaliers 90, Wizards 89
- Mar. 13: at Wizards 101, Cavaliers 99
This is a matchup where the Wizards hope the phrase, "The third time is a charm" comes into play. For the third year in a row, the Cavs and Wiz hook up with the Cavs taking the previous two playoff series. LeBron James has a lot to prove, but so does Gilbert Arenas. This will definitely go the wire and you have to wonder how much consistent support will LBJ get?
PREDICTION: Wizards in seven games.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Los Angeles Lakers (57-25) VS. (8) Denver Nuggets (50-32)
REGULAR SEASON SERIES - Lakers win 3-0
- Nov. 29: at Lakers 127, Nuggets 99
- Dec. 5: Lakers 111 at Nuggets 107
- Jan. 21: at Lakers 116, Nuggets 99
Poor, poor, poor Carmelo Anthony. Not only was he arrested for suspicion of DUI, but it doesn't look like he'll get past the first round of the playoffs again. Kobe Bryant is focused and has a supporting cast, notably Pau Gasol whom the Lakers acquired in the middle of the season that rejuvenated them, that is rewarding Kobe's faith by producing at a high level. Allen Iverson will have a say in what goes down, but in the end, it's hard to go against Bryant's focus and will to win.
PREDICTION: Lakers in five games.
(2) New Orleans Hornets (56-26) VS. Dallas Mavericks (51-31)
REGULAR SEASON SERIES - Tied 2-2
- Dec. 1: at Hornets 112, Mavericks 108 (OT)
- Dec. 14: at Mavericks 89, Hornets 80
- Feb. 20: at Hornets 104, Mavericks 93
- Apr. 16: at Mavericks 111, Hornets 98
Who would have ever predicted the Hornets being this good, this fast? Probably Chris Paul as he seemingly took the team on his shoulders and just made them all better. However, going up against a team that still has its main players that made it all the way to the NBA Finals just two years ago is a dangerous thing. Sorry, Mr. Paul and Company, it was a good run, but I think the experience, skill set, and probably desperation to prove something from both Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd help the Mavs move on to the second round.
PREDICTION: Mavs in six games.
(3) San Antonio Spurs (56-26) VS. Phoenix Suns (55-27)[/br] REGULAR SEASON SERIES - Suns win 3-1
- Dec. 17: Suns 100 at Spurs 95
- Jan. 31: Spurs 84 at Suns 81
- Mar. 9: at Suns 94, Spurs 87
- Apr. 9: Suns 96 at Spurs 79
This very matchup is why the Suns traded for Shaquille O’Neal - to offset Tim Duncan's effectiveness. This will be an exciting series to watch because you have one of the best offenses in the Suns going against one of the best defenses in the Spurs. They both are coming into the postseason with a 7-3 record in their last 10 games and this is where the Suns will miss Shawn Marion's defense. It'll be a dogfight, but...
PREDICTION: Spurs in seven games.
(4) Utah Jazz (54-28) VS. (5) Houston Rockets (55-27)
REGULAR SEASON SERIES - Jazz win 2-1
- Nov. 1: Rockets 106 at Jazz 95
- Jan. 27: Jazz 97 at Rockets 89
- Apr. 14: at Jazz 105, Rockets 96
How the Rockets continued to succeed as they did without Yao Ming is a credit to the Rockets bench, their coaching, and of course, the efforts of Tracy McGrady. The Jazz are strong and hope to prove that last year's appearance in the Western Conference Finals wasn't a fluke.
PREDICTION: Jazz in six games.
