NBA Conference Finals Predictions

With only four teams left and the Finals approaching, things are getting a little more serious in the NBA Playoffs. LeBron, Kobe, Carmelo, and Dwight Howard are leading their teams to a possible championship appearance, and these Conference Finals are shaping up to be series to remember. Here are my predictions...

Eastern Conference: (1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (3) Orlando Magic
Before losing Game 1, the Cavs were surging with energy and confidence being 8-0 in the postseason. Orlando just came out of a tough series against Boston lasting seven games.

The Cavaliers don’t slow down for anybody, and they run the whole game whether they’re up 40 or down 40. I predict that the Cavs will win it and advance on to the finals. The Magic will put up a tough fight, but I don’t expect this series to last seven games.

Howard will dominate as usual, but LeBron is going to play with even more intensity than before. I expect Hedo Turkoglu and J.J. Redick to have good games in this series, but I think Delonte West will be the surprise and improve dramatically.

Western Conference: (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (2) Denver Nuggets
Currently, the series is tied 1-1. Two hard-fought games between the two teams are leading me to believe that this series will be exciting.

Carmelo Anthony and Kobe Bryant were basically equal, both leading their teams. The only difference was that Kobe pulled through for his team in the fourth quarter in Game 1 when they were behind. His inconsistent teammates didn’t do much to help him, but he proved why everyone refers to him as the “One-man Show.”

I’m going to go out on a limb here and pick the underdog the Nuggets. I know Kobe has been on lately, but the Chauncey Billups-Carmelo Anthony duo is working phenomenally. Pau Gasol needs to contribute a whole lot more to change my mind, but you never know with Kobe.