Bohls: It's a long shot, but I'm taking the Chicago Bulls' exuberance and Derrick Rose's quickness and athleticism over an aging Celtics team reeling from Kevin Garnett's absence. Remember, the Hawks pushed the Green to six games last year.

Golden: New Orleans over Denver. These teams split four regular-season games, so it isn't a huge stretch to pick the Hornets, even if they haven't played well lately. Chris Paul can take over a game.

First-round sweep

(other than the Lakers)

Bohls: Orlando will blow out Philadelphia in four games. Dwight Howard will be his beastly self, midseason addition Rafer Alston has energized the team, and Courtney Lee will smother Andre Iguodala.

Golden: LeBron James and his "camera" crew will quickly grind up the sub-.500 mess that remains in Motown. Any swagger Detroit had was erased after Joe Dumars traded Chauncey Billups for the selfish Allen Iverson.

How far will the Spurs go?

Bohls: Thanks to a dynamite year from Tony Parker, appropriate rest for Tim Duncan and home-court advantage, the Spurs will get past the Mavericks in the first round. But San Antonio won't escape the Hornets in the second round.

Golden: Not far. Dallas-San Antonio is the most intriguing matchup of the first round. Manu Ginobili's injury didn't cripple San Antonio but it took away a huge weapon off the bench. The Mavs are deeper, and for the first time in years, they have no expectations entering the postseason. If Tony Parker doesn't average 25-30 points, the Spurs go down.

Breakout player

Bohls: Portland's Rudy Fernandez broke Kerry Kittles' 10-year-old rookie record with 159 three-pointers. With his energy and long-distance accuracy, the 6-foot-6-inch guard will be instant offense for the hot Trail Blazers and will help take out the Rockets in six.

Golden: Slowed early by a big-toe injury, Texas ex Daniel Gibson has regained his shooting stroke for the Cavs. "Boobie" hit 9 of 19 three-point attempts in last three games.