What is everybody's thoughts on the rest of the playoffs? Here's my take:
Western Conference
(1) Minnesota vs. (8) Denver
I think this series will be fun to watch. Don't think Denver has enough firepower to stay with the T'Wolves though, they're playing on a different level. Nuggets beat them the last time they met, so that might give them some confidence. I'll say T'Wolves in 6.
(2) LA Lakers vs. (7) Houston
I love the Shaq/Yao, but outside of that I don't see Houston doing much. I love JVG, but Payton, Kobe, INSERT NAME HERE, Malone, Shaq in the playoffs is pretty unstoppable. I'll say the Rockets steal one at home. Lakers in 5.
(3) Spurs vs. (6) Memphis
The Grizzlies are actually leading the season series 3-1. I think this will also be a fun series, especially with the Grizzlies in the playoffs for the first time. Spurs in 7 just becuase the Grizz have played them so well all season, and the Spurs had trouble in the first round last year vs the Starbury led Suns.
(4) Sacramento vs (5) Dallas
Sacramento can't close out the season versus the Warriors, plummet to 4th, and now have to face a team who've beaten them 3 out of 4 times this year, including the last time they met. This will be a really fun series to watch. Dallas has been playing very well with their small lineup of Nash, MWalker, Finely, AWalker, and Nowitzki. I'll take Dallas in 7, just becuase I hate the Kings.

Eastern Conference
(1) Pacers vs. (8) Celtics
Don't think this will be much of a series. Artest will handle Pierce, nobody can stop JO. Pacers in 4.
(2) Nets vs. (7) Knicks
Covered this in another post. Knicks in 7.
(3) Pistons vs. (6) Bucks
Don't see Milwaukee doing much here. If they had TJ Ford going up against an injured Chauncey Billups they might be able to take a few games, but with the Pistons insane D and great frontline, I don't see the Bucks doing anything. Bucks in 4.
(4) Heat vs. (5) Hornets
I love watching the Heat. Odom is fun to watch, as is Wade and Alston. Stan Van Gundy has done a great job, and with Mashburn out I don't think the Hornets can win. I'll say Heat in 6.

Your predictions?

(1) Minnesota vs. (8) Denver
Since Minnesota has home court and are the #1 seed for the first time, this is their moment in the spotlight and they will get out of the first round. I say Minny in 5.
(2) LA Lakers vs. (7) Houston
Everyone thinks the Lakers are still the defending champs for some reason, and they have a lot of firepower with their starters....it thins out after that. However, with everyone healthy I say Lakers in 6.
(3) Spurs vs. (6) Memphis
The Spurs are defending champs, and they get down and dirty come playoff time. That boring style of basketball has won them 2 championships and they will continue to shine. However last year the Suns gave them a run for their money and the Grizz could do the same (I agree with you Smooth, this could be trouble). I will say it goes 6 though after San Antonio gets its act together.
(4) Sacramento vs (5) Dallas
The Kings are in trouble. Dallas isnt as good as it used to be. Both teams know eachother well. 7 games - Kings this time, and they will get more dangerous as they gain their confidence back.

(1) Pacers vs. (8) Celtics
What a joke? Break out the broom, Pacers in 4. Seriously though, the Celtics didn't even seem like they were thinking about the playoffs this year. Maybe they can steal a game but I doubt it. Indiana is playing great basketball.
(2) Nets vs. (7) Knicks
WOW! What a series, here is the new Knick rivalry...remember Indiana, Chicago, and Miami? Well this is the next best thing and they are right across the river. I think this is going to be an ugly series, and I will pick the Knicks to win because I can't stand the Nets. 7 games is what it will take to dethrone the def easten conf champs.
(3) Pistons vs. (6) Bucks
What a boring series this could turn out to be. To me the Pistons are the Spurs of the east. Not in terms of talent but in terms of defensive organization. They are going to be tough to beat, and Sheed can ball...but how will he react when its the 4th quarter and his team is looking for him to get the W? I don't think he will have to worry about that in Rd. 1, 4 games.
(4) Heat vs. (5) Hornets
Haven't watched either team. But with a Van Gundy running the show and Riley in the background...Heat in 5.