8 p.m.

• Uh-oh. I forgot the NBA playoffs started today. Whatever, it's only one game. Is the NBA is still doing the pre-determined brackets, unlike the NHL which reseeds every round? Well they are in this.

Coming from the Big East, boy, we ain’t slippin’

(1) Boston vs. (8) Atlanta

Hey, Atlanta made the playoffs! Good for them. I don’t even want to know their record. Celtics in 5. (For the record, I rarely call a game in 4 games or 7 games. Generally, if I say a series will last 5 games, I’m leaning toward a 4-5 game series. If I say 6 games, I’m thinking a series will last 6-7 games. But I’ll take any correct prediction when I can.)

(2) Detroit vs. (7) Philadelphia

I heard the 76ers were playing pretty good as of late. No matter. Pistons in 5.

(3) Orlando vs. (6) Toronto

This one has my interest somewhat. I’m thinking this could have upset potential. I’ll still go Magic in 6.

(4) Cleveland vs. (5) Washington

I don’t care about this series. I didn’t care about this series last year. I didn’t care about it the year before. Cavs in 6.

SECOND ROUND:

(1) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland

I don’t see the Cavs pulling off an upset past the first round this year. Celtics in 5.

Detroit (2) vs. Orlando (3)

Oh what the heck. After guessing a near upset in Orland’s first round matchup, I’ll say they give the Pistons a scare. Pistons in 6.

THIRD ROUND:

(1) Boston vs. (2) Detroit.

This is what everybody has been predicting all year. I’ll pull for the Celtics. Boston in 6.

West-siiiiide

(1) Los Angeles vs. (8) Denver

So it was Denver and not Golden State that got the last playoff spot. It must be terrible for a fan of a Western Conference team like the Nuggets. You spend all that money attending games throughout the regular season only to get ousted in the first round each year. Lakers in 5.

(2) New Orleans vs. (7) Dallas

I was figuring Dallas would make some noise in the playoffs this year, seeing how they got bumped in the first round last year and they were facing not even reaching the postseason after making the trade for Kidd. However, it seems every ESPN talking head has been predicting Dallas to upset, which has me nervous. No matter. Mavericks in 6.

(3) San Antonio vs. (6) Phoenix

I made this prediction before today’s game, which I had on while doing some odds and ends around the house. I’m pulling for the Suns, but I just can’t. Spurs in 6.

(4) Utah vs. (5) Houston

I like T-Mac. Really. I do. But like how I can’t discount the Spurs in the first round, I can’t discount Houston from NOT advancing. Jazz in 5.

SECOND ROUND

(1) Los Angeles vs. (4) Utah

Remember my comment about the Nuggets? Insert “Nuggets” for “Jazz.” Los Angles in 5.

(2) San Antonio vs. Dallas (7)

I had the Spurs advancing in the first round, but I’ll go for the upset here. Mavs in 6.

THIRD ROUND

(1) Los Angles vs. Dallas (7)

Oh what the heck, I’ll call it. Mavericks in 6.

Finals

(1) Boston vs. Dallas (7)

I’m such a party pooper to not have LAKERS VS. CELTICS. Whatever. Hooray for anti-climatic Championship Series. Celtics in 5.