At first look, it seemed as if it's gonna be a quick second round, that upsets were about to happen and clichés looming once again. Apparently, it's not happening. And the role home court advantage is playing in this year's playoffs is getting clearer and clearer. As the series near their pivotal stages, teams and players are still trying to figure out a lot of things. The next games are pretty much do-or-die now.


Boston vs. Cleveland
Boston leads series, 2-1.

This series is a match-up between the best defensive team in the NBA, against this season's top scorer. So far, Boston still hasn't won any road game, and King James has been shooting bricks in three straight games. Whoever gets out of their slump first should have one of the Eastern Conference Finals slots. Boston just has to hold on to their most coveted home court advantage though, while Cleveland has to protect home court and steal one in the Boston Garden to get a chance. The Cavs might win the next game, but once the game goes back to the Garden, momentum should favor the C's. Boston in 6. Sorry LBJ fans.

Detroit vs. Orlando
Detroit leads series, 3-1.

The playoff-tested Pistons should rip the young and inexperienced Magic in this one. These cold-hearted, tough-minded, and hard-headed veterans are looking for their second championship in four years, and they would settle for a close victory, or even a controversial win just to close it out. With Billups out indefinitely due to a hamstring injury, the Pistons were still able to finish Game 4 with a victory, thanks to the Magic's inconsistencies. Expect them to close the series out next game. Detroit in 5. Not yet Howard's time. Maybe next season.

Los Angeles vs. Utah
Series tied, 2-2.

The Lakers were on a six-game playoff winning streak entering the third game of the series.

And then they lost. Two games in a row. Though both those games were held in Utah, it brings a tough question to the Los Angeles vicinity, and to the MVP's mettle: Can Kobe and the Lakers bounce back at home? If not, they'll be down 3-2, and might end up losing the thing, succumbing to a very huge upset. However, the Lakers have this great history of performing under pressure, most especially Kobe. The Jazz has a legacy for never winning when it mattered. Will the teams live up to their dynasties' reputation, or will the Jazz steal this one from Kobe?

I have the Lakers winning this one in seven games.

New Orleans vs. San Antonio
Series tied, 2-2.

The defending champions were in a deep hole coming into Game 3. Buzzes of an upset were hounding them, as the young and hungry Hornets were seemingly unbeatable.

And then, they fought back. Spurs style.

Or maybe, not really. It was their first time being down 0-2, and they responded valiantly, as expected. With Parker leading the charge, the Spurs neutralized Chris Paul's superb plays by limiting his teammates' performance. That gave them two lopsided victories, which knotted things up coming into New Orleans. And now momentum is on their side. Expect the stingy Hornets to come back fired up and try to save their wonderful season, in front of their home crowd. So it's actually down to home court advantage again, and I expect the Hornets to capitalize. Hornets in 7.

Read full post!