NBA Playoff Picks - 1st Round

Eastern Conference

1) Cleveland vs. 8) Detroit

Lebron and the Cavs are too tough for Detroit, with or without the Answer. Or should we start calling him the question mark? Cavs in 4

Outcome: Cleveland 4 Detroit 0

2) Boston vs. 7) Chicago

Minus KG, I don't see the Celts winning another title this year. They will get by Da Bulls though. Celtics in 6

Outcome: Boston 4 Chicago 3

3) Orlando vs. 6) Philadelphia

Superman and sidekicks sweep the Sixers swiftly. Magic in 4

Outcome: Orlando 4 Philadelphia 2

4) Atlanta vs. 5) Miami

This should be a good series. The teams are pretty evenly matched. Heat in 7

Outcome: Atlanta 4 Miami 3

Western Conference

1) LA Lakers vs. 8) Utah

Utah won't put up much of a fight in this one. Lakers in 5

Outcome: Los Angeles 4 Utah 1

2) Denver vs. 7) New Orleans

New Orleans will surprise the Nuggets. Hornets in 6

Outcome: Denver 4 New Orleans 1

3) San Antonio vs. 6) Dallas

This should be the best series of the opening round. Spurs in 7

Outcome: Dallas 4 San Antonio 1

4) Portland vs. 5) Houston

Portland will take the series. It won't be easy though. Blazers in 6

Outcome: Houston 4 Portland 2

Madden Retires

John Madden announced today that he is retiring from broadcasting after 30 years of calling NFL games. His announcing style helped me and, I'm sure, many other non-playing football fans understand some of the intricacies of the game. It's hard to see someone get hit hard in a game without hearing the famous "Boom!" So thank you, Mr. Madden, for sharing your knowledge of the game with me for so long. Enjoy your well deserved retirement.