Going Upstairs: Documenting Picks

When making series predictions, many writers like to pick how many games each series will go as a measure of how competitive it will be. But as we all know, not every five or six game series are created equal. Many times a five game series can be called a "gentleman's sweep" and other times it can be competitive, like the Bulls-Heat series last year. And six game series can be a product of home-court match-ups, or be an indicator of an actual competitive series that almost went seven games. For this reason, I will use half-game intervals in addition to the typical number of games.

So, here we go with my official first round predictions:

Chicago over Philadelphia (5.5 games)

The Sixers will win one home game and might sneak a game in Chicago as well. But still too much talent on the Bulls side.

Boston over Atlanta (6 games)

I think the Hawks can make this competitive, especially since they have home-court advantage. But the Celtics are too locked-in.

Miami over New York (6.5 games)

Carmelo vs. LeBron, finally. Unfortunately for the Knicks, the Heat wake up for the playoffs and take care of business. But not before some epic games at MSG, be sure to watch.

Indiana over Orlando (5 games)

The Pacers are a very impressive team and will not sleep through this series like the Bulls or Heat might. The Magic might win a game on hot shooting.

San Antonio over Utah (4.5 games)

Not enough experience on the Jazz side to make this competitive, as they will have a little too much of the "happy to be here" feeling. 

Memphis over LA Clippers (7 games)

Home-court advantage goes a long way here. The brilliance of Chris Paul in the playoffs will not be enough to overcome Vinny Del Negro's ineffectiveness as a coach.

Oklahoma City over Dallas (5.5 games)

Sad to see the defending champs bow out like this, but the hangover effect is still there. The Thunder want to take care of business

LA Lakers over Denver (6 games)

It will be difficult for the Lakers to win in Denver, which is why this will be a long series. But the Lakers best three players would all be the best player on the Nuggets roster. Talent wins out.