Cramer: 2nd Round Predictions

The first round of the NBA Playoffs is complete, and though we had some interesting games, all in all it was rather disappointing from a fan standpoint. Not much drama, and any time it looked like we might see something out of the ordinary, the better team buckled down and took the series (see: Lakers and Hawks).

Now we're into the second round. The cream is beginning to raise to the top, and we have some very exciting series to look forward to. Here's how I think each of them will play out:

#1 Cavs vs. #4 Celtics
I was at game 1 on Saturday night, and it was easily the best atmosphere I've ever been a part of at a sporting event. Anyone who says Cleveland sucks really ought to attend a Cavs playoff game sometime before LeBron James either retires or bolts. I guarantee you will view the city, and the people in the city differently. The only word I can use to describe it is "electric". That being said, the Cavs didn't look like the best team in the league, and the Celtics didn't look like the oldest team in the league (until the fourth quarter, perhaps). Cleveland came out flat, and Boston was exploiting Mo Williams' defense time and time again. If Mike Brown can continue to make the proper adjustments to shut down Rondo, then the Cavs will have no problem getting by Boston. However, having watched Mike Brown over the last few years, it's not a sure thing that he will do this. No one knows what's going on inside of that man's head, but oftentimes it takes him until the second half to make the correct defensive alterations. Boston looked good on offense and defense in the first half. Garnett looked like his oldself, absolutely abusing Antawn Jamison on both ends of the court. If he continues to play at the top of his game for 48 minutes, and if Rondo can control the game like he did early in game 1, then Boston will win. What's going to happen? LeBron James. He will get his team through this round if it kills him (or his elbow). He has the best supporting cast he is going to have in Cleveland, and this is his year. Mike Brown will eventually make the right moves, even if it means this series goes 6 or 7 games.
Prediction: Cavs in 6

#2 Magic vs. #3 Hawks
If the regular season match-up between these teams is any indication of what will happen in this series, then Orlando is going to move on rather easily. Atlanta is an athletic, talented team. However, their fourth quarter offense just isn't good enough to get passed this championship caliber team. I've seen a lot of Atlanta this year, and it's the same story over and over again. They play tough for 3 quarters, but then they get stagnant in the fourth, and score somewhere between 10-17 points (and lose). Not to mention, Atlanta is an absolutely awful road team for how good they are. Orlando has too much on both sides of the ball for Atlanta to win the series. Dwight Howard will dominate for the minutes he is in there, and Jameer Nelson will do the rest.
Prediction: Magic in 5


#1 Lakers vs. #4 Jazz
Is anyone else as upset as I am that we won't get to see Denver play the Lakers this year? This is an awful match-up for the Jazz, and it will show on the court. Utah has historically had trouble beating L.A., and the fact that the Lakers have such a length advantage, and Kobe Bryant, will make it hard for that trend to change. Utah played great in the first round, but they were up against a team without their coach, and with some banged up players. With AK47 and Okur, Utah would still lose; so the fact that they're out makes this one even more inevitable. Bynum and Gasol will dominate the inside, and Kobe and Fisher will make all the big shots necessary to win this one easily. Utah will win one on their homecourt, but that's all.
Prediction: Lakers in 5

#3 Suns vs. #7 Spurs
I don't like the Suns. I haven't liked them all year. They're not built for the playoffs, and they got lucky catching the injury depleted Blazers in the first round. A lot of experts have the Suns possibly making the finals, but I don't see it. San Antonio has everyone healthy (for the most part), and they were my pre-season pick to make the finals. I'm going to stick by that pick. Popovich will be able to slow down the tempo enough to turn this into a grind it out series, which the Spurs excel at. Tim Duncan and Ginobili are determined to prove that they're not too old to win. They'll get their chance to prove that in the next round against Los Angeles. This series should be a piece of cake.
Prediction: Spurs in 6 (not exactly a piece of cake... but I'm confident in my pick)