These are my 1st round predictions:
East:
Detroit in 5 games
Orlando isn't very good offensively. They also have serious PG issues. Jameer Nelson has been sitting down the stretch at the end of the season. And PG issues are definately not what you want when facing Billups. Orlando relies heavily on Howard inside, and Detroit has a bunch of bodies they can throw at him.
Cleveland in 4 games
I hate Cleveland, but this series will be a joke. Cleveland excels when they can get out and run. I've posted the ridiculous SU and ATS #'s this season when scoring over 100 points. It's over 80%. I see them getting a lot of easy chances on Washington. Washington also has no inside presence, and Cleveland should dominate the glass.
New Jersey in 6 games
NJ is healthy now (Jefferson still isn't 100%, but he's still a force). If NJ was healthy all year, and started the season this this current line-up, they would have won the Atlantic. So, I consider NJ as the 3 seed here, and Toronto as the 6. Toronto's transition defense is below-average, and NJ really started to run late in the year. I see NJ continuing to push the ball, as they certainly have the personel to do so. Kidd will dominate Ford in this series. Mikki Moore should be able to match-up with Bosh's quickness. I just don't see Toronto matching up well with the NJ wing players. Carter should have a monster series.
Chicago in 6 games
Miami is entering the playoffs very banged up. Wade, Haslem, and Payton were all hurt down the stretch. I think Chicago will be able to get out and run in this series. Miami should have major problems defending the Bulls backcourt. Whoever controls the glass will win this series, and I believe the Bulls athleticism will win over on Miami's older team.
West:
Dallas in 5 games
Golden St. really has no chance on the road in this series. Dallas' focus is ONLY on winning a title. Dallas should be able to slow this game down. But if it is played a fast tempo, Dallas is just as quick as Golden St. The Warriors have no answer for Nowitzki or Howard inside. I see GS going down 2-0 early, and Dallas taking game 3. At that point, the Warriors confidence will be deflated.
Phoenix in 5 games
The Lakers defense is what will kill them in this game. This team simply CANNOT defend. Farmar will help somewhat at the PG spot as a starter, but the Suns are just too quick for the Lakers. The only way the Lakers can stay competitive in this series is if Odom steps up. But Diaw and Marion match-up very well with him, so I just don't see it. Bell should do an adequate job defending Kobe all series, not allowing him to win the series by himself. Byum and Brown are way too slow to defend Stoudamire, who should have a huge series. I honestly think Turiaf should start Center, and get 35+ minutes a game this series.
Denver in 7 games
I have a hunch here. Denver played well down the stretch, and won some pretty big road games. I think if they can get a win early in San Antonio in game 1 or 2, that will give them major confidence in this series. The Spurs are a slow team, that's nothing new. I think Denver will be able to get out and run in this series. The X-factor(s) here is Nene and Camby. I think if Nene can stay out of foul trouble, he can defend Duncan in single coverage. Without a real presence at Center for the Spurs, Camby should have some freedom on defense, and I think he can shut down the drives by Manu and Parker. Iverson is KILLING to get back to the playoffs. I think he is going to dominate this series. Late in the game, when the game becomes a half-court game, Melo and AI will dominate down the stretch.
Houston in 6 games
I admit I liked Utah after they beat Houston in Houston a few weeks ago. But since then, they have played terrible. They really needed to beat Phoenix at home late in the season, and they ended up losing by 20. Houston is a strong road team, and I'm confident that they can win in the tough atmosphere in Utah. Luther Head is back after an injury mid-season. He really extends the defense and can hit open shots when Yao is doubled. I think Houston's ability to shoot the 3 should win them this series. Utah is not a very good offensive team. I think Houston will be able to score some points in this series, and of course, Houston's D will be there every game.
illow: 
