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The W - Basketball - NBA Playoff Bracket
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Kawshen
Liverwurst








Since: 2.1.02
From: Bronx, NY

Since last post: 5393 days
Last activity: 3653 days
#1 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.86
(L)EASTERN CONFERENCE [sorry. couldn't resist. :)]

(1) Indiana
(8) Boston

(4) Miami
(5) New Orleans

(2) New Jersey
(7) New York

(3) Detroit
(6) Milwaukee


WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Minnesota
(8) Denver

(4) Sacramento
(5) Dallas

(2) Los Angeles
(7) Houston

(3) San Antonio
(6) Memphis


NOTE:

"Quoth the Kobe. Never more."
(I had another version of this caption but it's too mean and obvious. ;))


Kobe beats the buzzer TWICE with trifectas and the Lakers win the Pacific and #2 seed since the Kings lost to Golden State.

(edited by Kawshen on 15.4.04 1419)


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Gugs
Bierwurst








Since: 9.7.02
From: Sleep (That's where I'm a viking)

Since last post: 3952 days
Last activity: 3081 days
#2 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.34
Wheel of Morality, turn turn turn. Tell us the lesson that we should learn.
BOLD, HUGE, MONUMENTAL, OBVIOUSLY-BIASED-BUT-I-DON'T-CARE PREDICTION

Boston over Indiana in 6.



So, Brain, what do you want to do tonight?

The same thing we do every night, Pinky: Try to take over the world!
Quezzy
Scrapple








Since: 6.1.02
From: Pittsburgh, PA

Since last post: 1899 days
Last activity: 1898 days
#3 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.71
I'm pretty excited about this year's playoffs, and there's only two series (Houston/LA and Ind/Bos that look like automatics.

Indiana vs. Boston - Indiana looks great, and I don't think Boston even wants to be there, they'd rather have a lottery pick. I wouldn't be surprised if this was a sweep.

Miami vs. New Orleans - Miami seems to be the "top 4 seed most likely to lose" pick. But I'm going to say they pull a first round win against Char..er..New Orleans. Go Haslem!

New Jersey vs New York - my choice for most likely upset. INjuries on New Jersey plus New York's turnaround, plus New York's pride should equal to New York having a great shot to win it, I say Knicks over Nets.

Detroit vs. Milwaukee - I'm glad Miami didn't drop to 6 because I want them to advance a round, and I don't think anybody other than Indiana will beat Detroit, that includes Milwaukee.

Minnesota vs Denver - I don't think this is a given, don't get me wrong I don't think the Nuggets will win, but it won't be easy. The Wolves have still never won a playoff series and the Nuggets have a lot of veteran guys with a lot of experience including playoffs. I say Minnesota wins, but it takes them 6.

Sacramento vs. Dallas - WOw, if you told me at the beginning of the season that one of these two wouldn't make it past the first round I'd thought you were crazy. Obviously Sacramento has the pieces to win since they took it to seven games last year and added Brad Miller and will (hopefully) have Webber the whole series, but they've been on a bit of a slide. I think Sacramento will pull it out in another exciting seven game series.

Los Angeles vs. Houston - Dang it. LA manages to pull the easiest first round opponent in the West in my opinion. I know Yao has played well against Shaq but I think LA wins this one pretty easily, 4 maybe 5 games.

San Antonio vs. Memphis - Bummer, I probably would've picked Memphis in an upset if it was anybody else, but the Spurs look to be in the best shape of anybody. Dallas lacks defense, Minnesota lacks experience and LA and Sacramento just don't seem to be right. But the Spurs seem to have it all. I think Memphis will play well but the Spurs win in 6.



Lance's Response:

THAT IS AWESOME!
Alessandro
Lap cheong








Since: 2.1.02
From: Worcester MA

Since last post: 458 days
Last activity: 63 days
#4 Posted on | Instant Rating: 3.04
    Originally posted by Quezzy
    Indiana vs. Boston - Indiana looks great, and I don't think Boston even wants to be there, they'd rather have a lottery pick.


INCORRECT!!!





