2nd Round Nba Playoffs

Some major surprises in the first round, including the Grizzlies knocking off the Spurs and becoming the 2nd 8th seed of All-time to advance out of the first round. Also the Knicks became the only team in this year's playoffs to not win a game, turning this season from satisfying to bitter-sweet for New York fans.

First Round Predictions/Actual results

Bulls 4-0 --- Bulls 4-1

Heat 4-1 --- Heat 4-1

Celtics 4-2 --- Celtics 4-0

Magic 4-1 --- Hawks 4-2

Spurs 4-1 --- Grizzlies 4-2

Lakers 4-0 --- Lakers 4-2

Mavericks 4-2 --- Mavericks 4-2

Thunder 4-3 --- Thunder 4-1

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Eastern Conference

1. Chicago Bulls vs. 5. Atlanta Hawks

With Kirk Hinrich out for the entire series, the Hawks are at an even bigger disadvantage then they already were. I was wrong when I expected them to be drubbed by Orlando last series, but this time is different. The Bulls have the MVP of the league Derrick Rose, and supporting cast of All-Stars that make the Magic look like toddlers. Now with the blow of losing Hinrich, this series could get ugly fast. -- Bulls in 4

2. Miami Heat vs 3. Boston Celtics

This will easily be the most exciting series of the Conference Semi's. Miami's big 3 vs. Boston's big 3. Lebron I would imagine is taking this series extra personal as the Celtics usually send him home packing and start his offseason earlier than planned. In their most recent affair which was exactly 3 weeks ago, the Heat demolished Boston by 23, with Lebron leading the way with 27 points. That's the most recent image of how these teams match up. Miami's role players, Mario Chalmers, Mike Bibby, etc. have stepped up since enduring midseason struggles, and that is the most prominent key in why Miami holds the edge in this series. Couple that with King James holding homecourt and we have an epic 7 game series. -- Heat in 7

Western Conference

8. Memphis Grizzlies vs 4. Oklahoma City Thunder

Perhaps the most intriguing matchup of them all. Zach Randolph and the upstart Grizzlies are coming off an historic upset, however it was against the most overrated team in the Playoffs. The question is, how will Memphis keep the explosive scoring of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant in check? Zach Randolph is one man and can only do so much, their head Coach Lionel Hollins is quite the warrior though, which gives this 8th seed the belief it needs. He's instilled great confidence in this once lowly franchise, giving them a punchers chance in this round. -- Thunder in 7

2. Los Angeles Lakers vs 3. Dallas Mavericks

Both the Lakers and Mavericks both won their respective series in 6 games, granted Dallas played a tougher team. Which brings us the interesting question of why the Lakers were tested so hard by the mediocre Hornets? Could Kobe and the Lakers be on the downswing? Probably not, I expect the Lakers to step up their game now that they're facing one of the West's elite teams, rather than the one man army of Chris Paul. The Mav's are formidable, but have never came across as having that killer/winning mentality instinct. Once they're placed against a team that has that instinct, things don't go so well. -- Lakers in 6