2008 NBA Playoff Previews: West
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Lakers (57-25 SU, 47-34 ATS) vs. Nuggets (50-32 SU, 44-36 ATS)

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: Lakers 3-0 SU/ATS
Nov. 29: at Lakers 127, Nuggets 99 (Lakers -5, game went OVER 219)
Dec. 5: Lakers 111, at Nuggets 107 (Nuggets -8, UNDER 221)
Jan. 21: at Lakers 116, Nuggets 99 (Lakers -3, UNDER 215)

Forgive the top-seeded Lakers for feeling a little confident, but they dominated the regular season series with Denver, a perfect 3-0 SU/ATS, winning by scores of 127-99, 111-107 and 116-99. LA won 8 of its final 9 games to claim the top seed in the West. They are a young, uptempo team that averages 108 ppg, fourth in the NBA. This may surprise you, but they also play good defense, allowing 44.5% shooting by opponents, sixth best in the NBA, just behind the Spurs. 29-year old Kobe Bryant is happy as he is surrounded by an excellent supporting cast. He led LA in scoring again with 28 ppg, 5.4 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game.

The Lakers went from being a good team to a great one after essentially stealing 27-year old 7-foot Pau Gasol (18.9 ppg, 7.8 rpg) from the Grizzlies for Kwame Brown and Javaris Crittenton, one of the most lopsided trades in NBA history. Teamed with 6-10 Lamar Odom (14.2 ppg, 10.6 rpg), this is a dynamite (and tall) frontcourt. 7-foot starting center Andrew Bynum (13.1 ppg, 10.2 rpg) gives the Lakers a dominating frontcourt, but Bynum's knee probably won't be healed before the end of the playoffs. Bynum played in just 35 games (25 starts) and the Lakers were still good enough to claim the top seed with him out since January.

The backcourt has a nice blend of veteran Derek Fisher (11.7 ppg) alongside Bryant, with young Jordan Farmar (9.1 ppg) coming off the bench, a former first-round draft pick. The Lakers play team-oriented basketball for coach Phil Jackson and have good role players in super-passer Luke Walton (7.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and 6-10 Vladimir Radmanovic, who shoots 40% from long range. The Lakers are 27-14 SU, 26-13 ATS on the road and 12-10 SU, 15-6 ATS as a dog. This is a young, hungry team with an excellent blend of offensive star power, defense and role players.

Trying to pull the upset will be Denver, coach George Karl, and his run-and-gun minions. Denver doesn't surprise anyone: They run right at the opponent, especially at home, not caring about defense. Their goal is to tire out the other team and win a shootout. That's not a bad run-and-gun philosophy when you have sparkplug offensive catalysts like Allen Iverson (26.5 ppg, 7.2 apg) and 6-8 Carmelo Anthony (25.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg). That offense averages 110 ppg, second best in the league. Of course, they don't play any defense, giving up 107 ppg, second worst in the NBA.

Rebounding is going to be a key for the Nuggets against this LA front line and they have two good role players in 6-8 Kenyon Martin (12 ppg, 6.4 rpg) and 6-11 Marcus Camby (9 ppg, 13.2 rpg). The undersized bench of 6-8 Linas Kleiza (11 ppg) and 6-8 Eduardo Najera doesn't match up well with LA's frontcourt and versatile pine, so it will be up to the Denver starters to carry the load.

In past years Denver has been a great home team and a poor road team, and that's been the case this season. They are 33-8 SU, 24-16 ATS at home, but 17-24 SU, 19-20 ATS on the road. A weakness that will hurt in the postseason is defense, as Denver is only 14th in the NBA holding opponents to .457% shooting. Denver started 46-33 OVER the total with that uptempo style. These teams are a pair of wide-open offenses, but only one plays defense, which is why LA is the top seed.


Mavericks (51-31 SU, 35-41 ATS) vs. Hornets (56-26 SU, 50-29 ATS)

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: Tied 2-2 SU/ATS
Dec 1: at Hornets 112, Mavs 108 (Mavs -3, game went OVER 193)
Dec. 14: at Mavs 89, Hornets 80 (Mavs -8, UNDER 194)
Feb. 20: at Hornets 104, Mavs 93 (Hornets -4, OVER 192)
April 15: at Mavs 111, Hornets 98 (Mavs -6, OVER 194)

Two teams that went in opposite directions this season. Dallas, the juggernaut of the league a year ago, never found the same groove, then made a midseason trade to try and jumpstart things by bringing in veteran Jason Kidd. Most thought New Orleans was a fluke during a hot start, but they never faded and finished with the No. 2 seed in the West. New Orleans carries a 12-5 SU, 12-5 ATS run into the playoffs.

