Before the playoffs start, I’m making my call and that is the Cavs will be the 2010 NBA Champions.  I think they will end up meeting the Los Angeles Lakers in the finals and judging by everything I’ve seen in the regular season, it’s their time to shine.  The reason why I picked them comes down to one name: Lebron James.

He’s determined.  He’s poised.  He’s confident.  And he’s the best in the game of basketball.  No one can stop him and with a pretty good supporting cast including Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison, Anthony Parker, and Shaquille O’Neal, I think the Cavs are ready to celebrate in champagne.

It’s hard to go against the Lakers as the 2010 NBA champions, but they showed a lot of weakness and uncertainty coming down the stretch.  Kobe is starting on the downside of his career while Lebron couldn’t be any more prime than right now.

Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions for 2010

Bulls vs. Cavs – Cavs in 5

Bobcats vs. Magic – Magic in 6

Bucks vs. Hawks – Hawks in 6

Heat vs. Celtics – Celtics in 7

On paper, the East doesn’t look as enticing for the playoffs.  The Cavs will probably destroy the Bulls who could really use Ben Gordon about now.  The Bulls are resilient though so I have Vinny Del Negro winning one last game.

The Bobcats and Magic could get interesting.  The Bobcats actually have the big men to control Dwight Howard and the wing players to stage an upset.  Stephen Jackson is fearless and a champion.  Gerald Wallace is as athletic as there is.  It wouldn’t surprise me if the ‘Cats shocked the Magic.

The Hawks will put away the Bucks one way or another.  They’re too good – especially with silky Joe Johnson.

The Heat and Celtics should put on a back and forth show.  I don’t think the Heat are that good and the C’s are stumbling but I gave it to Bean Town because of the experience.

2010 Playoff Predictions for the Western Conference

Lakers vs. Thunder – Lakers in 6

Spurs vs. Mavs – Spurs in 6

Blazers vs. Suns – Suns in 5

Jazz vs. Nuggets – Nuggets in 7

Lakers and Thunder should be an exciting series but too much talent and experience for L.A.

Spurs are a very deceptive 7 seed because of injuries and will come in looking to prove themselves.  Spurs as a big underdog is very scary for the Mavs.

It really sucks that Brandon Roy is out.  Blazers are an exciting team but not the same without their 1A star.  Phoenix has been playing great.

Jazz vs. Nuggets is very hard to read.  This is a truly even matchup out in the midwest.  I think the Nuggets take this one because of Carmelo’s superstar abilities but Deron Williams will keep things razor close.