Luka’s Corner

The postseason gets underway with the defending champion Boston Celtics playing the Chicago Bulls in Boston (12:30 on ESPN), followed by the Cleveland Cavaliers beginning their title run in the Quicken Loans Arena (3:00 on ABC). Since the second, and more important, NBA season is about to start, here are my picks for the entire 1st round of the Playoffs:

Eastern Conference

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons (Cleveland in 4 games)

The Cavs are simply too deep for the aging Pistons, who have had a very inconsistent season this year. Their postseason experience will not help them with a motivated Cleveland club.

Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls (Boston in 6 games)

Boston will be challenged by the young Bulls, who rely on their athleticism like the Atlanta Hawks did last year, but their experience and savvy will be enough to overcome Chicago, who is led by a rookie.

Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers (Orlando in 5 games)

The Magic will be too much to handle for the 76ers, especially with Dwight Howard in the post. The three-point shooting from Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu will also trouble Philly.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Miami Heat (Atlanta in 6 games)

Despite Dwyane Wade’s remarkable scoring ability, which will keep the Heat in the series, the depth of the athletic Hawks will wear down the Heat, who are relying on two rookies to help D-Wade.

Western Conference

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz (Los Angeles in 5 games)

Their play in Utah will be enough to prevent a sweep, but the Jazz cannot match the heavily favored Lakers, who are poised to start their title run with a bang.

Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Hornets (Denver in 6 games)

Denver will be able to overcome the remarkable play of Chris Paul and consistency of David West with the scoring of Carmelo Anthony, veteran leadership of newly-acquired Chauncey Billups, and post play of both Nene and Kenyon Martin.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks (San Antonio in 6 games)

Despite the loss of Manu Ginobili, the Spurs will beat the inconsistent Mavs. The one-two punch of Tony Parker and Tim Duncan and overall experience of the club will prove to be too much for Dallas.

Portland Trailblazers vs. Houston Rockets (Portland in 7 games)

Home court advantage will play a major role in this series in the favor of the young Blazers. They will be able to counter Yao Ming with both LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden. Brandon Roy will prove to be too much for both Ron Artest and the Rockets.