Where did these kids come from? At age 22, Chris Paul is the most electrifying guard in the league, with 21 points and over 11 assists per game. He runs fits around opposing defenses with his quickness and playmaking ability. 6-9 David West (20 ppg, 9 rpg) and 7-foot-1 Tyson Chandler (11 ppg, 12 rpg) are rebounding machines in the low post. Veteran Peja Stojakovic (16 ppg) has stepped into a good situation and adds the outside game. New Orleans is a sizzling 26-15 SU, 24-14 ATS on the road and 12-11 SU, 14-9 ATS as a dog. If you win with defense, note that the Hornets allow 95 ppg, 5th best in the NBA.

The Hornets never quit. They trailed by 30 points in the first half at LA late in the season, and came within one point late in the fourth quarter before falling 107-104 at the Staples Center. Hornets point guard Chris Paul battled foul trouble but finished with 15 points, 17 assists and six rebounds. We're not sold on the ability of Hornets Coach Byron Scott yet. He was the coach of the Nets when they went to the NBA Finals in consecutive years (2002, 2003), but made numerous questionable moves that didn't help his team. He gets another chance to prove us wrong.

This was an interesting comment from Paul late in the season: "I'm worried a little bit because right now we're trying to outscore teams. The reason we have been the No. 1 team in the Western Conference is because of our defense. Right now, I feel like we don't trust each other on the defensive end of the court. We can score with a lot of teams, but right now we're all just doing our own thing on the defensive end." "We can't guard anybody," added forward David West. "Our defense is non-existent. We're just not playing good basketball." They'd better get that fixed quick!

Testing that defense will be the new-look Mavericks. 35-year old point guard Jason Kidd (9 ppg, 9.3 ppg) was brought in to try and shake things up on what was an underachieving team. He's added star power and play-making ability, but he hasn't made that big a difference. Dallas gave up depth and quickness by trading away Devin Harris. Regardless, this is still a formidable group. Dallas coach Avery Johnson has gotten this team to play much better defense, allowing .44% shooting by opponents, 4th best in the NBA. Dallas is also a fine offensive team, shooting .46% (9th) and is reliable from the line.

Dallas averages 100 ppg, led by the frontcourt of 7'-0" Dirk Nowitzki (23.8 ppg, 8.6 rpg) and 6'-11" Erick Dampier (7.5 rpg) and 6'-7" small forward 27-year old Josh Howard (19.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg) leading the team in rebounds. Howard is second on the team in scoring and third in rebounding, and is a high-energy player and defensive stopper. Sparkplug guard Jason Terry (15.3 ppg, 3.2 apg) runs the break with Kidd while sixth-man Jerry Stackhouse (10.8 ppg) has really blossomed in his role off the bench.

6-8 widebody Brandon Bass (8.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and Devean George round out an average bench. Dallas is 33-7 SU, 16-19 ATS at home and 17-24 SU, 18-22 ATS on the road. And that provides a clue as to why they've disappointed, as a year ago the Mavs were an amazing 31-10 SU, 20-19 ATS on the road. The Dallas defense allowed just 92 ppg at home last year, but 95 per game this season, so they've slipped in other areas, too. The Mavs are 4-10 SU as a dog, giving up 103 ppg (10-4 over the total as a dog). They are still 23-16 ATS the last three years as a dog.

Coach Avery Johnson was very good two seasons ago at making adjustments and trying new things. In the playoffs against the Spurs in 2006, Johnson went with a smaller quick lineup by inserting Adrian Harris, Devon Harris and Jason Terry on the floor at the same time. They went uptempo against San Antonio and it worked wonders, especially after losing the first game. Before the NBA Finals meltdown in 2006, Dallas was perfect in its 4-game sweep of Memphis and showed its mettle by winning Game 7 in overtime at San Antonio. The Mavericks beat the Spurs in a playoff series for the first time. Nowitzki had 37 points and 15 rebounds in Game 7 while playing Spurs' big man Tim Duncan to a standoff.

