NBA Insider with Ken Berger

Now that we’re into the teeth of the first-round series, here are my thoughts on what’s happened and what’s going to happen:

Eastern Conference

Detroit (1) vs. Orlando (8): Pistons lead, 2-0; Game 3 Thursday night at Orlando.
The Pistons are a balanced, unselfish, skilled basketball team with no superstars. Does anybody care? Oh, and another memo to Jameer Nelson, who said before the series, “I know we can beat them. We’ve just got to figure them out.” They couldn’t figure out the Pistons on the road, and I don’t see any reason to expect any different at home.

Cleveland (2) vs. Washington (7): Cavs lead, 1-0; Game 2 Wednesday night at Cleveland.
Never has a turned ankle gotten so much attention. Gee, I wonder if the heroic LeBron James can lead the Cavs out of the first round against what is essentially a D-League team without Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler?

Toronto (5) vs. Nets (6): Nets lead, 1-0; Game 2 Tuesday night at Toronto.
I still think the Nets face a tough road. But if they sweep at Toronto, the Raptors are done.

Miami (4) vs. Chicago (5): Bulls lead, 1-0; Game 2 Tuesday night at Chicago.
Tempers are simmering in this series already, and could boil over in Game 2. If Shaq gets into foul trouble again, this could become a slugfest and easily has the potential to become the ugliest series.

Western Conference

Dallas (1) vs. Golden State (8): Dallas leads, 1-0; Game 2 Wednesday night at Dallas.
Not surprised the Warriors stole one on the road; they’ve had the Mavs’ number. But would be shocked if the Mavs lost tonight, and if they lost the series.

Phoenix (2) vs. Lakers (7): Suns leads, 1-0; Game 2 Tuesday night at Phoenix.
Kobe will make the Suns sweat before it’s over, but Phoenix is too good.

San Antonio (3) vs. Denver (6): Nuggets lead, 1-0; Game 2 Wednesday night at San Antonio.
A.I. made an early statement that he can be the best player on the floor for stretches in this series. But I still like the Spurs to grind it out.

Utah (4) vs. Houston (5): Rockets lead, 2-0; Game 3 Thursday night at Utah
T-Mac and the Rockets took care of business at home. They’ll split at Utah and come home with a chance to close out the Jazz in Game 5 at home next Monday night.