….and then there were 4.

After a very interesting conference semifinals, which saw three sweeps and the end of the reign for a ‘king’. Looking toward the next round, we can expect more competition and possibly some more surprises. If there is even one sweep, it would be absolutely shocking based on what we’ve seen so far.

At this point, there isn’t much to preview. We know these teams very well, and these teams know each other even better. I do have a question for each team as we move to the conference finals, followed by an X-factor for each team:

• Will nearly a week off hurt the flow of the Magic?
  • X-Factor: Matt Barnes’ health and defense
• Are the Celtics ready for another very tough opponent?
  • X-Factor: Ray Allen’s clutchness
• Have the Lakers turned on the switch toward June?
  • X-Factor: Andrew Bynum’s health
• Can the Suns continue their hot shooting to the Finals?
  • X-Factor: Jason Richardson’s touch

Once again, NBAtoday.net has compiled picks for each series. We didn’t do too poorly in our first round and second round picks (except Cleveland), but now our focus is on the conference finals – one step closer to June, and June Jubilation. Speaking of which check out our June Jubilation page for links to daily wrap-ups of EVERY playoff game! We will have our picks for each round as the playoffs move on, which brings us to our third round predictions. Who do YOU like?

Eastern Conference                                                                  Western Conference

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NBA playoffs and June Jubilation!