2nd Round Predictions

These predictions were made prior to the start of yesterday's game:

West
Hornets v Spurs
The Hornets are great, but running into the Spurs in the playoffs is like gambling in a casino: you might win but the odds are definitely against you. The Hornets need a few more pieces to become a true title contender. They lack a big, dependable 2-guard, someone who can spot up and hit a 3 or midranger and play defense against the West's best, like Manu, Kobe, and T-Mac. Until they get that guy - someone in the mold of Raja Bell or Corey Magette - I think they will struggle as they advance in the playoffs. Any noticeable weakness will be highlighted by a Greg Popovich-led team.
Spurs in 7

Lakers v Jazz
The Jazz are a well-constructed team, with great shooters, physical defenders, great coaching and depth. But there are just not talented enough for the Lakers. LA is peaking right now and they are the only team thus far that hasn't played a grueling or taxing game. Add that to the fact that Utah's homecourt advantage has ebbed slightly this year, and I think the Lakers dominate this series.
Lakers in 5

Pistons v Magic
It's tough to tell whether the Pistons will get up for this series. But one game stood out during the 1st Round that offers a very bright outlook for the rest of the postseason. When the Celtics claimed they took off games early on against the Hawks, they returned to Atlanta for Game 6 and got beat. But when the Pistons used those same excuses for their losses, they went to Philly for Game 6 and crushed the Sixers. That tells me that their heads are in the right spot right now.
Pistons in 6

Celtics v Cavs
This, to me, is the toughest series to gage. If the Celtics played how they did in Game 65 of the regular season, I'd say Celtics in 6. But they're recent struggles have me thinking any game the Cavs keep close is one the Cavs will win. And the Cavs, with their great defense, are deisgned to keep games close. I think the Celts will win 2, even 3 blowouts, but the Cavs will win 3 close ones. It's that 7th game that's so difficult to imagine. It comes down to Homecourt vs Lebron. Which factor will help their team steal more games? Let's take a stab and say Lebron.
Cavs in 7