2009 NBA Finals First Round Predictions

The 2009 NBA Finals are here, with the best competing for the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy. The first round matchups are already set, determined by the teams' regular season records. Who will come out on top? We can only guess as the playoffs begin to unravel. Here, however, are my personal predictions.

(8) PISTONS VS (1) CAVALIERS
Cleveland finished the season 66-16, with an almost record-breaking 39-2 record at home. Led by MVP shoo-in Lebron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers are hungry for a championship and will stop at nothing less. Detroit has more experience on their side and hopes to stop the Cavs from moving up. With this experience, they will challenge Lebron and the Cavaliers, but will fall short.

Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers in 4

(7) BULLS VS (2) CELTICS
The Celtics are looking to repeat as champions again, while the Bulls look to upset them. The Celtics will be most likely missing big man Kevin Garnett, giving the Bulls a larger opportunity to win. Derrick Rose has been hot, with Ben Gordon pouring in points as well. However, the Celtics are just the stronger team and will come out on top.

Prediction: Boston Celtics in 6

(6) 76ERS VS (3) MAGIC
The Magic are coming in confident winning eight out of nine against the 76ers. Rafer Alston has proved a reliable leader for the Magic, with the rest of the team pouring in threes. If the Magic are able to run their 4 around 1 offence, the 76ers are toast.

Prediction: Orlando Magic in 5

(5) HEAT VS (4) HAWKS
This is an interesting matchup. Last year, the Hawks took the Celtics to seven games in the first round. The Hawks are consistent, but play a slow-paced game. The Heat are looking for Dwayne Wade to perform well in order to win. Atlanta has won three out of four, but Miami has been working around this by changing the lineup and signing rookies. If the Heat can perform they will win. Period.

Prediction: Heat in 6

(8) JAZZ VS (1) LAKERS
Kobe is hot and the Lakers are performing well. Although the Jazz took them to six games last year, the Lakers are much stronger than the Jazz. The Lakers have rolled and they will roll on if Kobe plays well or even just decent.

Prediction: Lakers in 4

(7) HORNETS VS (2) NUGGETS
The Nuggets are fast, young, and can score. Chauncey Billups, will provide the young Nuggets with the leadership that they need. Carmelo Anthony is playing good as well. The Hornets are much slower than the Nuggets and will just look to contain them. Chris Paul is the NBA's best point guard, but his efforts won't be enough. The Nuggets roll by here.

Prediction: Nuggets in 5

(6) MAVERICKS VS (3) SPURS
The Mavericks and the Spurs split the regular season 2-2, so this matchup is more even than it seems. Tony Parker and post Tim Duncan will be looking to score points for the slow Spur team, while the Mavericks look to counter. The Mavericks have so many options: Jason Kidd, post man Dirk Nowitzki, clutch shooter Jason Terry, and tank Josh Howard. The Spurs will be playing without clutch man Manu Ginobili.

Prediction: Mavericks in 7

(5) ROCKETS VS (4) TRAIL BLAZERS
Portland has been slowly rising up as a distinguished team, while the Rockets are staying steady. Yao Ming must be consistent playing the post for the Rockets to perform. If Portland chooses to, Greg Oden will provide a strong matchup for Yao. The Rockets are more experienced and will end up on top.

Prediction: Rockets in 7

Get ready for an action packed first round of NBA Finals action!