The Daily Nickel

For the Nickel today, I have five predictions concerning the first round of the NBA Playoffs:

Prediction # 1- The Lakers will beat the Hornets in seven games. Are you surprised that the wounded Hornets are taking it to the mighty Lakers in the first round? You shouldn't be. The NBA owns the Hornets, and they are looking to drive up their value for any potential owner out there who may need some extra enticement. The NBA has been known to 'influence' the outcomes of games before (Bill Donaghy please step forward!) so I'm not shocked at all by the good showing by the Hornets. Still, in the end, the Lakers are too good to lose so they'll pull out a dramatic game 7 victory.

Prediction # 2-The Thunder will sweep the Nuggets. The Nuggets are pretty pitiful without a superstar, and the Thunder are looking more an more amazing as the season progresses. They have two superstars (Westbrook and Durant), several solid big men (Ibaka, Perkins, Collins), a backup point guard that I wish was starting for the Mavs (Eric Maynor) and the 2nd best 6th man in the NBA (James Harden). They play explosive offense and solid defense....a recipe for a long playoff run.




Prediction # 3- The Celtics will beat the Knicks in four games. I guarantee this one, and it may be the only one that I get right. How can I be so sure? It already happened, so I guess I cheated. Sorry about that.





Prediction # 4- The Heat will finish off the Sixers in Miami tomorrow. The Sixers avoided a sweep last night in Philly, but their season comes to an end after just one more game. The Heat will relish the opportunity to close the series out in front of their home crowd.



Prediction # 5- The Blazers will beat the Mavs in six games. After their historical collapse in game four (losing after being up by 23 points in the second half), the Mavs are reeling and in no position to win tonight. That means they go back to Portland for game six on the brink of elimination, and the Blazers will only be too happy to give them a gentle nudge off the cliff and into an early summer vacation.