NBA Games 1

NBA Game 1 Reactions

WEST

Lakers over Nuggets - Marcus Camby is a great defender, but that D-bug has not been caught by any other player on the team. The Nuggets had a good game plan in focussing on Kobe Bryant, but there was a lot of good passing by the Lakeshow, and Pau Gasol had a monster game. New prediction: Lakers in 5

Hornets over Mavericks - The inexperienced Hornets fought back in the second half, but this series is far from over. Chris Paul can run circles around Jason Kidd; Josh Howard and David West cancel each other out; Dirk Nowitzki is going to get his numbers each game; and Tyson Chandler is a better defender than Erick Dampier. And the Hornets have Peja playing like his old Kings days. New prediction: Hornets in 7

Spurs over Suns - The Spurs made some monster shots in that instant-classic game, and there's no subtraction from that. However, the Spurs used up a lot of credibility with all their flopping, flying and crying. Shaq said it best: "It'd be nice if they'd compete instead of fall down." That aside, Tim Duncan didn't seem phased if he was guarded by Amare Stoudamire or Shaquille O'Neal, as a four-time champion should be, and Manu Ginobili and Brent Barry came back just in time. Then again, the Suns had the Spurs on the ropes, and they are going to be that much more determined. New prediction: Suns in 6

Jazz over Rockets - The ESPN crew called the game like Houston homers, but otherwise it was a solid outing by the Jazz. When Okur faded, Kirilenko stepped up. Rafer Alston still can't go tonight, and the Jazz are unbeatable at home. New prediction: Jazz in 4

EAST

Celtics over Hawks - It's fun to watch so many talented guys on one team take it seriously. If the All-Star game was like this, it would be the game of the year. The Hawks look like they have a future, but not against this squad. What's impressive is how the non Big Three play. One can forget about Rajon Rondo, Sam Cassell, Kendrick Perkins and James Posey. New prediction: Celtics in 4

Sixers over Pistons - Detroit knows they have this series wrapped up, but it's going to take a loss to wake them up. New prediction: Pistons in 7

Magic over Raptors - Dwight Howard passed his first test. They looked vulnerable though. New prediction: Magic in 7

Cavaliers over Wizards - Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison make for a better core than LeBron James, Big Z and... who? Wally Szczerbiak? Ben Wallace? LBJ can win games by himself, but despite his game 1 performance, I don't know if he can do that three more times against this team. New prediction: Wizards in 6