Eight left in fight for title

Before I get into my picks for the NBA conference semi-finals, I need to quote ESPN.com columnist Bill Simmons (AKA ‘The Sports Guy’), who by the way is one of the best writers on the web. In his first round review, Simmons wrote this, which is something I wish I had thought of:

Which reminds me, if Kobe doesn't completely eviscerate {Raja} Bell in Game 7, everyone on the planet is banned from making any more Kobe-MJ comparisons. We all know that MJ would have dropped 55 on Bell, shut down Nash on the other end and disemboweled D'Antoni for good measure. Kobe, if you're going to steal MJ's fist clench/shake from Game 1 of the 1998 Finals without asking, you need to take this all the way. You cannot lose Game 7. You can't. Even if you're playing 4-on-5…”

So while I’m not blaming KB-8 for the Lakers choke job, since he did shoot a combined 28-51 (55%) in the final two games, I have to admit I was a bit premature in making the Bryant/Jordan comparison on Friday. Michael would never had let his team fall to a team that doesn’t stick D, and Kobe did. It’s just that simple.

OK, enough of that, on to the picks:

WESTERN CONFRENCE:
1) San Antonio vs 4) Dallas
I picked the Mavs to win it all a couple of weeks ago, and their performance against Memphis didn’t do anything for me to change my mind. I think the key will be the Tony Parker-Jason Terry PG match up…Mavericks in 7

2) Phoenix vs 6) Los Angles Clippers
The only two teams that advanced that I didn’t predict correctly, and I really like both squads. It’s hard for me to pick against the Suns again, but Elton Brand, Sam Cassell, and Corey Maggette are really playing well. I expect this to be a very fun series to watch…Clippers in 7

EASTERN CONFRENCE:
1) Detroit vs 4) Cleveland
The Cavs have the best player in the series, which usually is a key in the playoffs. Unfortunately for Cleveland, the Pistons have the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth best players in the series, more playoff experience and home court advantage…Pistons in 5

2) Miami vs 3) New Jersey
J-Kidd vs D-Wade will rival Dirk/Duncan and Nash/Cassell as the best one-on-one match up of this round. I don’t really know how good the Nets are, but the lack of defense and the way Miami shoots free throws makes it very difficult for me to pick the Heat in a series against a team that has three superstars…Nets in 6