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2008 Toronto Raptors v. Orlando Magic Playoff Predictions

This marks the second straight year that the Orlando Magic and the Toronto Raptors will be making trips to the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Last season, both teams made early first round exits so at least one of them will be able to move on in 2008. Will Chis Bosh lead his Raptors into the second round this season or will it be Dwight Howard paving the way for the Magic? Jimmy Boyd's Raptors/Magic round one NBA Playoff predictions unveils his series winner.

The Arguments:

The good news for the Magic this season is that they won't have to face the Pistons in the first round. Detroit swept them in four games a year ago. More good news is that they will have sharpshooter Rashard Lewis and a revitalized Hedo Turkoglu to go to battle with. However, the number three spot has been a dangerous one in recent years. Last season, the Raptors went down to the Nets as the three seed in the East. In 2006, the Nuggets made a first round exit as a three seed, and the Celtics and Pacers went down as three seeds in 2005 and 2003 respectively.

But I'm not worried for the Magic here as, to me, this series will be decided in the paint and that's where the Magic have been dominating teams with Dwight Howard all season. Chris Bosh or Rasho Nesterovich won't be able to contend with Dwight Howard's size and strength. The big fella averages 20.7 points per game and 14.2 boards per contest, and I expect his scoring production to go up even more as the Magic won't settle for as many threes in the postseason.

The Raptors have been a poor road team all season at just 16-25 away from home while the Magic have been very strong on the road at 27-14. In fact, Orlando's road record was slightly better than its home mark this season. That makes it imperative that the Raptors steal a game on the road in one of the first two games or the Magic could be getting out their brooms.

I don't see this series being a rout though as the Magic are still a young team. They are playing against a highly talented Raptors squad which has underachieved this season and will be looking to make up for it in the playoffs. Howard won't demand the ball at times and the Magic get perimeter-happy. That style of play has kept teams in games and it is the sign of an inexperienced team. But all in all the better squad will take the series.

Prediction:

Magic in 6

Make sure you check out all of Jimmy Boyd's 2008 NBA playoff predictions to help you break down each and every series through the NBA Finals. And Sign up for one of our low-cost NBA picks packages for the most winners this postseason. 

We now have all of the first round games broken down series by series:

Updated April 17th, 2008