Playoff payoff

Paul Pierce would be a good porn name

I wish NBA players grew playoff beards.

I think playoff beards are the greatest sports innovation since night games.

Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Scary series for the Lakers. The Nuggets can score, no doubt. They have two legit superstars. A Defensive Player of the Year in the middle. And the Lakers aren't world beaters. OK, they're the No. 1 seed, but I'm not impressed. Andy Bynum's still out. Sasha Vujacic is, right now, the most overrated player in the NBA. Nonetheless ...
Lakers in 6

Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics
Uhhhhh...
Celtics in 4

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Detroit Pistons
Very intriguing series. 76ers are the young guys with nothing to lose. Athletic as hell. The Pistons are the old, weathered vets, Finals contenders, who succeed within a system. This could be a really tough out for the Pistons.
Pistons in 7

Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs
By far the most anticipated first-round series. Does Shaq have Tim Duncan in his pocket? Are the Spurs sandbagging? Is it silly to go against the Spurs? Can the Suns play any defense? No. If we've learned anything, it's that poor defensive teams don't win playoff series.
Spurs in 7

Toronto Raptors vs. Orlando Magic
The Raptors are coming off their own playoff experience last year. But I just don't think the Raptors have enough weapons to handle Dwight Howard and Hedo Turkoglu. Just a blah series.
Magic in 6

Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz
This shouldn't be nearly as close as it was last year. You're not winning a playoff series with Rafer Alston as your starting point guard.
Jazz in 5

Washington Wizards vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Wizards are a nice team. The Cavs have Lebron James.
Cavs in 6