I'm talking about playoffs

Looks like playoff predictions from the untidy masses are all the rage this season. Benavides and I had a pretty long discussion about this at Spider House. I'm not sure the waitress knew what to make of us, sitting there not discussing philosophy.

To the goods.

East
— Detroit over Orlando in 5.
— Cleveland over Washington in 4.
— Toronto over New Jersey in 6.
— Chicago over Miami in 7.

The one thing I've noticed about the majority of East predictions is that people seem to be picking out of habit when it comes to New Jersey and Miami. Toronto, who never plays on national TV, is a big unknown. New Jersey's a playoff regular. That seems to be the extent of analysis most experts are using. There's no consideration of the regular season, when New Jersey stunk.

The same is true of most people picking Miami. The Heat were a shitty champion last year, and they're even worse now. But all anyone wants to talk about is Wade's return, ignoring just how terrible Miami's team is.

Actually, the NJ-Toronto game is on right now. The Raps look tight, the refs have been hosing them — especially those two cheap ones on Bosh in the first half — and I really can't stand New Jersey. Just a really unlikeable team, although I can't put my finger on why exactly. Probably Vince Carter's smarmy ass. The Nets are actually playing way better with him (2-12 FGs) on the bench. Nice contract push, chump. I still think the Raps get it together and win the series. Everything, minus Carter, is going right for New Jersey this game.

West

— Dallas over Golden State in 6.
— Phoenix over L.A. in 5. (I'll give Kobe one game in L.A., but only one.)
— San Antonio over Denver in 5.
— Houston over Utah in 7, although this series is a total toss-up.

Picking the later rounds is damn near impossible. In the West, it's because the top three are so good. In the East, it's because of blanket mediocrity. If I had to choose between my second-round picks, Cleveland, Detroit, Toronto, or Chicago, you got me.

Besides the Spurs, I'm going to do my best to watch the entire Dallas-Golden State series. I can't wait for the Warriors to take one of the first two in Dallas, then watch the DFW media go into a collective spazz, as they try to out-overreact each other. For now, go Raps!