NBA playoff picks

The Cleveland Cavaliers should already be out of the playoffs. Though it briefly made the highlight reels, what most seem to forget is that way back in Game 3 of their series against the Indianapolis Pacers, a Cav made an off-balance three-quarter court miracle shot just as the buzzer sounded to end the first quarter. Three points. The Cavs would win by two.

In Game 5, an obvious goaltending call against Lebron James wasn't called. How can it be that after the refs (and league office) thoroughly reviewed it -- they STILL missed it? The Indy player's shot clearly hit the backboard before James swatted it away -- and that's goaltending every time. The Cavs would win that one by 3 points, on a last second shot by James. Right after the missed goaltending call. If the proper call was made, the ensuing play doesn't develop the way it did.

After completely blowing out the Cavs in Game 6, the series heads back to Cleveland for Game 7. Call that a toss-up, but hard to bet against James in such games. Still, he's been a one-man show so far and, no, that won't be enough to propel the Cavs to the Finals again. Even if they get by the Pacers, and then the Raptors (always chokers), the Philadelphia 76ers (who will easily dispatch either Boston or Milwaukee) will spell their doom. Philly's getting better all the time and appear to be on a roll.

The West almost seems pre-determined. Though the young New Orleans Pelicans are an up and coming team, no way are they ready to get past the Golden State Warriors. Maybe a six game series without Steph Curry, but no more than five if he's healthy enough to play. Look out for the Pels in the future, though.

The best overall team, the Houston Rockets, await the winner of the Okla City Thunder/Utah Jazz series. Does it even matter? Either of the latter will be cannon fodder.

If the above mentioned Curry is full healthy, the Western finals could prove interesting. Though the Rockets have home court advantage, the Warriors have been there, done that (three Finals in the last three years, including two championships).

But this seems to be the Rockets' year.

Regardless, whoever comes out of the West will be overwhelming favorites to easily dispatch whoever emerges from the East.

And it's not even a close call.