I've never been one to predict how many games it would take for certain teams to win a series, and I don't plan on starting now. I still don't really get how people do that, it seems completely random to me.

Anyway, I'm only offering first round picks right now and as you can see I'm not one that believes that there will be a lot of upsets.

With no further delay. 

Celtics-Hawks

I pity the fool who has to televise this series. Forget an analyis, there is no need. Celtics by a landslide. I said I wasn't one for picking in how many games a series would go, but I'll pick it here anyway - Celtics in 4.

Winner: Celtics

Pistons-Sixers

I can't believe that people actually think the Sixers will do damage in this match up. Yes they have some young guys with SOME talent, yes they match up kind of well with the Pistons, but their in-experience and youth will get them knocked out of the first round quick by the hands of the most consistent Eastern Conference team in the last five years.

Winner: Pistons

Magic-Raptors

This is one of my few upsets. I know everyone has the Magic pegged to go into the second round, but I think a player I've been down on ever since I've first watched him play and saw how overrated his potential was in Jameer Nelson will be the guy that loses it for Orlando. Sure Superman is going to be a tough guard, and no doubt he'll see plenty a double teams and get his points+boards regardless, but I still believe he won't have enough and at the end it will be the Raptors emerging for a chance to get embarrassed in the second round.

Winner: Raptors

Cavaliers-Wizards

Some are saying this is the year that the Wizards finally get theirs. I disagree. And much to everyone's surprise, I don't believe it will be Lebron taking the team on his back and leading them to the second round. I expect that the rest of the Cavs will step up in a way that nobody sees coming, and I already have the Cavs penciled in for yet another Pistons-Cavs match up.

Winner: Cavs

Lakers-Nuggets

The Nuggets won't win a damn thing. Forget that whole "they pose bad match ups" nonsense, the Nuggets are nothing. I knew they'd be nothing when they said AI would become a Nugget, I knew they'd be nothing when after last season everyone was picking them as a West sleeper, and I know they're nothing now. I'd be surprised if it took the Lakers more than six games to dispatch these clowns.

Winner: Lakers

Hornets-Mavs

I know everyone has the Mavs in this one calling it one of their upset specials, but I'm calling my shot right now - the Hornets over the Mavs in a very interesting series. I know the Mavs are picking it up right now, but again you can't just disrespect what the Hornets have done all season long simply because the Mavs are experienced in choking when it matters most.

Winner: Hornets

Spurs-Suns

I don't know. Honestly, I have no idea. This is the one series that has me stumped. Shaq has proven to be the difference maker we all know him to be yet again after doubters like myself said that he wouldn't be able to handle the Suns offense, and now Phoenix look like legit contenders. That said, picking against the Spurs just FEELS wrong. I'll take Phoenix because I don't think picking against the Big Diesel is smart, but I wouldn't be shocked if San Antonio proved me wrong.

Winners: Suns

Rockets-Jazz 

Everyone seems to have Utah taking the Rockets apart in this series and it not taking seven like last season, but I'm going the other way. I don't think Utah is the real deal, and I think that their so-called playoff experience is the product of a very favorable match up against an undeserved Warriors team last season. Rafer Alson not being there hurts the Rockets, but at the end of the day my gut is still telling me Houston.

Winners: Rockets