Alessandro "Hercules" Boondy

Just so you guys know: 75% of this crap [you read on the internet] is made up, either by the writer, or the wrestler the writer is getting the dirt from. Just so you know. -- Statement by "Tammy Sytch", from Hyatte's Dec. 29th column ... Lest we forget.





BOSsportsfan34
Pepperoni








Since: 2.1.03
From: MA

Since last post: 1381 days
Last activity: 1380 days
#5 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.82
Here's my two cents.....

Eastern Conference

1st round:
Indy(1) vs. C's(8)
C's will have a couple of close losses and probably steal a game. Indy wins 4-1

NJ(2) vs. NY(7)
NJ has struggled the most in the opening round series the past few years. The Meadowlands will most likely have more Knick fans in it. However, NJ is the better team. NJ wins 4-2

Detroit(3) vs. Milwaukee(6)
Pistons have been great since the Sheed trade and Milwaukee has struggled the past month. Detroit wins 4-0

Miami(4) vs. NO(5)
Same situation as previous mentioned matchup. One team(Miami) playing great, the other team (NO) struggling. I think Davis is coming back for the playoffs though, which will help but not help enough for NO to advance. Miami wins 4-2

2nd round:
Indy(1) vs. Miami(4)
Miami's run ends here. Indy wins 4-1

NJ(2) vs. Detroit(3)
Detroit gets homecourt here due to better regular season record. Too much for NJ to handle as they get dethroned as the 2 time, 2 time, EC champs. Detroit wins 4-2

ECF:
Indy(1) vs. Detroit(2)
Has the makings of a classic series. Indy wins 4-3

Western Conference

1st round:
Minny(1) vs. Denver(8)
KG finally gets out of the 1st round, but it's close. Melo has a great performance here.
Minny wins 4-3

LA(2) vs. Houston(7)
LA gets going in the playoffs.
LA wins 4-1

SA(3) vs. Memphis(6)
As does the Spurs.
SA wins 4-1

Sacto(4) vs. Dallas(5)
This will be a battle as Sacto probably looks for revenge from last year. Homecourt advantage helps Sacto this time.
Sacto wins 4-2

2nd round:
Minny(1) vs. Sacto(4)
KG starts his run of never getting out of the 2nd round.
Sacto wins 4-2

LA(2) vs. SA(3)
SA gets homecourt due to better record. It will be a tough battle but I think SA comes out on top.
SA wins 4-3

WCF:
SA(3) vs. Sacto(4)
Kings window closes after this series.
SA wins 4-3

NBA Finals

Indy vs. SA
Hoping that the east team can pull out the victory. Plus an Indy win makes Isiah look like more of an idiot as one could argue they had more talent on last years roster.
Indy wins 4-3
The Thrill
Banger








Since: 16.4.02
From: Green Bay, WI

Since last post: 3624 days
Last activity: 223 days
#6 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.25
Freakin' Bucks could've clinched the 4 spot in the East, and home-court in the 1st round, all with just one lousy win...on three separate occasions. And each time...they blew it.

Feh...Pistons sweep Bucks 4-0, holding Milwaukee under 70 points twice in the process...and the smack-off between DJFrostyFreeze and Our Beloved Dictator resumes. :-)



Star wipe, and...we're out.
Thrillin' ain't easy.



THE THRILL
ACW-NWA Wisconsin
Home Video Technical Director...&
A2NWO 4 Life!
(Click the big G or here to hear the Packers Fight Song in RealAudio...or try .AU, .WAV or .MIDI!)
J.T. Dutch
Pickled pork








Since: 3.1.02
From: SoCal 4 Life

Since last post: 6106 days
Last activity: 2477 days
#7 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.70
FIRST ROUND IN THE LEAST ...

Celtics in 6 -- This one's just screaming "upset".
Nets in 7 -- The epitome of bad East basketball.
Pistons in 5 -- Detroit is the one real beast in the East.
Hornets in 6 -- All bets are off if Davis can't go.

SECOND ROUND ...

Celtics in 7
Pistons in 5

LEASTERN FINALS ...

Pistons in 4

FIRST ROUND IN THE WEST ...

