On To the Second Round

As the first round of the NBA playoffs are over, players and fans are not looking forward to there conference semi-finals.

The best proved that it doesn't matter whether you are a high seed or a low seed in the playoffs; it matters on who wants it more and the way you play. Eight teams have advanced to the second round leaving eight behind.
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers were able to find a way to beat the Nuggets and their top two scoring duo, Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony.
The dangerous Mavericks couldn't find glory against the young and talented Hornets.
In probably the most exciting matchup, the Spurs held off the rays of the Suns in just five games which is a disappointment.
After having the second longest streak ever in the NBA, the Rockets seemed to miss Yao Ming against the Jazz who took the series in 6.
Over to the Eastern Conference, the Celtics should have swept the Hawks but many were surprised on how well they played and actually sent the series to 7 games despite being the eighth seed; in the final game, they got blown out and the Celtics advanced.
The Pistons almost got a scare against the 76ers but came out with the series in 6 games.
Third seeded Magic sent the Raptors home early in five games.
After DeShawn Stephenson talking smack about LeBron James, he couldn't back it up. James set things straight sending the Cavs past the Wizards in 6 games.

Seeing the top 4 teams in each conference advance, the 2nd round should have some very exciting games:
Hornets vs. Spurs
Lakers vs. Jazz
Pistons vs. Magic
Celtic vs. Cavaliers
*bold represents top seed

My Opinion: I was very surprised that the Nuggets got swept by the Lakers; they definately had the offensive power to advance but their defense didn't seem to come together. I guess we know what they will be looking for in the off season. In the upcoming games, i believe that the Hornets will be the surprise team to win; despite being young and inexperience, they are very athletic and should get passed the Spurs. My picks for these games are the Hornets, Lakers, Magic, and Cavaliers.