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Is the East still
least? Can the Pistons repeat? How will the new faces fare
in the playoffs? Let's play ball!
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Miami
(59-23) vs. #8 New Jersey (42-40)
The
Miami Story: Shaquille O’Neal called Miami “the right
place, the right time, the right team”. And unlike a certain
Los Angeles guard, Dwyane Wade is happy to defer to Shaq.
The New
Jersey Story: The Nets lead the league in blowing
double-digit leads, having lost 13 times when up by 10 or
more points.
The
season series: Miami won all three meetings by big
margins.
Fearless
Prediction: No contest. Miami wins, in a sweep
#2
Detroit (54-28) vs. #7 Philadelphia (43-39)
The
Detroit Story: The reigning NBA Champions did not place
anyone on either the first, second or third All-NBA teams.
The
Philadelphia Story: Allen Iverson is reportedly showing
up for practice. But that’s about all that’s gone right for
the 76ers this year. Chris Webber is continuing his
tradition of being injured at playoff time.
The
season series: The Pistons took the first three games
before being blown out in the final meeting.
Fearless
Prediction: Philadelphia has Iverson; the Pistons have a
team of no-names. Pistons in 5
#3
Boston (45-37) vs. #6 Indiana (44-38)
The
Boston Story: The Celtics got a big lift from the new
playoff format, with a #3 seed and home court in the first
round. Based on record alone, they’d be tied for 5th.
The
Indiana Story: The Pacers were hurt big time by the
aftermath of The Brawl
The
season series: 2-1 Indiana; the Pacer wins were close,
the Boston win was not
Fearless
Prediction: Playoffs are Miller Time and this is
Reggie’s last year. Look for Indiana to upset Boston and go
to a second round series against…Detroit.
#4
Chicago (47-35) vs. #5 Washington (45-37)
The
Chicago Story: Chicago did not set the world afire, but
they led the league in field goal defense. The Baby Bulls
are back in the playoffs for the first time since Michael
Jordan hit The Shot.
The
Washington Story: Three former Warriors (Antawn Jamison,
Larry Hughes, Gilbert Arenas) join another perennial lottery
team and make the playoffs.
The
season series: Washington took two of three, with
Chicago taking the middle game; only the third match-up was
a double-digit win.
Fearless
Prediction: Two very similar teams: young,
inexperienced, in the playoffs for the first time in years.
The victor will be whoever makes fewer mistakes, probably in
a six- or seven-game series. The reward will be a date with
Shaq and the Heat.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
#1
Phoenix (62-20) vs. #8 Memphis (45-37)
The
Phoenix Story: Last year they were 29-53 and in the
lottery. This year they are first in points per game, first
in 3-point percentage and Steve Nash is first in assists per
game. MVP, anyone?
The
Memphis Story: Memphis has injury problems and possible
chemistry problems as well. It’s rumored that Bonzi Wells
has worn out his welcome, again.
The
season series: Phoenix book ended two Grizzlies wins
with two of their own. All were close.
Fearless
Prediction: Memphis will try to play physical and slow
the Suns down. Run and gun style does not work as well in
the postseason, but it will work well enough for Phoenix to
win in 6.
#2 San
Antonio (59-23) vs. #7 Denver (49-33)
The San
Antonio Story: The Spurs led the league in double digit
wins (40) but their biggest story is Tim Duncan. If he’s
healthy, they are the favorites to win it all. If he’s not,
they are out in the second round.
The
Denver Story: The Nuggets seemed headed for the title of
Second Biggest Disappointment (after the Lakers) until their
remarkable turnaround under George Karl.
The
season series: A split, with San Antonio winning the
first two and Denver the last two.
Fearless
Prediction: The only Western Conference #1 seed to ever
lose to #8 were the Seattle Sonics, coached by George Karl,
upset by Denver. Poetic justice might be Denver, coached by
Karl, upsetting the Spurs, but it’s not going to happen. San
Antonio in 5.
#3
Seattle (52-30) vs. #6 Sacramento (50-32)
The
Seattle Story: The Sonics were expected to be
cellar-dwellers after last year in the lottery and a
miserable preseason. Instead they won their division. Now,
will Nate McMillan get that contract extension?
The
Sacramento Story: Not only has their championship window
slammed shut, the Kings once again are limping into the
playoffs with Brad Miller, Bobby Jackson and Peja Stojakovic
all hurting.
The
season series: Seattle won the first three games, but
the Kings blew them out of the arena in the finale.
Fearless
Prediction: A healthy Kings team would manage an upset
but they’re not healthy. Sonics in 7.
#4
Dallas (58-24) vs. #5 Houston (51-31)
The
Dallas Story: Anyone know who is playing point guard now
that Steve Nash is gone? And does it matter? They can dump
their point guard and their coach, as long as Dirk Nowitzki
can play.
The
Houston Story: Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady have hardly
become the Magic and Kareem of Texas, but at least they are
moving in the right direction with a 50-win season.
The
season series: Dallas took the first two, Houston the
final two, holding the Mavs to a miserable 69 points in
their 4th match-up.
Fearless
Prediction: Dallas has a history of letting teams back
into games and series, but the Rockets are inexperienced in
big games and have blown hot and cold all year. Dallas in 7.
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