it will be Orlando vs Cleveland. Personally, I think Shaq hurts Cleveland more than he helps. And he has been gone so long, integrating back into the lineup might hurt the Cavs. So I'm going with Orlando.
In the Western Conference Finals it will be Dallas vs Los Angeles. The series will go 7 games, and game 7 will be decided on a technical foul on Mark Cuban. Trust me, he will do something really really stupid.
I totally agree-Shaq hurts more than helps and the Magic are playing lights out-great bench and shooters-except Superman from the charity stripe- Caron Butler was a great pickup for the Mavs and they'll have a shot if Kobe isn't healthy-If he is, gotta go with LA-sorry, Girls-smile 1rob
I said from day one this year they would repeat. Unless someone gets hurt, when the chips are on the line, the combination of the Zen Master's coaching decisions and Bryant's execution is hard to beat in a close game, and most playoffs are (although not always). Having Gasol sure fucking helps, but if Bynum, Artest, Odom, and Fisher contribute, you can give them another ring. HOPEFULLY, THIS WON'T HAPPEN!!!
Past them...it's a tossup. Cleveland (on the will of LeBron alone, although a double-double from Shaq each night like he was doing for a while sure would help), Orlando (depending on how much Howard's supporting cast contributes), and Dallas (depending on if they get serious) all have a legitimate chance. Denver could, but Karl being away hurts them a lot...they won't be a team. I would love to say Phoenix (GO SUNS!!!) had a chance, but defense wins championships. Spurs would need over the top performances from one of the big three almost each night. Utah doesn't have a clear leader. Celtics are on their way down. Hawks aren't quite good enough. Portland is dead without Roy and Oden. OKC is too young. The bottom four in the east don't have a chance (although Chicago is better than people give them credit for).
It could make for some fun series, though... especially in the West. Not a lot of clear winners there (although the Lakers, Dallas and Phoenix likely will win...Phoenix got a present with Roy being out, as they sucked against Portland with him in this year). Danver and Utah will be brutal. Then likely Lakers and Dallas, then Lakers.
In the East, the top four are shoo ins for the second round, then Cleveland and Orlando...then my guess is Orlando, but it all depends on how well Cleveland plays D.
Suns and Cavs in the end. Laker's are to beat up and out of sync to get past the Suns. Hell I personally think the Thunder get them out in game 6 but that's probably me being a hater.
I'll hoping for the Cavs-Mavs in the finals, with Cavs-Suns the second choice. Bynum is coming back, but he hasn't played in forever and didn't play worth a rip in last year's playoffs.
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