Pistons V Cavs
IMO, the pistons, still with the home court advantage, will beat the Cavs in Game 7. Ilgauskas need to have more of an impact if the Cavs are to upset the pistons in this series, as does Gooden. Sheed needs to keep his mouth shut and let his basketball do the talking. Before the series, I thought Snow against Billups would be the defining factor but Snow is putting up some decent numbers. Either way, lebron cant do it on his own. And he has to shave that beard. Pistons cannot lose this series or they will lose a great opportunity to beat the very inexperienced Cavs.
Pistons in 7.
SAS v Dallas
My early tip before the playoffs was a pistons v spurs matchup but doesnt seem likely now. Stakehouse has been awesome in this series and Daniels has to be one of the quickest guys in the league coast-to-coast. Anyone catch the game on ESPN last Sunday? That guy flys down the court. Only flaw with Dallas is they need to give Dirk the ball on mismatches (then again, im no coach) but aside from that, Dallas is playing awesome for a team with one all-star. Duncan has clearly stepped up but Ginobili is hot and cold and Mohammed and Rasho are non-factors. Bowens not striking the 3 list past playoff games. Its about time they stopped him, he can only shoot from the corners. I hope Van Horn comes back soon. I think then, Dallas will hit their peak for the rest of the playoffs.
Dallas in 6.
Suns v Clips
Im surprised the Suns keep winning without a true centre. What a great signing Tim Thomas was. Its hard to pick a winner with so much talent on the Clips roster but I think the Suns will get through in 7 games. The Suns could play the game with 6 players and still win. I thought they would be tired by this point in the season but obviously not. I think they will get through but ultimately, lose to Dallas in the Western Conference finals.
Suns in 7
Miami v Nets
I thought nets would win the series given their start. The heat looked tired, slow and it looked like Shaq's promise of a championship would not be honoured. Surely, the heat cant lose from here. This is the best chance for the Heat to win a championship. Payton is 36, Shaq and Zo are getting slower. Unfortunately for the nets, they have no depth. Kidd, Carter and Jeffreson need to play a whole game or they have no chance. Krstic has improved and Collins is guarding Shaq well but Heat have to many offensive weapons for the Nets, given their lack of defense. E.g. Nets had 1 stl and 1 blk in game 4, compared with the heat's 8 & 4 respectively.
Heat in 5
For the finals, I think Dallas v Detroit, which would be an awesome matchup. Dallas' offense against Detroit's defense. I was dreading a boring spurs v pistons final. A new team in the finals will be good for the game and the dream debut for Avery Johnson as coach.
