From the Hardwood...

The playoff match-ups are finally set. While we've known the majority of the participants for a while now, we now know the match-ups.

We'll handle the Western Conference First:

Lakers (1) vs. Nuggets (8)
When compared to the 1 vs. 8 in the East this one looks like an all time match up. But, in reality this one will be somewhat entertaining to begin with, but eventually will be a yawn fest as Kobe, Pau and the boys take care of AI and DUI er...uh...I mean Carmelo. Speaking of which, what a great time to create a distraction. Yet another reason why this one won't be so competitive.

Lakers in 5

Hornets (2) vs. Mavs (7)
Obviously the headlines going into this one will be about Kidd vs. Paul and how this is the changing of the guard at the Premier PG slot in the Association. I personally think Kidd will keep Paul in check, mostly due to his size. That is not to say Paul won't get his, but this series won't be a Chris Paul show. Now, you throw in Dirk and this could get pretty interesting. As long as West, Peja and Tyson all show up the Hornets should win but I'm not 100% sold. This one could be a very, very entertaining series.

Hornets in 7

Spurs (3) vs. Suns (6)
Probably the best match-up in the first round. This series is the primary reason the Shaq trade was made, so you know Kerr is praying it pays off. Initially it appeared as if that trade was going to be a bust, but they have pulled it together and really are playing well to end the season. For the Spurs it looks like they dominance is starting to wane and this series could be one of the signs of the end. If they lose this series don't be surprised to see some relatively drastic changes made in the off season. The Nash-Parker and O'Neal-Duncan match-ups are enough to make this a must watch.

Suns in 6

Jazz (4) vs. Rockets (5)
Even though the Jazz are the 4-seed they are actually the away team in the series. Gotta love the NBA! This should be a entertaining series as well. Obviously as an Illinois guy I pretty excited to see two of the stars of the '05 Illini team playing head to head in this one. However, one (Deron Williams) is a focus of one team while the other (Luther Head) is a role player. With that being said I think the difference in this one will be the back court play. Up front both teams are similar with the Jazz getting the slight nod with Okur and Boozer. The biggest challenge for Utah is limiting McGrady as they don't really have anyone that matches up. All in all I think the Jazz have too many weapons for the Rockets to stop.

Jazz in 7

Now for the necessary evil....the Eastern Conference:

Celtics (1) vs. Hawks (8)
What's the point?

Celtics in 4

Pistons (2) vs. 76ers (7)
While I applaud the 76ers for making the playoffs, just as I do with the Hawks, again what's the point? Making the playoffs in the Eastern Conference isn't saying much unless you're talking about how bad the Bulls really are. They may take a game, but that's about it.

Pistons in 5

Magic (3) vs. Raptors (6)
Depending on which Magic team shows up this could either be a really competitive series or a snooze fest. If they play hard and up to potential then I think they walk a way with this. But if they get lackadaisical the scrappy Raptors could make some noise. I see this being somewhere in the middle with Howard being the difference.

Magic in 6

Wizards (4) vs. Cavs (5)
Another intriguing match up if only for the individual match up of LeBron and Gilbert. This one could get interesting, but something tells me this is going to turn into a big game of 1 on 1. While I like Arenas, I like LeBron more and that will be the difference.

Cavs in 6

Well, there's the initial predictions. They will most definitely be wrong, but after the first round is over I'll re-visit these picks to see just how much of an idiot I am.

Boylan out...
In a Bulls related note the not so surprising release of Jim Boylan was announced today. Again, everyone saw this coming from a mile away. Let the off season of rebuilding begin for Paxson. His job certainly depends on how this summer goes.