The playoff bracket has finally taken shape in the NBA, and it’s time for a few predictions to be made.

1. The 76ers will stretch the first series against the Heat to 6 or 7 games- The Heat are a lot of people’s favorites to win the whole thing this year, but do not count out the 76ers just yet. Sure, they have lost 4 out of their last 5, but Elton Brand has been an All-Star for this team. The Heat will feel the pressure of the playoffs early, but make no mistake, they will win the series. The 76ers will just make it somewhat interesting.
2. The Celtics will make yet another run at a title- The Celtics have been looking disorganized and sluggish as of late, but does anyone remember what happened last year? The Celtics finished the season almost the exact same way, and still came within one quarter of winning yet another championship. They have the experience and the determination to move forward. It was smart of Doc Rivers to rest his players for the week, so look for an extremely motivated C’s team to come out strong against the Knicks.
3. The Lakers will not win the West- Almost everyone is talking about a three-peat in L.A, but do not be so quick to assume that Kobe can do it again. The Spurs are the number one seed, and the Lakers recently lost to multiple teams in that conference. Do they have what it takes? Maybe, but the rule “third time’s a charm” does not apply when you have succeeded in the previous 2 finals.
4. The Bulls will win the East- It’s always difficult to just go with the favorite because it seems so obvious, but it is hard to argue when the favorite has Derrick Rose. The guy is almost inhuman. They will have to face some good teams on their way to a title (most likely either a veteran Celtics team of a high-powered Heat squad), but the road to the finals goes through Chicago, and they will make sure they use that to their advantage.
5. The Oklahoma City Thunder will win the NBA finals- I’m going with my instincts on this one, because I do not think it is the Bulls time just yet. The Thunder definitely lucked out when they acquired Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson from Boston, and they will be key components on their way to a title. The surprising thing is I do not even think that the series will go until 7 games; 5 games, maybe 6 tops. Their hardest challenge will be the Nuggets in round 1, and after that, it will be smooth sailing.

So who do you think is going to win the 2010-2011 championship? Leave a comment in the box below to put in your 2 cents!

Source: ESPN.com