Last season was a different story, as the mighty Mavs were the first No. 1 seed to lose to a No. 8 seed in the first round, a shocking 6-game loss to Golden State. The team really hasn't recovered since. Warriors coach Don Nelson ran rings around Avery Johnson, his former assistant. Everyone expected Dallas to win in the 2006 Finals and last season, but they flopped. Perhaps with no one expecting them to win, they will do better now that the pressure is off? Maybe.


Jazz (54-28 SU, 43-36 ATS) vs. Rockets (54-28 SU, 45-33 ATS)

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: Jazz 2-1 SU, 2-1 ATS
Nov. 11: Rockets 106, at Jazz 95 (Jazz -3, OVER 193)
Jan. 27: Jazz 97, at Rockets 89 (Rockets -1, game went UNDER 186)
April 14: at Jazz 105, Rockets 96 (Jazz -9, OVER 189)

These teams met in the first round a year ago, with the Jazz pulling the upset in 7 games. Houston had defensive-oriented Jeff Van Gundy as coach then, but has Rick Adelman now. Utah has a terrific young frontcourt with 27-year old 6'-9" forward Andrei Kirilenko (11 ppg), 28-year old 6'-11" Mehmet Okur (14.6 ppg, 7.7 rpg) and 26-year old workhorse 6-9 Carlos Boozer (21 ppg, 10 rpg). Utah was third in the NBA with a +3.00 rebounding differential (after leading last season), but Houston is tops with a +4.2.

The emergence of 6'-11" Mehmet Okur has been a huge upgrade the last two seasons, making the All-Star team this year. There was the back injury that cost him a game in November and the shoulder injury that kept him out of seven games in December. Keep in mind, in his three previous seasons in Utah, Okur had missed just two games combined. Now Okur is healthy and confident, having scored 20 or more points in four of six games late in the season. He was the difference maker in the Jazz's two victories, over San Antonio (17 points, 16 rebounds) and New Orleans (22 points, 17 rebounds). If the Jazz are going to contend for a championship, Okur will be needed as a No. 3 scorer who can stretch defenses with his shooting and support Deron Williams and Boozer. He's averaging 17.3 points and 10.1 rebounds since the All-Star break.

The Jazz have an outstanding young, athletic frontcourt. Utah is 23-18 SU, 23-16 ATS the last two seasons as a dog. Coach Jerry Sloan also has 31-year old 6'-7" F Matt Harpring off the bench, who chipped in 8 points, 3 boards each game, and young 6-8 Paul Millsap has been good on the glass (5.6 rpg) playing in 82 games. The backcourt is also young. 23-year old point guard Deron Williams has emerged as a sparkplug with 19 ppg, second best on the team, and he teams with Ronnie Brewer (12 ppg). Like many young teams, Utah was 37-4 SU, 27-12 ATS in the Salt Palace this season, and 17-23 SU, 16-23 ATS on the road. Unlike a year ago, Utah is hot down the stretch, on a 7-3 SU, 8-2 ATS run.

They will get a tough challenge in a defensive Houston club. The Rockets have a star player in 6-8 Tracy McGrady (21.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 5.8 apg). He started 60 games, battling numerous injuries. Around him the Rockets have a ton of hard working role players, led by 27-year old rookie 6-9 Luis Scola (10 ppg, 6.2 rpg), 6-9 Shane Battier (9 ppg, 5 rpg), Rafer Alston (13 ppg), Carl Landry and 7-2 defensive force 41-year old Dikembe Mutombo (5.9 rpg).

New coach Rick Adelman was brought in to upgrade the offense from slow-down Jeff Van Gundy, but the fact is the Rockets are still at their best when playing defense. Houston allows 43% shooting by opponents, second best in the NBA and tops in the West, plus just 91 ppg, fourth in the league. They are 43-35 under the total, including 23-16 under at home. Houston is an impressive 31-10 SU, 24-15 ATS at home, and a strong 24-17 SU, 22-18 ATS on the road, all keyed by defense.

They would be a threat to win the whole thing if it weren't for the unfortunate loss of star center 7-6 Yao Ming (22 ppg, 10.8 ppg) in the middle, who was having his best NBA season. He played the first 55 games, but is out and will miss the playoffs. This team is still about defense and playing tough in the low post. Hours after Adelman said his big men needed to finish around the basket, they did in a late season win over Phoenix as Dikembe Mutombo, Luis Scola, Carl Landry and Chuck Hayes went a combined 22-of-29, scoring 45 points! Without Yao, the Rockets continue to score in the paint. This will be an interesting series as Utah has the frontcourt to play a physical, defensive series, too, something to keep in mind if you're a totals player.


