NBA Playoffs First Round Predictions

Eastern Conference
(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (8) Philadelphia 76ers
Injuries to Derrick Rose may hurt the Bulls at some point, but not against the Sixers. Philadelphia has struggled down the stretch while the Bulls have been strong all season, including solid play from its bench.
The pick: Chicago

(2) Miami Heat vs. (7) New York Knicks
The Knicks may surprise in a game or two if Carmelo Anthony erupts on offense and if New York's outside shots are falling. Anything short of an NBA title will be a disappointment in South Beach.
The pick: Miami

(3) Indiana Pacers vs. (6) Orlando Magic
The Pacers have surprised this season after a strong playoffs last year. Dwight Howard is out with a back injury and the Magic season can't end soon enough.
The pick: Indiana

(4) Atlanta Hawks vs. (5) Boston Celtics
The Celtics have been super since the All-Star break. Not breaking up this team has paid off so far. Al Horford won't be back for at least the first round of the playoffs. The areas where the Celtics are strong are the areas where the Hawks are weak.
The pick: Boston


Western Conference
(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Utah Jazz
The Jazz fought impressively just to make the playoffs. If they can keep this team together for a couple of seasons, Utah could be a force to be reckoned with. The Spurs already are.
The pick: San Antonio

(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (7) Dallas Mavericks
Dallas caught fire in last year's playoffs en route to a championship. This is not that team as the Mavericks are hoping to make the best of it this time around, hoping to sign Deron Williams in the offseason and then make a play for Dwight Howard later. The Thunder are an exciting, young team that is just beginning to reach its potential.
The pick: Oklahoma City

(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Denver Nuggets
Kobe Bryant hates to lose and combined with Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum they form a solid unit with lots of experience. The Nuggets have surprised this season.
The pick: Los Angeles Lakers

(4) Memphis Grizzlies vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers
The Grizzlies play great team ball with lots of size. The Clippers have the star power. This could be the tightest first-round series with Memphis holding home-court advantage. 
The pick: Memphis