LA Lakers (1) vs. Utah Jazz (8)
There are only a couple of players in the NBA that carry that “wow” factor with them on the court at all times- Kobe Bryant is one of those players.  With arguably the best starting five of any team in the NBA right now, there is absolutely no real chance the Jazz can win this series.  The Lakers are at home throughout the series and the return of Andrew Bynum is only going to solidify the Lakers as the team to beat in the Western Conference this post season.  Let’s face it, even Jerry Sloan considers the Jazz’s (or is it Jazz’?) chances of beating the Lakers as “bleak”.  And don’t forget the fact that Kobe is averaging 31/4/4 against the Jazz in three games this season of which the Lakers won two of them.  Kobe had 40 back in January in a 113-100 win and 37 points in a four point nail biting loss in February.  The Jazz are a solid team but they lack the, how do you say it…oh yeah, talent, to beat the Lakers in a seven game series.  Don’t look for these teams to be playing each other deep into next week.
Prediction: Lakers in 5

Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Hornets
The NUGgets somehow finished the season in second place.  Shonsayyyy B-B-B-Billups (or can I not say that now that he’s left Detroit?) brought this team from dysfunkshonal chaos to second round contender this season.  The trade that brought him over was exactly what this team needed to play as a unit.  On his big lips rest the fate of this team.  I feel like the Nugs were just a bunch of guys thrown on the floor and told to play basketball before that.  With the addition of Shonsay, they are actually playing like a team.  As my good friend and college roommate Reggie Miller said on the air- “Shonsay brought this team together.  They all believe in the same goal now.”  Real original Reggie.  J.R. Smith needs to take intelligent shots, the Birdman needs to lay off the coke, and Melo needs to play his game and the rest will fall into place.  The New Orleans Hornets have a little dude I like to call Chris Paul.  CP3 has the ability to carry this team on his tiny little shoulders and get them to the next round, but I don’t see it happening.  Paul will have double digit assists in every game and will singlehandedly run circles around whoever tries to guard him, but that won’t be enough to advance to the second round.  I definitely see this series going the distance and if the Nuggets can catch fire towards the latter games, it is theirs for the taking. 
Prediction:  Nuggets in 7

Portland Trailblazers vs. Houston Rockets
Despite Michael Lewis’ very convincing article that Shane Battier is the best and quietest basketball player ever in the history of the world, he is only one man.  The curse of Tracy McGrady will not leave this team even though he will be in street clothes.  The youth of the Blazers will be a huge factor in this game as they will have a spring in their step and a hop in their jump.  Brandon Roy and Lamarcus Aldridge will lead this team to the second round all while Greg Oden ties his legs back on with his patellar tendon.  During the regular season series the Rockets won two of the three but both of those games were at home.  With the Blazers having home court throughout the round, I can see them building off the intensity of the crowd and winning in six or seven games.  Ron Artest has been quiet since his midseason threats to “shut it down”, so look for him to start making noise at some point before the season finishes.  Hopefully he doesn’t punch another fan in the face.  Oh wait, didn’t Jermaine O’Neal punch some dude in the face that night too?  That was so awesome.
Prediction: Blazers in 7

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks
The Spurs just know how to win.  Simple as that.  Dirk Nowitzki talks and sounds just like Bruno.  Jason Kidd is more like Jason Grandfather.  Tony Parker has a really hot wife.  Tim Duncan is Tim Duncan.  The Spurs will be at home for four out of the seven games and it will only take them six to win it.  Josh Howard will find some way to lose for the Mavericks.  I am really envious of Mark Cuban’s monetary status but anyone that interviews before the game while on his stairmaster just has to stop doing that.
Prediction: Spurs in 6

Go to the Eastern Conference