NBA Conference Finals

No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 3 Orlando Magic: The Cavaliers got the maximum amount of rest - sweeping their series while watching the Magic and Celtics go seven games. Cleveland's defense is stout, but Orlando's ability to score (especially from behind the 3-point line) will test the Cavaliers. Can Cleveland win a game offensively, even with LeBron James? The Magic's forward duo of Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu presents a matchup problem for whoever is at power forward for the Cavaliers. Lewis is the key as he likely draws the defensive assignment against James. Did Orlando grow up against Boston? Does James have enough help? Magic in 6.

No. 1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 2 Denver Nuggets: Despite Cleveland's two sweeps, the Nuggets have been the most impressive team in the playoffs. Chauncey Billups gives Denver confidence in big situations, particularly Carmelo Anthony. The Lakers had heads scracthing in their series against Houston, which didn't have Yao Ming for four of the seven games. Will Los Angeles take a fully-loaded Nuggets team seriously? Denver does not have speed in the backcourt, which gave the Lakers trouble against the Rockets. The Nuggets have good size up front with Nene, Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen but the Lakers are bigger with Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, if only they play that way. Kobe Bryant had an OK series against Houston (by his terms). If Anthony can match Bryant star move for star move, Denver has a great chance. Lakers in 7.