The NBA playoffs have started. Every night, NBA fans are watching teams compete to be the one and only highly coveted 2006 NBA Champions. Which teams will advance to the next round? Here is an analysis and prediction of each series in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

1. San Antonio Spurs vs. Sacramento Kings
The defending champs will have a good "warm-up" for the latter playoff games. The Spurs are the favorites in this match up, but don’t expect a sweep. Lingering injuries to Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili will be important to keep our eyes on. Ron Artest and the defensively renovated Kings will put up a fight and at best take one game in the series. Look for a good point guard battle between Mike Bibby and Tony Parker.
Spurs: 4 -1

2. Phoenix Suns s. L.A. Lakers
The super-charged Suns vs. Superman of the NBA this year. This highly anticipated match that will feature two possible season MVP’s. For the Suns, their high octane offense will be led by Steve Nash. Shawn Marion will continue his high level of play as well as Boris Diaw. Kobe Bryant will score and then score some more. Lamar Odom could really make a difference if he continues to play as well as he did the second half of the season but unfortunately for the Lakers, their lack of playoff experience and a strong supporting cast, Nash and the Suns will outscore them and move to the second round.
Suns: 4 - 2

3. Denver Nuggets vs. L.A. Clippers
Look for an intriguing match-up between these two as the Nuggets’ Carmelo Anthony is one of the most underrated players carrying his team. Injuries hurt the Nuggets this year but they kept fighting. This is a tough team with a good coach in George Karl. The success of previously injured key players (Earl Boykins and Marcus Camby) will make or break this series. The opponent, as hard as it is to believe, is the L.A. Clippers. Yes, the Clippers. Many cannot believe the team usually associated with laughter and losing, have been no laughing matter this season. It has been 29 years since the Clippers made it out of the first round and they are ready to put the past behind them. Elton Brand has had an all-star season and Sam Cassell brought the leadership and experience this team needed. Let’s not forget about sharp-shooting Cuttino Mobley. The Clippers front line of Brand and Chris Kaman will decide this one.
Clipper: 4 – 3.

4. Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Grizzlies
The Mavericks will dominate. They are playing their best basketball. Avery Johnson has done a phenomenal job at getting these guys to play hard at both ends of the floor. He has gotten them to play at a high level all year and he will get them to play even harder in the playoffs. Dirk Nowitzki is playing the best basketball of his career. The Grizzlies will see history repeat itself as they will go home again without a playoff win. Pau Gasol’s health is in question and that is about the best player they have going for them at this time. While the Grizzlies make for a great underdog because of the blue-collar type players they have, the Mavericks are just the better team.
Mavericks: 4 - 0

1. Detroit Pistons vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Without question, the Pistons are the widely chosen team to win this one. Let’s see four of their five starters made the all-star team, they had the best record in the NBA this year, play near perfect basketball on offense and defense. Do you need more? The Bucks, well, let’s congratulate them for making it to the post season. There is not much more to say for them. Michael Redd will score but he will have a difficult time. As for the rest of the team, they most likely will be in awe of the great playoff basketball demonstrated by such a superior team leaving them helpless and ineffective.
Pistons: 4 - 0

2. Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls
The Heat believe they are a superior team but have not really proven it. Look for Dwyane Wade to play great. Shaquille O'Neal will play hard to prove he is still a force, but his body may not be able to hold up. Pat O'Riley will likely limit his minutes to get the most out of him. Important injured players will be returning as Jason Williams looks to lead the team at the point and Alonzo Mourning will be the back up for Shaq. The Bulls are tough. Ben Gordon will play his heart out and it will be fun to watch. Luol Deng will also have a good series. Look for the Bulls to take it to the Heat in games that will be decided in the fourth quarter.
Heat: 4 - 2

3. New Jersey Nets vs. Indiana Pacers
The Nets are playing great basketball. Vince Carter will dominate, Jason Kidd will have the Nets running and scoring. Richard Jefferson will elevate his game as he is no stranger to the playoff intensity. The Pacers on the other hand are tired. The past two years and their fight to make the playoffs this year has them drained. Their inconsistent play will continue in the playoffs. Jermaine O’Neal will still be searching for his game and the rest of the team are still wondering if Peja Stojakovic is going to play defense. The Nets will win, easily.
Nets: 4 -1

4. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards
A good match-up here. Lebron James' first playoff series, Larry Hughes playing against his former team, and the scoring ability of Gilbert Arenas. The many storylines make for an entertaining series. It will come down to who wants to win it more. For the Cavs, Lebron will play the best basketball of his young career. Hughes will find his rhythm and Zydrunas Ilgauskas will be solid presenting match-up problems for the Wizards. The Wizards will use all their magic as Caron Butler will look to get back in rhythm and look for Antawn Jamison to play well. The series will feature high-scoring games that will be decided in the fourth quarter. In the end…
Cavs: 4 - 3