2009 NBA Playoffs Preview

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, right, drives around Utah Jazz guard Ronnie Brewer during the second half of an NBA basketball first-round playoff game in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 113-100. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

1) Los Angeles Lakers 65-17 vs. (8) Utah Jazz 48-34

The Jazz are finally looking healthy with Carlos Boozer starting to get back into rhythm. However, they’ll have their hands full with the Lakers, who’ve just got Center Andrew Bynum back. Last year, the Lakers made it all the way to the NBA Finals without Bynum. With him, they look much more dangerous. Deron Williams should provide LA challenges at the point guard spot, but LA’s depth and chemistry may be too much for Utah to handle. Predicted Outcome: Lakers in five

(2) Denver Nuggets 54-28 vs. (7) New Orleans Hornets 49-33

The Nuggets have had a great season. Some believe they’ve overachieved. That being said, the Hornets will provide a significant test for them Center Tyson Chandler is back in action, and Chris Paul and David West are playing outstanding. Chauncey Billups is nuggets best player but he’ll have his hands full with the lightning quick Paul. Also, the season series between these two teams is tied at two. Denver hasn’t won a playoff series in a long time Predicted Outcome: Hornets in seven.

(3) San Antonio Spurs 54-28 vs. (6) Dallas Mavericks 50-32

The season series is tied at two games a piece. Each team has blown the other out, and each team has beaten the other team on the road, as well as at home. The Spurs will miss Manu Ginobili, but Tony Parker’s speed should give an aging Jason Kidd problem in the open court. Both teams have matchup problems. The Mavericks don’t have much to stop Tim Duncan in the post, while the Spurs don’t have an answer for Dirk Nowitzki. This could be a fun series.

Predicted Outcome: Spurs in seven.

(4) Portland Trail Blazers 54-28 vs.

(5) Houston Rockets 53-29

Detroit Pistons’ Allen Iverson watches from the bench during the fourth quarter of a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in an NBA basketball game in Cleveland. The All-Star guard will miss the rest of the season _ and the playoffs if they make it _ because of a sore back. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan,)

This should be a close series. Port-land is a young team with a lot of upside and depth, but Houston should be able to matchup well against them. Yao Ming should give Joel Przybilla and Greg Oden problems; Luis Scola’s physical play should be a challenge for LaMarcus Aldridge, and Ron Artist’s and Shane Battier’s tough defense may make things difficult for Brandon Roy. Plus, Houston’s going to be motivated having not won a first round playoff series since Yao Ming’s been in the league. Predicted Outcome: Rockets in six.

Second Round Matchups

(1) Lakers vs. (5) Rockets (Prediction: Lakers in five)

(7) Hornets vs. (3) Spurs (Prediction: Spurs in six) Semifinals

(1) Lakers vs. (3) Spurs (Prediction: Lakers in five)

Injured Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett, right, reacts to his team’s play against the Chicago Bulls as he sits next to Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen (20) during the first quarter of their first round NBA playoff basketball game at the Garden in Boston, the Celtics lost to the Bulls 105-103. (AP Pho-to/Stephan Savoia)

Eastern Conference

1) Cleveland Cavaliers 66-16 vs. (8) Detroit Pistons 39-43

A few years ago, this may have been an intriguing matchup. However, the Pistons aren’t what they used to be. It’s become apparent that trading Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson’s been hobbled all season long, and really hasn’t ft into the chemistry of the Pistons’ squad. Meanwhile, LeBron James has finally found a supporting cast that can keep up with him. Guard Mo Williams has been a great compliment to James’ play, and the team’s veteran laden bench, with Joe Smith, Wally Szczerbiak and others, has provided big boosts down late stretches of games.

Predicted Outcome: Cavs in four.

(2) Boston Celtics 62-20 vs. (7) Chicago Bulls 41-41

It looks as though Kevin Garnett may miss the entire playoffs due to a knee injury. This seriously stifles their chances of making a run at the title. That being said, they still have enough firepower and veteran leadership to put away the youthful Chicago Bulls. The Bulls may make things interesting and steal some games with athleticism, but in the end, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen will take care of business.

Predicted Outcome: Celtics in six.

3) Orlando Magic 59-23 vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers 41-41

Orlando’s obviously the better team, especially with Elton Brand injured. Still, don’t be surprised if the Sixes make some noise like they did in last year’s playoffs. Andre Miller’s game fits well in playoff style basketball, and he should give Rafer Alston some problems.

Predicted Outcome: Magic in five.

(4) Atlanta Hawks 47-35 vs. (5) Miami Heat 43-39

This should be a fun series to watch. The Hawks won the season series 3-1, but don’t discount

Dwayne Wade’s ability to lift his game to another level. That alone could get the Heat past the Hawks. The Hawks do have some hunger to feed, after losing to the Celtics in the first round of last year’s playoffs. They took Boston to seven games before losing the series.

Predicted Outcome: Heat in seven.