The first round provided several exciting series, just not the ones everyone expected.

In my opinion, the East’s first round was more exciting than the West’s. The West received so much attention because of the fight for playoff positioning. The bottom teams in the East weren’t given much chance at all versus Boston and the Detroit Pistons. And in a stupid move on my part, I actually picked the Washington Wizards to defeat LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers. That series had “fight” written all over it with the constant trash talking through the media.

Although the conference semifinals of the NBA Playoffs already began, I wanted to wait until the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks finished their series to make my picks. Now that the Celtics have finally taken care of business in a surprising seven-game series, here are my predictions on who will be playing in the conference finals next round.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

 Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Conventional wisdom says take the Celtics in this series, but the Hawks exposed some defensive defiencies of Boston. The Cavs have better shooters than the Hawks which could pose a problem if the Celts defend James the way they played Joe Johnson. Celtics coach Doc Rivers also needs to make better decisions in crunch time with his roster. Kevin Garnett needs to be more aggressive in the fourth also, something he has not done consistently during his career. Despite the Celtics weaknesses, three superstars are better than one.

 My pick: Celtics in 7

 Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic

I quickly found myself rooting for Philadelphia in the first round when they were up against the Pistons. Detroit just lacks that killer instinct. There was no way the 76ers should have won two games against them. Orlando took care of business against Toronto just as I predicted. This series will come down to how Detroit rotates to Orlando’s shooters. Dwight Howard will get plenty of touches and double teams which will leave his teammates open. Detroit’s backcourt of Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton will be too much for the Magic to overcome. Detroit currently leads the series 2-0, but the series now moves to Orlando. Look for them to pick up at least one victory in their backyard. 

 My pick: Pistons in 6

WESTERN CONFERENCE

 New Orleans Hornets vs. San Antonio Spurs

This series features two teams that play similar styles. Both use the pick-and-roll effectively, and both have floor generals who can create their own shots and get it to their teammates in perfect spots. While many people may have their gaze set on the point guard matchup of Chris Paul and Tony Parker, I’ll be watching Tim Duncan and David West. How these two players are defended may decide the outcome of the series. The Hornets did what they were supposed to do in the first round, taking out a Dallas team past their prime. They are still wet behind the ears though, and their championship hopes will end here. Although they currently hold a 2-0 lead over the defending champs, the Spurs will regroup at home. They haven't really played their style so far, taking more 3-pointers than usual. They will get back to fundamental basketball at home. 

My pick: Spurs in 7

 Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz

Kobe Bryant is arguably the best player in the game, and though it hasn’t been confirmed by commissioner David Stern, he is expected to be named MVP. He also has capable help around him this year. The Jazz were the best team at home this season but were terrible on the road, going 17-24. No matter how the Jazz defend Bryant, he will still get his points. Pau Gasol vs. Mehmet Okur should be interesting to watch as both big men have versatile games. Bryant showed out in game one to lead his team to victory with 38 points, and I expect more of the same from him this series. 

 My pick: Lakers in 6