This should be the Kings' year

Finally, it's that time of year.

After 82 regular season games that lacked defense, intensity, fundamentals, and shooting, the playoffs are here. They still lack fundamentals, but now it's down to the best teams and the best players going at each other with all they've got, so let's run down the series:

Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trialblazers: Undoubtedly the best series to watch. With the Dallas Mavericks, you're treated to great passing, shooting and scoring, absolutely no defense, wild hairdos, and owner Mark Cuban taunting referees.

In the average Portland Trailblazers game, you get three technicals, two fights, a knifing, and you'll probably get high just watching them on TV. Does it get any better?

Plus, is there a series in which it's easier to pick a team to root for? Talented Nice Guys Who Will NEVER EVER Win an NBA Championship vs. America's Most Wanted, the Oregon Edition!

Also, this series has already given us what is easily the most ironic quote of the playoffs: from AP reports, after Dirk Nowitzki scored 46 points in a game one Dallas win: "'We just can't let Dirk get 50 -- even if we have to put a hit on Dirk,' Portland's Bonzi Wells said, laughing."

If I'm Dirk, I'm not laughing -- I'm hiring body guards and a body double. Seriously. When a Jailblazer says he is going to put a hit on you, you don't laugh, you start saying your prayers.

(Assuming there's no hit on Nowitzki) Dallas in seven games.

Utah Jazz vs. Sacramento Kings: Not much to say here. Kings in five. Go Peja!

San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns: In two years these teams could be playing in the conference finals. But for now, Spurs in six.

L.A. Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: The ultimate sign that Kevin Garnett will NEVER EVER make it past the first round of the playoffs came when the T-wolves finally clinched first round home court advantage. For the first time in franchise history, Minnesota would be playing on its home turf and, as a reward, received a match up with... the Los Angeles Lakers.

I mean, I'm rooting for KG and all, but come on. Minny had no confidence in its game one loss, and Rasho Nesterovic and Wally Szczerbiak trying to guard Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant sounds like a bad horror story. Who would you bet on? Lakers move on in five.

(However, I hope I speak for every man, woman, child, and dog not from L.A. when I say that we all hope the Lakers lose, and lose badly. There's only so much I can take of Mark Madsen blinding me with his whiteness, Devean George being WAY too cocky for someone who played Division III (Tufts' level) in college, Kobe grinning like he's the Messiah, and Shaq running down the court with that confused cross-eyed look after every bucket. Death to the Lakers!)

The Eastern Conference playoffs were cancelled this year after the league decided to just automatically crown whoever comes out of the West as champion. But if they had been played, here's what would have stood out:

Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics: Due to the NBA's decision to switch the first round from best-of-five to best-of-seven, Inside the NBA was excited at the prospect of the Celtics setting a new record for most three pointers launched in a first round series -- without making any. Then I realized that the Celts were probably going to be swept in four games, so they probably wouldn't quite get to the record.

Then I remembered that Isiah Thomas coaches the Pacers (they could probably win the finals without him, not even kidding).

Then Paul Pierce dropped 41 points on Indiana in leading Boston to a comeback victory in the first game, and I realized, hey, Boston could actually win this. Seeing Pierce do it against Ron Artest was downright sensational. I mean, Artest is not only one of the toughest defenders in the league but also carries the threat of a physical attack at any second. If that doesn't make you want to pass the ball, nothing will. And if Artest can't stop Pierce, no one else in the East can either.

Still, Indiana is just too talented. Pacers in six.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets: Allen Iverson's 55 point game one explosion delivered goosebumps. Probably the best playoff performance since MJ. 21of 32 from the field?!? Heck, he usually can't even hit 40 percent! Sixers in six.

Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons: Tracy McGrady is the best player in the league and there's no way in all that is holy that Chauncey Billups is going to lead a team deep into the playoffs. Magic in seven.

New Jersey Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Cnnsi.com carried the following headline this past week: (Bucks forward Tim) Thomas Says He Won't Complain about Playing Time during Playoffs. Only in the NBA is that possibly newsworthy.

Three years ago, Gary Payton vs. Jason Kidd could have been a gravitating matchup. Not anymore; the Glove has slipped too much. I'm hoping for a fight between Kenyon Martin and Toni Kukoc to liven things up. Nets win in six.

Since this is the last Inside the NBA of the year, cross your fingers that the Kings can vanquish their playoff ghost and take out the Lakers this time around. If they can, then Sacramento over Philly, in six in the finals.