pimblr.com

No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers (45-37) vs. no. 5 Washington Wizards (43-39)
BUZZ: Eyebrows went up as the Wizards courted disaster by sneering at the Cavaliers, with DeShawnStevenson calling them “overrated” and Gilbert Arenas saying they were the team the Wizards wanted. TNT’s Charles Barkley called the Wizards “the dumbest team in history” for firing up LeBron James. The Cavs finished 15-12 after their midseason trade as newcomers BenWallace, Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West struggled. The Wizards finished 16-8 and got Caron Butler and Arenas back.
No. 2 New Orleans Hornets (56-26) vs. No. 7 Dallas Mavericks (51-31)
BUZZ: The Hornets’ reward for their incredible season was another first-round matchup none of the top-seeded teams was looking forward to, against the Mavericks. Not that the Mavericks ever became as good as people thought they would with Jason Kidd. After a long break-in period, Dallas put it together, beating the Suns in Phoenix and the Jazz in Dallas … before losing in Portland and, yes, Seattle. The Hornets lack size, depth and experience, but with Chris Paul they’ll be ready.
No. 3 San Antonio Spurs (56-26) vs. No. 6 Phoenix Suns (55-27)
BUZZ: In the West nightmare everyone dreaded, it was the Spurs who won 56 games, finished third and found themselves against the Suns, who won 15 of their last 20. They went from small to imposing with Shaquille O’Neal and Amare Stoudemire, who averaged 29.6 points alongside O’Neal. The Spurs are experienced with one starter, Tony Parker, under 30. They’re also banged up, with Manu Ginobili (groin) back after sitting out three of the past four. Without home-court advantage, the Spurs wouldn’t be favored. If they lose one of the first two, look out.
No. 4 Utah Jazz (54-28) vs. No. 5 Houston Rockets (55-27)
BUZZ: The Rockets fell back to Earth after their 22-game win streak, becoming the team everyone wanted to play … before going on a late six-game win streak that included a win against the Suns. The Rockets still defend and with newcomers such as Luis Scola and Carl Landry, they have a deep supporting cast for TracyMcGrady, still seeking his first win in a playoff series. The Jazz, last season’s West finalists, started 16-16 but ended 38-12 behind Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams.

charlotte.com

Tags: spurs, suns, vs