NBAplayoffssetto beginwithBullslookingto repeat

by Jim Martin and Jason Jungreis sports editor and assistant sports editor

The NBA playoffs are set to begin on Thursday, April 24 and here is a quick look at the first round match-ups.

Eastern Conference

Chicago Bulls (1) vs. Was.hingtonBullets (8)

This could be a much tougher match-up for the Bulls than many people anticipate. Washington is a very young and talented team with All-Pro caliber players in forwards Chris Webber and Juwan Howard along with guard Rod Strickland. Since firing head- coach Jim Lynam, the Bullets have improved greatly - and come into the playoffs riding a four game winning streak.

Although the Bulls won 69 games this season, they enter the playoffs with key injuries to forwards Luc Longley and Dennis Rodman. However, the Bulls still have the best player in the world, Michael Jordan. They should be on their way to a second straight title.

Prediction: Chicago in four.

Miami Heat (2) vs. Orlando Magic (7)

The Heat should have an easy time with the Magic. Although Orlando thought they would survive the loss of center Shaquille O'Neal, they were greatly mistaken. Center Ron Seikaly has done an adequate job replacing O'Neal but guard Nick Anderson and forward Dennis Scott have had disappomtmg seasons. Penny Hardaway has had an average season and the Magic play little to no defense.

The Heat enter the playoffs corning off their best season ever. Coach Pat Riley is one of the best in the business and he has worked his magic in Miami. The Heat are a very well-balanced team. They have All-Pro players in center Alonzo Mourning and guard Tim Hardaway with a good supporting cast in forwards PJ. Brown and Jamal Mashburn and guards Dan Majerle and Veshown Leonard. The Heat also have one of the best defensive teams in the league.

Prediction: Miami sweeps.

New York Knicks (3) vs. Charlotte Hornets (6)

This should be a very interesting and competitive series. Many people criticized Charlotte after they traded forward Larry Johnson to the Knicks for forward Anthony Mason. However, Mason has had a career season while Johnson has had his worst season as a pro.

New York has not lived up to their billing this year, while Charlotte has been a major overachiever. Charlotte relies heavily on forward Glenn Rice and Mason. The Knicks once again rely on center Patrick Ewing to lead their team. Guards Chris Childs and Allan Houston have not played as well as the Knicks expected after signing them to big contracts this summer. If the Hornets hope to pull an upset, Mason and Rice will have to come up huge.

Prediction: New York in five.

Atlanta Hawks (4) vs. Detroit Pistons (5)

Defense will be the name of the game in this match-up as both teams are among the league leaders in points allowed. Detroit is led by superstar forward Grant Hill. Hill is the best all-around player in the league and leads the Pistons in scoring and assists. The key for the Pistons is the three-point shooting of guards Joe Dumars and Lindsay Hunter and forward Terry Mills. If the Pistons do not hit their fair share of three-pointers, they will make an early exit.

Atlanta is one of the most improved teams in the league. Center Dikembe Mutombo is one of the biggest reasons for the improvement. Mutombo leads the Hawks in rebounding and blocks and has been a major defensive presence. Forward Christian Latener has put together his best season and guards Mookie Blaylock and Steve Smith are an excellent backcourt duo. Atlanta ·s main weakness is their lack of a proven small forward.

Prediction: Hawks in five.

Utah Jazz (1) vs. L.A. Clippers (8)

Utah enters the playoffs with a record of 64-18. They are Western Division champs and are not to be taken lightly. With the always lethal combination of all-stars Karl Malone and John Stockton, and the sharp shooting of Jeff Homacek from the outside, this team can run up the scoreboard very quickly. They have an excellent fast break, probably the best in the league due to the fact that this team generates a lot of points off defense.

The Clippers are a team of a lot of unknowns. With players like Loy Vaught and Rodney Rodgers, they are more of an inside team and likely to get the ball into the post. With a record of 36-46, this team is going to need the hand of God to come down and put on a Clippers uniform.

Prediction: Utah sweeps.

Seattle Supersonics (2) vs. Phoenix Suns (7)

Seattle is a team full of superstars. Power forward Shawn Kemp is always exciting around the rim and has developed a decent 15 foot jump shot. Detlef Schrempf is a very consistent forward who will hurt you from the outside and can drive on you with the drop of a dime. Defensive player of the year Gary Payton is thought by many to be the best point guard in the game. Hersey Hawkins has taken giant steps this year to become the old threat from the outside that he used to be. With other players like Sam Perkins and Nate McMillan, this team is deadly offensively, but a lacks strong defense beyond the guards. With a history of being playoff flops and controversy in the organization, Seattle can be a very two-faced team.

Phoenix is run by one of the greatest players ever, Kevin Johnson, who is not what he used to be, but can still show up when it counts. He is joined by Jason Kidd who seems like he has court vision with his eyes closed. With the return of Cedric Ceballos, this team will give Seattle a good run, but will not have the guns to pull through.

Prediction: Seattle in four.

Houston Rockets (3) vs. Minnesota Timberwo)ves (6) Houston returns to the playoffs with a much better team. With the early season addition of Hall of Fame forward Charles Barkley, the Houston starting line-up includes three all-stars in Barkley, Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon. Olajuwon is without a doubt the most potent center in the league and can out do any big man that steps to his challenge. With rookie point guard Matt Maloney having a good season and with Kevin Willis and Sedale Threatt corning off the bench, this team is experienced and full of talent.

Minnesota is a team full of youth and excitement. With the drafting of Stephon Marbury and the roused Kevin Garnett, the two make a very scary duo for anyone that has to play against them. Marbury is a prime candidate for rookie of the year and has the numbers to prove it.

Tom Gugliotta is always an offensive threat and can get back and play defense. This is a very fun team to watch and they love to run the floor, but they cannot compete with a team of Houston's caliber.

Prediction: Houston in four.

L.A. Lakers (4) vs. Portland Trailblazers (5)

The Lakers are a favorite team in this year's playoffs. With the starting lineup including Shaquille O'Neal, Robert Horry, Elden Campbell, Nick Van Exel and Eddie Jones, this team is a great fast breal5 team and is the most fun to watch. They click beautifully when they play together and are not afraid to play out of the ordinary. Jerome Kersey has been a very big contributor off the bench and with other players, like rookies Kobe Bryant and Travis Knight, this team has what it takes to go far in the playoffs.

Portland is a solid team that has not been to the finals since 1991. Cliff Robinson, Rasheed Wallace, Kenny Anderson and Isiah Rider are going to try and get them there. Chris Dudley isiQ-.,. big defensive help off the bench just as long as he does not go to the free throw line. Stacey Augmon, Rumeal Robinson and Jermaine O'Neal will come off the bench for the Blazers, but it will not be enough to get by the Lakers. This could be the best match-up of the first round, so keep your eyes glued to the TV when these two teams play.

Prediction: Lakers in five.

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The final installment in a four-part series