Suns (55-27 SU, 42-40 ATS) vs. Spurs (56-26 SU, 38-43 ATS)

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: Suns 2-1 SU, 2-1 ATS
Dec. 17: Suns 100, at Spurs 95 (Spurs -1, game went UNDER 203)
Jan 31: Spurs 84, at Suns 81 (Suns -7, UNDER 201)
March 9: at Suns 94, Spurs 87 (Suns -1, UNDER 202)

No one wanted to play either of these teams in the first round, and now they get each other! It's the defending champs against the new-look Suns. The regular season series went to Phoenix, with the visiting team winning twice. All three games went under the total. The Suns went out and acquired Shaquille O'Neil for just a spot like this -- a playoff series against teams that can slow the pace down and crash the boards. They get one, as San Antonio is the classic monster-defensive team that shuts down the opposition and pounds the glass. It has worked, too, as San Antonio is a four-time NBA champion (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007).

San Antonio plays a rough, physical style. The Spurs allow .44% shooting by opponents, fifth in the NBA, and are No. 3 in the NBA allowing 90 points per game. Last season they were No. 1 allowing 89 ppg. They know that defense wins championships, having won in 1999, 2003, 2005, and last season. The big frontcourt has 7-foot Tim Duncan, who averaged 19 points, 11.4 rebounds per game. He blocks 1.9 shots per game, shot 49% from the field and has improved from the free throw line (72%.) He's a team leader who can rise to the occasion in close games.

He doesn't have a lot of help on the glass, with only 6-10 Fabricio Oberto (5.2 rpg), playing 19 minutes per game, which is why they added 35-year old 6-9 Kurt Thomas (5.0 rpg) in midseason. Veteran 6-7 Bruce Bowen is a key weapon, an outstanding defensive player, a guy who can clamp down on the opposition's big offensive gun. He's unselfish and doesn't care about stats, only winning, a valuable role player this time of the season.

They have outstanding star power along with Duncan on offense with Emanuel Ginobili (19.6 ppg), the leading scorer who has been coming off the bench to supply firepower. 25-year old Tony Parker is a sparkplug averaging 18.5 ppg and 5.8 assists per game. Parker seems to have been around for a while, but, yes, he is only 25-years old! Veteran guards Mike Finley (9.9 ppg) and Brent Barry add depth and three-point shooting ability to keep defenses honest.

San Antonio is deadly at home (34-7 SU, 23-17 ATS) but has struggled on the road at 22-19 SU, 15-26 ATS. They had a late season showdown for the top seed at Los Angeles, but got hammered by the Lakers, 106-85. Remember a year ago on their way to the title the Spurs were a strong 27-14 SU, 23-18 ATS on the road. The Spurs are also 26-17, 23-16 and 22-15 UNDER the total at home the last three years. Keep in mind the Spurs are 5-11 SU/6-10 ATS as an underdog this season.

The first test for the defending champs will be a veteran Suns squad. Ever since the Suns added sparkplug guard Steve Nash they've become one of the top teams in the league. Phoenix is third in the NBA in scoring (110 ppg), and tops in three point shooting (39%). Nash averages 17 points and 11.1 assists per game while 6-9 star Amare Stoudamire put together a terrific season leading the Suns with 25 points per game and hauling in 9.2 boards per contest.

The traded away workhorse 6-8 Shawn Marion (15.8 ppg, 9.9 rpg) to get Shaq, a bit of a gamble. O'Neil turned 36 last month and averaged 13.6 points, 9 rebounds and 29 minutes per game. They've changed the offense to run more pick and rolls with Shaq, but it hasn't diminished their offensive output. In addition, he provides rebounding and is a defensive force in the paint, especially if teams want to slow the pace down. O'Neal has fortified Phoenix's interior muscle and held Tim Duncan to 15-of-40 shooting in two Suns wins with him. In games over the previous three seasons, Duncan went 24 for 57 (42 percent) from the field when he and O'Neal played.

While they have a reputation of being all offense, they are not a bad defensive team holding opponents to 45.7% shooting, 13th in the NBA. There are excellent young role players in 25-year old guard Leandro Barbosa (15.8 ppg), third on the team in scoring, and guard Raja Bell (11.9 ppg). 6-8 Boris Diaw has blossomed the last three seasons, as well, and averaged 4.6 boards and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 47% from the field. Newcomer veteran 6-8 Grant Hill has been a strong addition averaging 13 points and 5 boards per game.

