SEMIFINALS ARE HERE!!!
(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (4) Utah Jazz
The Lakers have shown that they can score, but can they stop scoring? The Jazz are one of the most well-balanced teams remaining, and I expect them to put up a fight against the Lakers. However, the Kobe/Pau combination is at an all-time high, and I think that duo will just overpower the Jazz in the end...
Prediction: LAL 4-2
(1) Boston Celtics vs. (4) Cleveland Cavaliers
The Celtics' suffocating defense is amazing, but stopping LeBron James will be their toughest challenge yet. After watching the first round, my perspective on both of these teams have changed tremendously, but not the result. LeBron is unfortunate that he has to play the Celtics by himself... Kevin Garnett was on a roll against the Hawks, and it won't end here...
Prediction: BOS 4-2
(2) New Orleans Hornets vs. (3) San Antonio Spurs
I doubted the Hornets earlier, and look what they did. David West is showing how to win and be an under-the-radar guy at the same time. Chris Paul got snubbed in the MVP voting and will show the Spurs and Gregg Poppovich why he should have won it. Tim Duncan vs. West/Tyson Chandler will be very exciting to watch, and it could determine who wins the series. Tony Parker will have a hellish matchup with CP3. Manu off the bench could hurt the Hornets... so many variables, so little time...
Prediction: NO 4-3
(2) Detroit Pistons vs. (3) Orlando Magic
Detroit took too long to dispose of Philly, which could bite them in the back in this series. With this series, once again, you have one variable: Dwight Howard. It's this simple. If the Pistons can shut down Howard, they win. If they can't, the Magic win. I say the Pistons rebound after a not-so-good opening round, shut down Howard somewhat using a combination of Sheed/Maxiell/Amir Johnson, and use some balanced teamwork to pull through...
Prediction: DET 4-2