Wolves in 5 -- Say what you will, but Minnesota is absolutely the team best-suited for the Playoffs right now.
Lakers in 5 -- What was that about Kobe shooting too much? The way I see it, he can't shoot enough.
Spurs in 5 -- Memphis is a tough opponent; they might be feeling the pressure right now, though.
Kings in 7 -- Speaking of feeling the pressure ... a slumping Sacramento team faces their conquerors from last year. This one could go anywhere.

SECOND ROUND ...

Wolves in 7
Lakers in 6

WESTERN FINALS ...

A Wolves-Lakers final is an absolute pick 'em, and I'm not picking it right now. Call me a chicken if you want ... but no way.

NBA FINALS ...

Western Winner over Pistons in 5.

(edited by J.T. Dutch on 15.4.04 1107)




Kobe Bryant to the rescue.

J.T. Dutch
Battlezone
Potato korv








Since: 27.2.03
From: Seattle, Washington

Since last post: 5579 days
Last activity: 312 days
#8 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.77
Western Conference predictions:

Minnesota v. Denver: Minnesota came from behind to win the toughest division in the toughest conference in the NBA, beating the two teams that were ahead of them (Spurs/Kings) along the way. Yet nobody seems to want to give them a shot a doing anything besides getting out of the first round. I hope they enjoy proving the doubters wrong. Wolves win 4-1

Los Angeles v. Houston: LA is limping into the playoffs, both literally and figuratively. And I'm not so sure they can pull it together for a championship run this time. Lakers win 4-2

San Antonio v. Memphis: This is the series that I'm looking forward to the most. Memphis won the season series, 3-1, but they're young. San Antonio has the experience, and they're the hottest team in the league. Memphis has, as their coach would say, tons of upside, but San Antonio wins this one, but close. Spurs win 4-3

Sacramento v. Dallas: Neither of these teams play defense. And the Kings stumbled right out of first place to fourth. But Dallas' season has been a disappointment, so I expect that to continue here. Kings win 4-2

2nd Round:

Minnesota v. Sacramento: Minnesota's never been out of the second round, but Sacramento still doesn't play defense, and they can be stopped on offense. If you can hold the Kings to under 90, they can be beat. Minnesota allowed 89 PPG this year. Uh oh. Wolves win 4-2

Los Angeles v. San Antonio: Who has home court in this round? LA is the higher seed, yet the Spurs had the better record. Doesn't matter anyway, as the Spurs handle the Lakers. Can we finally say this Lakers team is the most overrated team ever? Spurs win 4-1

Western Conference Finals:

Minnesota v. San Antonio: Both of these team play excellent defense, ranking third and first, respectively in the conference. KG should have picked up his MVP award by now, so it will be a much-hyped battle of MVPs...and neither team will break 100 for the series. San Antonio wins in a classic. Spurs win 4-3

Eastern Conference: Nobody wants to play Detroit, which means they'll get beat early on. Indiana wins the east, and goes on to face the Spurs.

Finals: Indiana is the only team, I think, that could compete in the Western Conference and be competitive. But I think the East is starting to catch up. But for this year, I'll go against the grain and say the Pacers win the NBA title over the Spurs, 4-3.




"It's the four pillars of the male heterosexual psyche. We like naked women, stockings, lesbians, and Sean Connery best as James Bond because that is what being a [man] is." -Jack Davenport, Coupling
redsoxnation
Scrapple








Since: 24.7.02

Since last post: 3914 days
Last activity: 3914 days
#9 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.60
East 1st round

Indiana in 5 over Boston: How the hell did we make the playoffs after losing 13 out of 14 at one point? Probably shades of '95, humiliating loss game 1, steal game 2, compete 3 + 4, then go down in 5.

Nets in 4 over Knicks: I don't like the Nets. I despise the Knicks. Would like to see Nets in 3 and Knicks cowardly forfeit game 4, but that might be asking to much.

Heat in 5 over Hornets: Last playoff appearance for the Hornets for the next decade as they go out west. Miami is hot, Hornets have tanked the last few months.

Pistons in 4 over Bucks: Beat the Raptors at home and you get home court and the ability to duck the top 3 teams. Since they couldn't pull that off, I can't see them topping 70 in any game against Detroit.

West 1st round

Denver in 6 over T-Wolves: Not so much a Denver pick as an anti-Minnesota pick. Have zero faith in them in a big spot. 2-2 series after 4, choke 5 at home, and then blame the altitude for game 6 loss.