Phoenix is a 30-11 SU, 20-20 ATS at home, and 25-16 SU, 20-18 ATS on the road. That makes the Suns 53-29 SU, 43-35 ATS on the road the last two years. Phoenix has been susceptible in past playoffs to teams pounding the ball down low, something LA did two years ago and the Spurs did last season. That's why they took the gamble on adding Shaq. If the road to the title does through San Antonio, the Suns have first crack at them.


2008 NBA Playoff Previews: East
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Celtics (66-16 SU, 51-27 ATS) vs. Hawks (37-45 SU, 38-42 ATS)

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: Celtics 3-0 SU/ATS
Nov. 9: at Celtics 106, Hawks 83 (Celtics -9.5, game went UNDER 191)
Mar 2: at Celtics 98, Hawks 88 (Celtics -11.5, UNDER 198)
April 12: Celtics 99, at Hawks 89 (Celtics -6, UNDER 191)

Greg Oden and Kevin Durant didn't turn out to be the story of this NBA season. Instead, it was the remarkable turnaround of the Celtics, the greatest single season turnaround in history, topping the 1998 Spurs. The key was the addition of 31-year old 7-foot Kevin Garnett. He's off another monster season averaging 19 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. This guy is a force, and racks up a tremendous amount of assists for a big man (5.7 apg two years ago). He's an unselfish, team-oriented guy. He also was the key in upgrading what was a terrible Boston defense to one that is tops in the NBA in points (90 pg) allowed and opponents shooting (41%). Boston is 43-34 under the total and 23-16 under at home, where they allow 88 ppg.

6-6 Paul Pierce is 30 and for the first time in years he is surrounded by some veteran talent. He's also a terrific all around player, putting up great numbers this season averaging 20 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists. He hasn't had to carry the load and as a result, was healthy all season. The Big Three is rounded out by 6-5 Ray Allen. He led Seattle last season with 26.4 ppg, 4.50 rpg, 4.1 apg, and for Boston averaged 18 points. That's some heavy inside/out star power.

Role players are important, too, and Boston has several key contributors. The rebounding and defensive muscle is deep with 6-8 Leon Powe (10 ppg), 6-10 Kendrick Perkins (6.2 rpg), and 6-8 rookie Big Baby Glen Davis. A key acquisition has been 6-8 James Posey. A swingman, Posey has mostly made his name in the league on perimeter defense and rebounding, coming off the bench to pull down 4.2 rebounds per game. His quick hands, long wingspan and large frame make him an above-average defender who can guard up to four positions. There are plenty of players who want to be scorers in the NBA, but it takes a different mindset to become a stopper in this league, something he learned from his college coach Skip Prosser. He was the type of defensive rebounder the team badly needed.

Posey played a key role for the Heat during their run to the 2006 Finals, coming off the bench as a shutdown defender, rebounder and a clutch three-point shooter. Posey averaged 7.3 PPG and 5.7 RPG in just under 28 minutes a game for the Heat in the postseason, and he led the team by connecting on 42% of his three-point attempts. Posey's three pointer with 3:43 remaining in the deciding Game 6 of the NBA Finals put the Heat ahead by six and helped close out the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals.

GM Danny Ainge was right about quick 21-year old point guard Rajon Rondo (10 ppg, 5.1 apg), who led in assists. 6-4 Tony Allen is a keeper, a quick guard who is still bouncing back from a serious knee injury that stopped him 33 games into last season. Veteran guard Sam Cassell and rebounder P.J. Brown were picked up late in the season for depth and experience. The Celtics are 34-6 SU, 24-15 ATS at home and 31-10 SU, 26-12 ATS on the road. They are also 8-5 SU, 9-4 ATS as a dog.

Their opponent will be the new-look Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks unveiled two new looks for this season: A new uniform and new colors. It worked, as Atlanta made a late season run to get into the playoffs after acquiring star guard Mike Bibby. Bibby averages 14 points and 7 assists per game, directing an uptempo attack with 6-7 scorer Joe Johnson (21.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 5.8 apg). They carry a 12-4 run over the total into the playoffs.

