DAY TEN - The Cavs look to sweep in Washington, the Jazz and Rockets play a pivotal game five, and the Nuggets try to even up their series at home.
Cavaliers at Wizards, 7:00 PM, NBATV
Winner: Cavaliers
Thoughts: This is a simple pick. Cleveland has been dominant every step of the way in this series. While no game has been a full on blow out, every game is consistently controlled by Cleveland. LeBron James has been playing great(26.7 points, 7.7 boards, and 7.7 assists per game). And better than that, he's actually getting some support from his teammates. This could have been a different series if the Wizards were healthy, but as it is, Washington doesn't have a shot. Cavs win.
Jazz at Rockets, 8:00 PM, TNT
Winner: Jazz
Thoughts: We've been seeing the flaw that is the Houston Rockets. After watching Yao and McGrady combine for 50 of Houston's 67 points in game three, we saw an opposite approach with neither of the two stars taking more than 18 shots or six free-throws. Utah on the other hand is a naturally balanced team that didn't play their best basketball and still won in game four. I can't explain what planet Andrei Kirilenko is on or how he got there, but regardless, Boozer, Okur, and Deron Williams have picked up the slack for the Jazz. Expect a close, hard fought game, but Utah comes out on top and takes control of the series. Jazz wins.
Spurs at Nuggets, 10:30 PM, TNT
Winner: Nuggets
Thoughts: For the last two games the Spurs have seemed to have control early only to see the Nuggets come surging back and still fall short. Already faced with being down one games to two, Denver can't afford to come up short tonight. The Nuggets know they can't keep trying to play from behind and they should come out shooting and hitting early. Both Iverson and 'Melo are going to have to play well from start to finish to keep the Nuggets in it and secure the win. If Camby and Nene can keep Duncan in check, and the rest of the Denver defense can shut down penetration from Parker and Ginobili, Denver evens up the series tonight. Nuggets win.
* all times Eastern
Jordan's Playoff Picks so far:
21/30 - 70%
Tomorrow's games:
Nets at Raptors
Warriors at Mavericks