entertaining as a Kobe v. Shaq NBA final would have been, many people were just as happy to see the Lakers out of the playoffs altogether. Besides the headlines that might have been, there are plenty of interesting match-ups. How entertaining (and possible dangerous) would a Pistons-Pacers series be? What about Phoenix-Dallas, were we might see a team, or both teams, reach 200 points. The Heat-Pistons in the East final would be outstanding. Before we pull the cart before the horse, here is a breakdown of the first round match-ups:
EAST
(1) Miami Heat v. (8) New Jersey Nets
Prediction: Heat in 5
Here's why: The Heat should win this series handily. Shaq is too much for anyone in the league. Unless Bill Russell signs with the Nets they really have little chance. The return of Richard Jefferson gives the Nets a glimmer of hope, but this glimmer is just sun in your eyes. This may be a deficiency in my analytical ability, but barring injury to Shaq or Dwyane Wade, there is no conceivable way for the Nets to advance.
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| Iverson needs help from his teammates if the 76ers stand any chance. (Source: AP)
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(2) Detroit Pistons v. (7) Philadelphia 76ers
Prediction: Pistons in 5
Here's why: The 76ers struggled following the Chris Webber trade, but pulled it together going into the playoffs. Yet, the Pistons are perhaps the deepest team in the league. The defending champions have the same starting line-up as last year, which spells trouble for all other teams in the league. The Pistons are definitely considered a repeat possibility. On the other side, the 76ers' Allen Iverson will steal one or two games in this series. This means if someone else on Phili's roster can step it up big time- C-Webb we're looking at you- the 76ers might be able to make this a respectable series. The Pistons will fire on all cylinders and the 76ers will look like the American automotive industry- slow, struggling and just happy to still be around.
(3) Boston Celtics v. (6) Indiana Pacers
Prediction: Pacers in 7
Here's why: This is an interesting series to predict. The Pacers looked more like they wanted to give Reggie Miller a good send-off rather than winning the 4-spot. The Pacers suffered more man-games lost than any other team by far and Jermaine O'Neal is hobbling. The have also faced more adversary than any other team in quite some time. Despite the gap in rank, these teams finished 1 game apart in the standings. Boston's line-up with Paul Pierce, Antoine Walker, Gary Payton and Ricky Davis is formidable, but have not been able to parlay their talent with a team game. Neither team has a strong front line, so O'Neal has to dominate. If Stephen Jackson can get hot and the Reggie Miller Retirement Tour re-focuses, the Pacers can pull out this series. Although Rick Carlisle will have to find a good defensive game plan to cool off Pierce and Walker.
(4) Chicago Bulls v. (5) Washington Wizards
Prediction: Bulls in 6
Here's why: The Bulls' Ben Gordon played well down the stretch. Luol Deng and Eddy Curry are out, which hurts the Bulls, especially in the paint. Most teams (8 out of the last 10) who go into the playoffs without their leading scorer lose in the first round. The Wizards are led by the highest scoring trio in the league: Gilbert Arenas, Larry Hughes and Antawn Jamison. Unfortunately, there is not a lot after these three players. Washington's main problem is that they do not seem to have enough 'winners' on their team. Then again the Bulls are largely too young to have any winners either, with the possible exception of Ben Gordon. Take the Bulls just because they are playing Washington- a franchise that couldn't win with Michael Jordan.
WEST
(1) Phoenix Suns v. (8) Memphis Grizzlies
Prediction: Suns in 5
Here's why: The Suns have been the best team in the NBA from the start of the season. MVP candidate Steve Nash leads a team of run-and-gun athletes, who can over-power a team with the offensive aggressiveness. This helps cover their main deficiency- defence, especially Nash's. However, Shawn Marion, when motivated, can bring a tremendous defensive game. The Suns are young, energetic and play with confidence. If Memphis wins a couple early games, they can put a dent in this confidence and bring up some of the questions surrounding Phoenix's ability to win in the playoffs. This series will be decided by tempo. If the series is in the half court- advantage Grizzlies. If the series is on the break- advantage Suns. Predict the former over the latter.
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| George Karl has made a world of difference in Denver. (Source: AP)
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(2) San Antonio Spurs v. (7) Denver Nuggets
Prediction: Nuggets in 7
Here's why: The stars seemed to have aligned for Denver this year. A dismal first half and the best post-All Star record in NBA history combined with the injury problems for Tim Duncan may very well spell upset for the Nuggets. However, the Spurs continued to played well without Duncan and a 70% Duncan is better than 95% of the players in the Association. If the Nuggets, especially Kenyon Martin, can play physical enough to get Duncan off his game and force him to outside fade-aways, Denver should be able to push the Spurs to the limit. Unless Manu Ginobili can shoot the lights out, (more than possible), San Antonio will go down in perhaps one of the more competitive series in the first round.
(3) Seattle Supersonics v. (6) Sacramento Kings
Prediction: Kings in 6
Here's why: This series may become a bit of a disappointment. The Kings are banged up, but Bobby Jackson is back. Seattle flew out of the gates, but limped into the playoffs. The Kings underwent significant roster changes and injuries, but only finished two games behind the Sonics in the standings. Ray Allen and Rashad Lewis are a formidable tandem, but the key match-up may be Bobby Jackson and Luke Ridnour. If Jackson can pester Ridnour he can upset the flow and rhythm of the Sonics. Teams that rely on their shooting as much as Seattle does, any interruption in their rhythm does tremendous damage to their ability to knock down shots.
(4) Dallas Mavericks v. (5) Houston Rockets
Prediction: Dallas in 5
Here's why: The battle of Texas will be a match-up of Dallas's offensive versus Van Gundy's defence. Both teams have tried to improve their weaknesses. Avery Johnson has made more of a commitment to Dallas' defence and Houston have tried to find more offensive weapons to complement Tracy McGrady. Yao Ming can't really be considered a main factor yet, despite his 18 ppg. At this point, Dallas' improvements on defence are significantly better than Houston's attempts to score. After T-Mac and Yao, Houston's scoring options are Mike James, David Wesley and Bobby Sura. Good at the local YMCA, not so good going into NBA playoffs.
