(All times Eastern - lines are now posted)
SATURDAY, APRIL 19TH
Washington Wizards at Cleveland Cavaliers (-2, O/U 188)
[ESPN | 12:30 p.m.]
Early thoughts: Call me crazy, but I
think the third time will be the charm for the Wizards, who are about as
healthy as possible unlike last year. The
health of LeBron James and lack of chemistry from their trades will cost the
Cavs. I smell upset.
---
Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs (-4, O/U 194)
[ABC | 3 p.m.]
Early thoughts: The Suns got Shaq for this matchup and will
be able to see the results right away.
The Spurs are a bit vulnerable heading into the playoffs, but the winner
of this series will have a lot of confidence and most likely make it to the
conference finals.
---
Dallas Mavericks at New Orleans Hornets (-4.5, O/U 193)
[ESPN | 7 p.m.]
Early thoughts: Ironically, this is the best matchup possible
for the Mavs, who got a nightmare matchup last year in losing to the
Warriors. Dallas has enjoyed a lot of past success
against the Hornets, who may see veteran Jason Kidd get the best of Chris Paul.
---
Utah Jazz at Houston Rockets (-1, O/U 186.5)
[ESPN | 9:30 p.m.]
Early thoughts: The Jazz should have
no problem winning this series, especially since they have matchup advantages
at almost every position. The Rockets
had a great season capped by their 22-game winning streak, but Utah's Deron Williams
should dominate with Rafer Alston expected to miss the first few games due to a
hamstring injury.
SUNDAY, APRIL 20TH
Toronto Raptors at Orlando Magic (-6, O/U 196.5)
[TNT | 12:30 p.m.]
Early thoughts: The Raptors were the #3 seed in last year's playoffs, and it
got them nowhere. But like the Mavs in
their series against the Hornets, Toronto
matches up very well with the Magic and is very capable of pulling off the
upset. This series will come down to
Chris Bosh vs. Dwight Howard, and Bosh has won more of their battles.
---
Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers (-8.5, O/U 224)
[ABC | 3 p.m.]
Early thoughts: Will the Lakers take
the Nuggets seriously? That's about the
only question I have about this series.
Kobe Bryant has not advanced past the first round of the playoffs
without Shaq, but Pau Gasol should change that this time around.
---
Philadelphia 76ers at Detroit Pistons (-9.5, O/U 178.5)
[TNT | 6 p.m.]
Early thoughts: The only criticism
of the Pistons revolves around their motivation. I like what head coach Flip Saunders did with
his reserves down the stretch though, as they may now be the deepest team in the
playoffs. But are they already looking
ahead to the Celtics in the conference finals?
If so, the 76ers could steal a game or two.
---
Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics (-15, O/U 189)
[TNT | 8:30 p.m.]
Early thoughts: No contest.
Your thoughts?
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