2. Boston vs 3. Orlando
Orlando isn’t the same team without Jameer Nelson, but Boston is in far worse shape without Garnett, especially after their exhausting series with Chicago. Some may say that the fatigue may kill them, but the Allen, Pierce, Rondo trio has some Irish luck backing them up, also known as their bench. After the way they started stepping up, that help is the key ingredient in the matchup. Plus, the Chicago series was an elightening and invigorating series. Maybe if Alston had more time and Howard started making some free throws for once in his life? Bye bye, Orlando. Boston 4-3
1. Cleveland vs. 4. Atlanta?Come on. Even Joe Johnson’s breakout performance doesn’t keep up with Lebron’s consistent stat bursters. And if Josh Smith misses another dunk, he might as well start his own All-Star competition. Caveliers 4-1
1. LA Lakers vs 5.Houston
This is actually their hardest matchup in the West. Houston has a rabid fan base and match up well with the Lakers. Especially with the Rockets bench seeing its best games against the Lakers. The Rockets will put up a great fight as Artest will definitely show a big game and Yao Ming and Scola will definitely have games to remember. But with Bynum back and Gasol at forward, the Lakers are too talented to lose here. Lakers 4-3
2. Denver vs 3. Dallas
The Nuggets fans are probably happy to be in the second round for the first time since 1994. Even though the Mavs have been on a roll, Billups isn’t going to let his hometown down. Terry, Howard, and Dirk just won’t be able to keep at the end. Denver 4-3

Farrukh Virani