This year there doesn't seem to be a dominant team. The Spurs finished with the best record, but I don't see many people insisting that they are the once and future champions. Instead, what I hear is, "The Lakers haven't fallen that far, have they?"

So what to do to pass the time as the playoffs ramble along? Let's see if we can predict who will win. Yea!!!

Let's start in the East.

The East was horrible this year. In fact, the Rockets, a team that didn't make the playoffs in the West, went 25-5 against Eastern Conference teams. Only three Eastern conference teams had winning records against the West and they all had 16-12 records. It doesn’t inspire much confidence for the finals, does it?

Philadelphia vs Indiana - Iverson vs. Miller, that's what I’m looking forward to. Indiana closed 8-2 while Philly went 6-4. This series won't be won in the backcourt, where the best players are, it will be won up front and that's where the Sixers have the edge. Philadelphia swept the season series, but I think the Pacers can pick up one. Philadelphia in four.

Milwaukee vs. Orlando - Orlando's close was a weak 4-6, obviously peaking for the playoffs. Milwaukee was 6-4, not great, but at least above .500. Orlando made it here with Tracy McGrady and a lot of heart, but this is as far as hearts allow. Allen and Robinson will dominate. The Bucks won the season series 4-0. They complete the shutout. Milwaukee in three.

Miami vs. Charlotte - Charlotte finished with four straight wins while Miami went 7-3 so both can claim to be hot. The Hornets, though, just don't have "it", whatever "it" is. Every year, they show up and go home. Mourning will have a field day as he is just now getting back to form. The season series was split at two each, but that won't matter. Miami in four.

New York vs. Toronto - Both teams finished well. Toronto went 7-3 while New York went 6-4. Toronto is still a year or two away, provided they can keep their talent. The Raptors need to continue to rebound well against the Knicks to win the matchup. Toronto won the season series 3-1 by taking a game in New York. Can you say repeat? Toronto in four.

The west is much stronger and closer top to bottom. If there are any first round upsets, this is where they will come from.

San Antonio vs. Minnesota - Minnesota finished 5-5, while the Spurs went 7-3. This is a much closer series than most will expect. Watch San Antonio's free throw shooting for a key as to who is winning. Hacking may be the only way the Timberwolves can stay close inside. The Spurs took the season series at 3-1, but they were close games. The trend continues... San Antonio in five.

Los Angeles vs. Portland - It's going five. Bank on it. Although Portland finished at 3-7 and LA was on fire (9-1) this series has a hate-hate relationship attached to it. Kobe and Shaq will learn to get along for one more run and that's it (Just a little guess). The series was split through four games which is exactly where we will be on May 4. Los Angeles in five.

Sacramento vs. Phoenix - Both teams finished out 6-4. This is Chris Webber’s series to win. He should be the dominant player. Jason Kidd may school J-dub so look for a little more Bobby Jackson in certain spots. The Kings took the series 3-1 with three games being close. The Suns get one more this time. Sacramento in five.

Utah vs. Dallas - Dallas finished at 7-3 while Utah coasted in at 5-5. See Dirk run. See Dirk Pass. See Dirk shoot. Can Dirk do it in the playoffs? We'll see as Dallas makes its first playoff run in a decade. Karl and John are ready for another playoff run, but are their bodies? This series was tied this season with each team winning two on the others court. That won't happen this time, but Dallas will win at least one at Utah. Dallas in four.

That's the first round. Two so called upsets, but they are both 4/5 games. It's gonna be interesting this year with so many teams so equal and if anybody gets hot they could easily make a run. That will have to wait till the round of eight, however, as the first round basically goes as expected.

Don't worry I won't leave you hangin', there's no analysis, just a general feeling as to how the rest of the playoffs will go:

CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS

Philadelphia over Toronto in four
Miami over Milwaukee in seven

Los Angeles over Sacramento in seven
San Antonio over Dallas in six

CONFERENCE FINALS

Miami over Philadelphia in six
Los Angeles over San Antonio in six

NBA FINALS

Los Angeles over Miami in seven

So let it be written, so let it be done...

Article first appeared at www.e-sports.com

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