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For what it's worth, here's my NBA playoff predictions for 2010. Like most everyone else except for the fans in the other playoff cities, I'm rooting for a LeBron vs. Kobe final series. That will be must see TV for a large part of the sporting nation. No big surprises below, I don't see anyone upsetting either the Cavs or the Lakers before the finals, although Cleveland needs Shaq to stay healthy for the likely matchup with Orlando, and the Lakers need to watch out for Denver in the second round.

Eastern Conference first round:

1. Cleveland over Chicago
2. Boston over Miami
3. Atlanta over Milwaukee
4. Orlando over Charlotte

Western Conference first round:

1. L.A. Lakers over Oklahoma City
2. Denver over Utah
3. Phoenix over Portland
4. Dallas over San Antonio

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Eastern Conference second round:

1. Cleveland over Boston
2. Orlando over Atlanta

Western Conference second round:

1. L.A. Lakers over Denver
2. Phoenix over Dallas

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Eastern Conference Finals

1. Cleveland over Orlando

Western Conference Finals

1. L.A. Lakers over Phoenix

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NBA Finals

Cleveland over L.A. Lakers

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Bonus pick: LeBron James prediction - he'll stay in Cleveland, but only sign a 3 year contract. I give it an 80% chance. Although anyone can come up with a number of reasons why he would choose another city or team to play with for the next 3-6 years, there are also many reasons, family concerns included, why LeBron will stay in Cleveland. He's got deep roots in northeast Ohio, and "insiders" close to the Cavs say he's very happy with team ownership and all they've done to accommodate him over the years. He'll likely play the field some once the playoffs are over, but when it's all said and done, a Cav he will be.

Tags: cleveland cavaliers, kobe bryant, lebron james, nba playoffs, nba predictions