I went 7-1 on my first round picks which means one of two things: I'm a basketball genius! OR the first round is entirely unnecessary and should be eliminated. Hint: the second thing. I was right about Detroit getting serious on Philly, but wrong about the Spurs, who flopped and out-4th-quartered their way past the suns again.
East
Detroit vs. Orlando
Detroit proved again that they are the best team around when they care to play, which is roughly a quarter a game. Detroit just doesn't care enough to really play their best--4 of the 5 starters seem content with their rings from a few years ago. I think Orlando wins in 6 or 7.
Boston vs. Cleveland
This will be a good series to watch. Either the Celtics totally zoned out in the first round, or they really are as weak and vulnerable as a thoroughbred with a broken leg at the Kentucky Derby. I can't really see the Celtics blowing this though--they will take James seriously, and Boston's stronger roster will wear him down. Boston in 6.
West
Utah vs. Los Angeles
Utah's good, but the Lakers are better. They've got it together--rolling over dysfunctional Denver just gave them more energy, and Pau Gasol's beard has an intimidation factor of 8 (just a few points shy of Brian Blessed's record of 11). Lakers in 5.
San Antonio vs. New Orleans
The first round should have taught me not to pick against the Spurs, but I just hate them so much. They rely on acting and flopping to stick around for 3 quarters, and then count on the other team to be too tired to play defense in the 4th. Never has their been such a whiny uninspiring 'dynasty' team in any sport as the Spurs. New Orleans in 6.