The frontcourt has a lot of depth and youth, with 6-9 Josh Smith (17 ppg, 8 rpg), 6-9 Marvin Williams, 6-10 rookie workhorse Al Horford (10 ppg, 9.7 rpg) from Florida with the No. 3 overall pick, and promising young center 23-year old 6-11 Zaza Pachulia, who pulled down 6.9 boards per game last season and 4.1 this year. They don't have much of a bench, though, with Josh Childress and guard Salim Stoudamire. A weakness is road play, where the Hawks are 12-29 SU, 17-22 ATS. And they are 11-32 SU, 17-25 ATS as a dog. Boston's inside/out game and home court will have this series over with quickly.


Pistons (59-23 SU, 45-34 ATS) vs. 76ers (40-42 SU, 37-41 ATS)

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: 76ers 2-1 SU, 3-0 ATS
Nov. 23: at Pistons 83, 76ers 78 (Pistons -9, game went UNDER 183)
March 12: 76ers 83, at Pistons 82 (Pistons -8, UNDER 191)
April 9: at 76ers 101, Pistons 94 (Pistons -2, OVER 188)

Oddly, the Pistons struggled during the regular season, with the 76ers winning 2 out of 3 while going 3-0 ATS. The Pistons offense has ran out of gas in the postseason the last two years, so coach Flip Saunders has cut down the minutes of veteran players in hopes of making them fresher for the playoffs.

A talented, balanced, veteran team is the meat of their success. The backcourt still leads the way behind the tandem of Richard Hamilton (17.7 ppg) and Chauncey Billups (17 ppg). Those two aces in the backcourt led the Pistons and scoring again. Billups is a sparkplug, while the tall Hamilton can score from anywhere and creates mismatches posting up on shorter guards. Hamilton missed six of seven games late in the season with an injury to the joint that connects his left hip and groin.

7-foot Rasheed Wallace (13 ppg, 6.7 rpg) can score, defend and block shots, as can former super-sub 6-7 Tayshaun Prince (13 ppg), who is a great defender. 6-10 Antonio McDyess was moved back into a starting role and has been great, averaging 9 points while leading the Pistons in rebounds with 8.8 per game. The Pistons' bench also contributes plenty with Jason Maxiell and Arron Afflalo. The question remains about Lindsey Hunter 's role in the playoffs. With the production of Arron Afflalo, Rodney Stuckey and Juan Dixon on the rise, Hunter's role might be smaller in the postseason. Regardless, the Pistons have enormous depth and flexibility.

Prince said he feels fresher now than he did at the start of the season. Prince's minutes are down this season, nearly three minutes lower than 2006-07. The knock on Prince has been his worn-out appearance at times during the playoffs. He hit a wall during last year's Eastern Conference finals and was missing his usual spring against the Cavaliers. The successful development and depth of the Pistons' bench allows coach Flip Saunders the luxury of reducing Prince's minutes down the stretch and keeping all the starters fresher for the playoffs.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Pistons are a very good defensive team, especially when they put their minds to it. The Pistons allow 42% shooting by opponents, second best in the East, and just 90 points per game, second best in the NBA. They were tops defensively in the East a year ago, so this is nothing new.

Detroit is 34-7 SU at home (25-15 ATS), and 25-16 SU, 20-19 ATS on the road. Detroit meshed fine with Flip Saunders during the regular season as he let this veteran team be more creative on offensive than Larry Brown, though Saunders' teams have flopped in the postseason. After giving up 89 ppg under Larry Brown, they allowed just 90, 91.9 and 90 per game under Saunders the last three seasons (and have been better offensively). After taking a 2-0 lead on the Cavaliers in last year's Eastern Conference Finals, they fell apart, losing 4 in a row, so they have something to prove.

Despite dumping Allen Iverson a year ago, the 76ers look about the same -- an uptempo team that plays average defense and is around .500. Under coach Maurice Cheeks the 76ers allow 46% shooting by opponents (16th), though 96 ppg (7th). Maurice Cheeks ends his third season as coach and they've had 3 straight losing years. This team is lacking in many areas, including the all important defense and rebounding. They also come into the playoffs on a 1-5 SU, 0-6 ATS run.

Veteran guard Andre Miller came over in the trade for AI and has played well, averaging 17 points and 6.9 assists and they like young G Willie Green (12.3 ppg). Up front, 6-11 Sam Dalembert is a six-year NBA veteran, all with Philadelphia, a monster role player on the boards who averaged a career best 10.3 rebounds. Dalembert was Philadelphia's first round (26th overall) pick in the 2001 NBA draft.

