Previewing The Playoffs-Part 1

So I'm going to try to stick around TDS and post more often than I normally do during the offseason. So I thought I would start by previewing the playoff series that start today. Nothing in depth, but it can create a forum in which we can discuss the games and players. And you can use the comments as a open game thread for the day's games.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls

The first series to tip off today is between the Sixers and Bulls. This series reminds me so much of the Pacers-Bulls series from last year. Part of it is the fact that the Bulls are basically the same squad, and the Sixers are a young and upcoming bunch with a veteran star wing player that plays pretty good defense.

Obviously you have to like the Bulls here. They won the season series 2-1 and ended the season much better than the Sixers. Though the only team that ended the season in poorer form than the Sixers was...us. And the Bobcats.

Series Prediction: Bulls in 6

New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat

The next series is the hype machine. LeBron, Bosh, Wade, Amare, Chandler, Melo, and Novak headline this matchup.

You're going to hear a lot about this one, so I won't make it any more painful. Suffice it to say that this series will be a huge talking point whether it's a sweep or if it goes the distance.

Series Prediction: Heat in 6

Orlando Magic vs. Indiana Pacers

Gotta like the team whose center isn't being a total baby, right? If these guys ever play on ESPN or ABC, be ready for Jeff van Gundy to foam over J.J. Reddick's improved defense and Ryan Anderson's ability to space the floor. And that's about it for the Magic.

Much like the Sixers remind me of last year's Pacers, this year's Pacers remind me a little bit of the Bulls from two years ago when they played the Cavaliers. They were the 8 seed and were either swept or lost 4-1. They were too young. Well, the following year they became the 1 seed. That's kind of how I see the Pacers right now actually. They're young, talented, and they don't completely know how good they are yet. Are they good enough to sweep a Magic team that is sans Dwight Howard? Yeah they are. Can they challenge the Heat (or the Knicks who would be playing with a ton of momentum if they beat the Heat)? We're going to find out together, aren't we?

Series Prediction: Pacers in 5

Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

It's a rematch of last year's Western Conference Finals, but the Thunder are the clear favorites this time. No Tyson Chandler means that the Thunder will expect to run lay-up lines and the Mavs will need Dirk to be the Dirk from last year's playoffs (capable of going for 40 every night, hits every big shot). I don't know if they can do it.

But I live in Lubbock, where everyone thinks the Mavs are underrated. And so they're the sexy pick to pull the upset in the first round. So I'm going with that.

Series Prediction: Mavs in 4. Am I doing this to jinx the Mavericks? Yep. I almost put "Mavs in 3" just to be sure.