by Vernon Nava

Created on: August 22, 2009

With almost every team trying to improve themselves, and make it to playoffs, it's quite hard to see who will actually go into the playoffs. However, here are my predictions as to who will win it this year.

I think the following teams will make it to the next round.

East:

Out of 1st Round: Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics

Those last three were locked-in, however Toronto is still a wild card for me. We still have a lot of questions for this team, but the most important one is can the chemistry fast and early. If it's not, it could possibly be the Washington Wizards because of their fully scaled team returning to old form.

Our of 2nd Round: Cavaliers vs. Orlando

I don't know, but I still think Boston could replace either one of these teams. Not to offend any Raptors fans (I am a big one myself), but I don't think their chances are as high as those three lock in teams. Same goes to Washington. I'm sorry. This will be a great match up, however. LeBron will certainly be a lot more hungrier this year cause of last year's disappointing to the Dwight Howard and company. However, with Vinsanity joining the squad, and more experience under the Magic's belt, this could probably go to..

Eastern Conference Finalists: Orlando

Orlando obviously lost a big talent in Hedo. However, I think that won't stop them from going back to the top. If Dwight works on his limited offense, and becomes a beast in the mid-range game, don't think for one second that Orlando will not be back here. I know, LeBron could be here to, but by the looks of it, Orlando looks like the better team. With the 3 point bombers they have, and the experience they now have gained after last year's exit, this could be a team to be reckoned with.

Now on the West.

Out of the 1st Round: Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trailblazers

LA is the only team that's a lock up in my mind. San An has a big chance this year because they finally took that aging Bruce Bowen, for Richard Jefferson. Denver was great as well, but with Linas out and Dahntay out, Denver might not look like the 08-09 Nuggets. Portland deserves to make it out of the first round! They have so much young talent, and with a finally talented veteran player at the point, this could lead them finally out of the first round.

Out of the 2nd Round: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets

Man, this match up was craaaaazy last year. I mean, the high tempo game, the high scoring affair

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