The 76ers also have 6-6 G/F Andre Iguodala (20 ppg), who impressed with 5.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists per contest. 6-8 Reggie Evans came over from Denver and averaged 7.8 rpg, mostly as a starter. Rookie 6-8 Thaddeus Young (12th overall pick from Georgia Tech) is getting more involved, as well, and averages 7.8 points. Philadelphia played barely over .500 ball at home and was 18-23 SU on the road, though 23-18 ATS. They played great defense against Detroit during the regular season, but the Pistons' inside muscle should be a problem in this series.


Magic (52-31 SU, 49-31 ATS) vs. Raptors (41-41 SU, 38-42 ATS)

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: Magic 3-0 SU/ATS
Nov. 7: Magic 105, at Raptors 96 (Raptors -4, game went OVER 191)
Feb. 20: Magic 127, at Raptors 110 (Raptors -4, game went OVER 206)
Mar. 4: at Magic 102, Raptors 87 (Magic -9, game went UNDER 209)

This has been a very successful season for Orlando. Remember they were 40-42 last season and brought in a new coach for this year. New Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy believed the Magic would be very good, and helped deliver a winning season. They got better defensively down the stretch, as Orlando allows 99.5 ppg (13th) and 44.6% shooting by opponents (7th). Orlando carries a 12-5 run under the total into the playoffs. This is a top-heavy team, one with an excellent frontcourt but an inconsistent backcourt. They dominated Toronto during the regular season, a 3-0 SU/ATS sweep.

It's a great assest to have a 22-year old talent like 6-11 Dwight Howard in the middle, who averaged a team-high 20.8 points and 10.9 rebounds. Newcomer 6-10 Rashard Lewis gave Howard help up front and averages 18 points and 5.4 boards, much more of an offensive force than a defensive one. 6-9 Hedo Turkoglu averages 19.7 ppg and 5.9 boards giving Orlando a terrific offensive frontcourt.

They've been without 6-8 power forward Tony Battie most of the season. Battie is trying to make an early comeback from left shoulder surgery last October. Battie is ahead of schedule in his rehab and may be able to return for the playoffs. It could help: Orlando's three key players -- Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu -- are ranked in the top 25 in minutes played per game. They looked tired in a late season loss at NY. Reserve forward Brian Cook has a broken bone in his right hand and could miss some or all of the club's opening round of the playoffs.

As good as the starting frontcourt is, the young backcourt has had growing pains. Point guard Jameer Nelson is 26 and averaged 11 points and a team-leading 5.6 assists. On March 25 Nelson left early after being accidentally elbowed in the face by teammate Dwight Howard. Although he had concussion-like symptoms -- dizziness and nausea -- the official diagnosis remains a jaw contusion. He plays with a specially designed mouthpiece and has had at least two concussions within the past two years. Nelson relegates Carlos Arroyo back to the bench, with Keith Bogans (8.9 ppg) and Keyon Dooling rounding out an average backcourt. Orlando has been sensational on the road at 27-14 SU/ATS, even winning twice at Toronto.

Toronto is also a young, uptempo team that plays little defense and stinks on the road. Coach Sam Mitchell has a young group. After losing 15 of 21 the Toronto Star reported, "Mitchell, last year's NBA coach of the year is this year's clueless clipboardist in some minds." They also didn't play their best basketball down the stretch, going on a 7-14 SU/6-15 ATS run late in the season. The frontcourt leads the way in the smallish East, behind man-child 24-year old 6-10 center Chris Bosh (22.4 ppg, 8.7 rpg). The Raptors average 100 ppg.

7-foot, 250-lb rookie Andrea Bargnani was the No. 1 overall pick two years ago, the first European ever taken No. 1. He averages 10 points and 3.7 boards per game. This is not a great rebounding team with Jamario Moon (6.2 rpg) and 7-foot Rasho Nesterovic as role players. They give this team quite and an international flavor, but little defense or rebounding muscle outside of Bosh.

The backcourt is strong behind playmaker T.J. Ford (12 ppg, 6.2 apg), Jose Calderon (11 ppg), and 6-6 Anthony Parker (12.6 ppg). Toronto allowed 100 ppg on the road for the second straight season, going 26-14 and 22-18 over the total the last two years. Toronto is 16-25 SU, 17-23 ATS on the road. Youth is a major concern, as Ford is 25, Bargnani is 22, Joey Graham is 25, and Bosh is 24. Neither of these teams have much playoff experience.


