NEW YORK -- The playoffs -- the NBA's bridge abutment between the high drama of the regular season and the cold sweat of Secaucus -- are once again upon us.

Sixteen teams are vying for the Larry O'Brien Trophy, the most coveted possession the league has to offer . . . right behind a "get out of jail free" card.

Mavericks-Warriors

Despite compiling one of the top records (67-15) in NBA history Dallas is an imperfect storm. No prototype "ballpoint" to set the table. No classic centerfold to draw the defense and feed off. Still, it's not as if the Mavs must get by the Celtics or Lakers of the '80s, or the Bulls of the '90s, to win their first championship.

The unpredictability of Golden State, as well as its undersized, athletic lineup and ability of each starter to drop 30 effortless points or more, creates a harrowing matchup problem.

Cheating off Baron Davis, Jason Richardson, Al Harrington, Stephen Jackson and Monta Ellis is poisonous.

Prediction: Mavs in six.

Lakers-Suns

Badly beaten down at season's end by injuries and attitude (losing 13 of 16), leading to horrific defense inside, out and in transition, L.A., nevertheless, has two positives going for it: Kobe Bryant and Phoenix's derogatory remarks about its players/coach Phil Jackson in Jack McCallum's book.

Still, Kobe and emotion can only account for so much, a win or two.

Since Steve Nash is unstoppable, anyway, L.A.'s best chance to extend the series longer is to slow down proceedings to gridlock. One way to accomplish that end is to junk its point guards for extended periods, suggests Paul Westphal.

Prediction: Suns in six.

Spurs-Nuggets

Denver just about never loses shootouts above the century mark, whereas San Antonio is basically infallible when the score is kept below 100, usually a lot lower.

More matchups favor the underdog than the Spurs, yet Gregg Popovich's posse usually finds a way to get it done, especially in an odd year.

Denver's hope for an upset hinges on achieving harmony and maturity ahead of its time.

Prediction: Denver in six.

Rockets-Jazz

Had Houston lost Game 1 while only having to deal with Andrei Kirilenko (splint on thumb) for 16 uneventful minutes, I've got to believe we would be three defeats away from owner Les Alexander firing Jeff Van Gundy and demanding a retraction from Tracy McGrady.

Going into this series McGrady's teams are 5-5 in failing to attain consecrated higher ground. In a recent interview with ESPN, he said, "It's on me if we don't get out of the first round."

Kirilenko's affliction means Utah is minus its lone shot blocker. Now there's no one vaguely capable of containing McGrady one-on-one.

Prediction: Houston in five.

Nets-Raptors

Lucky for Toronto's Sam Mitchell coach of the year votes can't be changed.

I realize Chris Bosh went to the line 10 times in Game 1, but why weren't more plays called for him down low to take full advantage of Jason Collins and Mikki Moore?

Over the last six weeks Vince Carter has played exceptionally well and wise. Almost out of necessity he developed confidence and trust in teammates (getting their chance strictly because of injuries) not named Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson.

Prediction: Nets in six.

Heat-Bulls

All I could think while watching Luol Deng and Ben Gordon combine for 41 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists in the Game 1 victory was Bulls GM John Paxson's resistance to give up one or both for Pau Gasol.

Signing Ben Wallace to a $60 million (starting at $16 million), four-year guarantee doesn't seem like such a bad idea after all, either. In the last six weeks his energy, enthusiasm and demonic defense have been contagious.

Chicago is peaking and Miami is piqued.

Prediction: Bulls in seven.

Pistons-Magic

Orlando recorded 18 assists, 21 turnovers and 18 aborted foul shots, eight of them, including the first six, by Dwight Howard who also committed a half dozen errors to counterbalance his 19 rebounds and 13 points in Game 1.

None of those stats are an aberration. The team is second worst of 30 in both turnovers and free throw percentage.

What else do you have to know about this mismatch?

Prediction: Detroit in four.

Cavaliers-Wizards

Only the absence of LeBron James would even up the odds (no Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler) to some extent.

To increase the drama Eddie Jordan ought to let Etan Thomas and Brendan Haywood fight for the privilege to guard him.

Prediction: Cleveland in four.