Here are the NBA 2010 playoffs first round match-ups:
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls
The best team in the regular season spearheaded by the season MVP, Lebron James. The Bulls who caught the last ticket to the playoffs needs a miracle bigger than Shaq to pull an upset. Although the Bulls gave us the best first round match-up last year and they were able to beat the Cavs once in the regular season, they will be having a hard time matching up with the Cavs' personel. They would be lucky to get two wins against Lebron's team.
Orlando Magic vs. Charlotte Bobcats
Featuring two of the top defensive teams of the regular season, this series will most likely be won by the Magic. The Bobcats are off to their franchise's first ever play-off appearance thanks to Larry Brown and the trade that brought them Stephen Jackson. Only Captain Jack has the playoff reps among the Bobcats.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks would probably have a chance if Andrew Bogut did not get injured. Coach Skiles has his hands full in extending the surprise run of the "Fear the Deer" legions.
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat
Dywane Wade and the Heat will surely like their chances againstthe aged Celtics having the homecourt advantages. In the regular season, the Celtics lost a lot of home games in double figures and surrendering big leads as well. Wade should be motivated enough to surpass what Derrick Rose serve on the Celtics last year in the playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The defending champs are shoo-ins to a return trip to the Finals most of the regular season, until it seemed to sputter in the end. The Thunder are overachieving young guys which will probably makes it a little harder for Kobe and the Lakers to advance. Something they would need in facing tougher teams.
Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Mavericks appears to have the best line up to sneak past the defending champs but they would need to pass by the Spurs. Manu Ginobili is on fire and a solid Tim Duncan and well-prepared coach Pop, the Spurs smells capable of an upset.
Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trailblazers
A Roy-less blazers should be an easier matchup for the streaking Suns.They should get the inspiration from their defensive win over the Blazers last March 21.
Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz
This is the other series where upset is most likely. The Nuggets lost out the second seed after appearing legitimate contenders for most of the season. No thanks to Coach Karl's battle against cancer. The Jazz are playing sweet music but they need Boozer to advance.
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Sportsdom's take:
I wish that my Phoenix Suns can reach the conference finals in the NBA 2010 Playoffs. And if they are not facing the Lakers by then, Steve Nash would probably earn his first NBA finals trip. The safe bet still goes to a Kobe - Lebron duel in the finals.