Cavaliers (45-37 SU, 36-45 ATS) vs. Wizards (43-39 SU, 44-35 ATS)

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: Cavs 2-1 SU, 1-2 ATS
Dec. 5: at Wizards 105, Cavs 86 (Wizards -9, game went OVER 189)
Jan. 23: at Cavs 121, Wizards 85 (Cavs -4, game went OVER 188)
Feb. 22: at Cavs 90, Wizards 89 (Cavs -3, game went UNDER 188)

These teams met in the opening playoff series last season, won by the Cavaliers in a 4-game sweep. But things have changed since then, when the Cavs were the Eastern Conference champs. They've slipped and now the Wizards are a young, up and coming team. Plus, Washington was devastated by injuries in that series. It may seem like he's been playing for decades, but this is only the third time that 23-year old star LeBron James has been to the playoffs. The 6-foot-8 James had another brilliant season, averaging 30 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game. 7-foot-3 Zydrunas Ilgauskas (14 ppg, 9.4 rpg) mans the middle.

That's about all you'll recognize from last season's team, as Cleveland made a midseason trade to try and upgrade the offense. Gone are Drew Gooden, Donyell Marshall and bricklaying guard Larry Hughes. 31-year old 6-7 Wally Szczerbiak (11.7 ppg) and 32-year old 6-10 Joe Smith (10 ppg) were brought in to upgrade the offense, along with PG Delonte West, while Ben Wallace was added for defensive and rebounding help. Szczerbiak's shooting touch has been off since he joined the Cavaliers in February following the trade. Szczerbiak's shooting 36.1 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from 3-point range in his 25 games with the Cavaliers. The results have been mixed and they don't come into the playoffs on a roll, riding a 4-6 SU, 3-7 ATS run.

Cleveland still doesn't shoot well as a team, ranked 27th shooting 44% from the field. After being second to last from the charity stripe (69%) last season, they are third worst now (71%). 6-10 Anderson Varejao is an emotional player off the bench, a good role player who has excelled in the playoffs. He's a strong rebounder, pulling down 8.4 boards per game, while young Daniel Gibson (10.7 ppg) continues to improve in the backcourt. Gibson suffered a high ankle sprain that took him out of the Cavaliers' lineup shortly after the NBA All-Star break in February, missing four weeks.

Like many young teams, the Cavs are dynamite at home (27-14 SU, 14-26 ATS) where the defense steps up allowing 95 ppg. But on the road the defense allows 99 ppg, where they are just 18-23 SU, 22-19 ATS. Note that Cleveland is 22-16 under the total at home. James battled back spasms late in the season, and as Lebron goes, so go the Cavs.

The young Washington Wizards limped into the playoffs a year ago. This time it's the reverse: When the Wizards beat the Celtics in the second to last week of the regular season, it was only the second time this calendar year that Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler were on the floor together. They got swept by the Cavs with a depleted lineup in 2007, so they hope for a different outcome this time with a healthy team. Washington is 26-18 ATS as a dog.

This team is about uptempo offense (99 ppg), and they carry a 7-2 run over the total into the playoffs. They like to attack with the Big Three of 31-year old 6-9 Antawn Jamison (21.5 ppg, 10 rpg), 6-5 Gilbert Arenas (20 ppg) and 28-year old 6-7 Caron Butler (20.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg). Butler has emerged as a valuable compliment to the Arenas and Jamison and has really blossomed, even averaging 4.9 assists. Arenas only recently came back and Wizards Coach Eddie Jordan said his plan is to keep Arenas in a reserve role even for the playoffs. Jordan said he would continue to play Arenas 20 to 25 minutes per game while Arenas works his way back to speed. Arenas missed 66 games after having knee surgery.

There isn't a lot of rebounding depth or defensive muscle in the low post. They have role players down low in lumbering 7-foot Brendan Haywood (10 ppg, 7.2 rpg) and 21-year old 6-11 Andray Blatchem (7 ppg, 5 rpg). Guards DeShawn Stevenson and Antonio Daniels add backcourt depth, but this team allows 99 points per game and 46% shooting (19th). Washington is 25-16 at home (20-19 ATS), but 18-23 SU on the road (24-16 ATS). You've got to be able to play defense this time of year, a weakness that could hurt the young Wizards, but at least they are healthy.