According to Hollinger's predictions: http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds (1) San Antonio vs (8) Memphis (2) LA Lakers vs (7) New Orleans (3) Dallas vs (6) Portland (4) OKC vs (5) Denver So, who do you have getting out of the first round? I like how we match up with Dallas, to be honest; they don't play a ton of defense, and we have the length to bother them on the perimeter. We could win or take it to 7 this year. My predictions: SA, LA, POR, and DEN. With OKC and Denver, I see a tough defensive team with a reputation playing against a willowy, speedy team with a reputation. The refs will have to decide what kind of game will get played: an OKC game where there's not much contact allowed, or a DEN game where there's grabbing and shoving allowed. I think we'll see more of the DEN style, and they will take advantage of it. SA/MEM will go 7 but I don't see MEM pulling it out. It'll be a tough one for SA though. LA and NO will be over in 6 or less; LA is just playing too well. POR/DAL is more evenly matched that a 3/6 seems; the homer in me says we'll make it, but only if Roy makes up his mind about what his body is telling him and plays honestly within himself.
Interesting, LMA averages the most ppg vs. Dallas than any other player in the NBA. Both mid seed match-ups will be a toss-up.
