As with yesterday’s prediction, I realize that this isn’t exactly going out on a limb, but despite being down 2 games to 1 to the Warriors right now, I predict that the Dallas Mavericks will win their first round series. What makes me feel the need to make this prediction? I have been a regular viewer of ESPN’s The Sports Reporters for as long as I can remember and it seems as though whenever they anoint an underdog a winner before a playoff series is over or praise a team after winning one game of a seven game series, that team ends up losing. Tremendous praise was bestowed upon Golden State head coach Don Nelson this morning, as well as scathing criticism of Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki. Which to me means that Dallas will win tonight and go on to win the series.