The NBA playoffs are basically here.  And as the seeding is now I'm going to pick the first round series. 

West

LA Lakes vs Denver Nuggets-  This series is going to have some star power in it.  I think though the Lakers take it in 5.  I think the duo of AI and Carmelo are at least good enough to give the Nuggets one victory.  However, Denvers to hell with defense theory will come back to haunt them.  To me the key player in this series is Kenyon Martin.  I think he has to play tough upfront along with Marcus Camby to give the Nuggets even a little bit of hope.

Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets- I think this series goes 6.  I think that the Jazz will end up taking this series.  Rick Adelman has done a great job with the Rockets.  However, Utah has, in my opinion, the second best young point guard in the NBA and I think that man, Deron Williams, will be the difference maker.  I dont think the Rockets can matchup with him for a whole series.  As I said before the key player in this series is Deron Williams.  

San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns-  To me this one goes the distance.  I think the Suns take the series.  The Suns have built themselves for this.  I think this is the year they go to the Final..and they'll take that first big step by knocking out the Spurs. The key player in the series is Shaquille O'Neal.  Can Shaq do what the Suns brought him in to do?  For the sake of my prediction I hope so.

New Orleans Hornets vs. Dallas Mavericks-  This series also goes the distance I think.  I think Dallas rediscovers themselves.  I think Jason Kidd plays pretty well this series.  With all that being said I think New Orleans takes it.  Earlier I said Deron Williams was the second best point guard in the NBA that means the best young point guard in the NBA in my opinion is Chris Paul.  I think New Orleans is slowly able to wear the Mavericks down this series.  My key player to the series is Tyson Chandler.  Chandler had an excellent reguar season, but can he keep it up this post season?

EAST

Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks-  This series is a sweep.  The Celtics should take care of business pretty easily.  The Hawks are a good young team but will be unable to compete.  My key player in the series is Rajon Rondo.  No question he needs to keep playing great.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards-  This series goes deep..I think up to 7.  Gilbert Arenas being back is going to be a huge help.  I think he is going to be a huge enough help to beat the Cavaliers.  The Cavs are just Lebron..the rest of the team feeds off of him..so shut him down, which is tough to do. and you can beat the Cavs.  My key to the series is Gilbert Arenas.  The Wizards played well without him for most of the season...can  he mesh into the team?

Orlando Magic vs. Toronto Raptors- To me this series goes 5.  I think Orlando will be too much for Toronto.  My key to the series who will win the Dwight Howard vs. Chris Bosh battle? It could be interesting.

Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers- Sweep! The Pistons take it.  Detroit is an all around better team and it will show.  My key to the series is Tayshaun Prince. I think Prince is the most underrated player in the NBA.  Prince doesn't get enough credit for basically being the "glue guy" on this team.

Now you know me thoughts on the NBA playoffs first round..I want to read yours.  So leave your comments thoughts and hate.