Lakers in 7 over Rockets: Houston at least matches up well with the Lakers, and Van Gundy usually has his teams play tough in the playoffs. Lakers will win, but will get bloodied.

Spurs in 5 over Memphis: First time playoff team vs. champs with Duncan. Memphis will get 1 at home, but still a vast improvement for a team with no history.

Kings in 5 over Dallas: More an anti-Dallas pick. Kings choked big down the stretch, but get the break of ending up away from Spurs and Lakers. Kings theoretically could play defense, and Nick isn't there to go berzerk this year for Dallas.

East 2nd Round

Pacers in 5 over Heat: Heat run ends. Getting over the 1st round hurdle and having a competant coach gets the Pacers on a roll.

Pistons in 7 over Nets: Can't see Kidd holding up, and Detroit has the inside players to neutralize Martin.

West 2nd Round

Spurs in a 7 game war over LA: Probably the best series of the whole playoffs. Spurs hit the big shots late, Payton and Kobe miscommunicate at the end of Game 7, giving the Spurs the win and the series.

Kings in 4 over Denver: Choking down the stretch has benefits. Experience knocks out youth.

East Finals

Pacers in 5 over Detroit: Too much talent.

West Finals

Kings in 6 over San Antonio: Kings catch the break of catching a beat up Spurs team in Game 1, then hold home court to win series.

Finals

Kings in 5 over Pacers: Artest implodes finally. Reggie Miller can't hit anything. Jermaine O'Neal sulks. Kings finally win, proving that laying down like dogs the last 2 games of the season pays off in the long run.



I want you to know, I agree with everything I just said.
pieman
As young as
he feels








Since: 11.12.01
From: China, Maine

Since last post: 111 days
Last activity: 5 days
ICQ:  
#10 Posted on | Instant Rating: 8.21

I don't get the Celtics love here. I've been a fan o'the green since Dave Cowens was a rookie and I think this team is craptastic. I can't see how they could possibly beat Indiana in 4 games out of 7. I'd like to be proven wrong, but they're not very good.




Gabba Gabba Hey!


Alessandro
Lap cheong








Since: 2.1.02
From: Worcester MA

Since last post: 458 days
Last activity: 63 days
#11 Posted on | Instant Rating: 3.04
    Originally posted by pieman
    I'd like to be proven wrong, but they're not very good.


Are they likely to beat Indiana in a playoffs series? Probably not.

Are they a "craptastic" team? Certainly not.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to beef up their roster over the coming seasons (if they truly want to feature a championship-caliber team), but guys like Ricky Davis and Jiri Welsch are going to evolve into some pretty spectacular NBA stars in the not too distant future, in my opinion.

Throw in some inspired play by Pierce and Blount, and the C's should put up a pretty good fight ... I hope


(edited by Alessandro on 16.4.04 1053)


Alessandro "Hercules" Boondy

Just so you guys know: 75% of this crap [you read on the internet] is made up, either by the writer, or the wrestler the writer is getting the dirt from. Just so you know. -- Statement by "Tammy Sytch", from Hyatte's Dec. 29th column ... Lest we forget.





Net Hack Slasher
Banger








Since: 6.1.02
From: Outer reaches of your mind

Since last post: 7024 days
Last activity: 5444 days
#12 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.54
EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1)Indiana vs. (8)Boston - PICK: PACERS IN 4 -- Sorry Alessandr, I think this will be quick for Indy.

(4)Miami vs. (5)New Orleans - PICK: HEAT IN 6 -- This is the only Eastern series I have any doubt on

(2)New Jersey vs (7)NY Knicks - PICK: NETS IN 4 -- New York will be brought back to reality

(3)Detroit vs. (6)Milwaukee - PICK: PISTONS IN 5 -- Detroit is the third of the top 3 teams on the East, after the 3rd seed (Det) there's a big drop off so I think the Bucks might win a game maybe two.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1)Minnesota vs (8)Denver - PICK: TIMBERWOLVES IN 4 -- They'll breeze through this round

(4)Sacramento vs. (5)Dallas - PICK: MAVERICKS IN 6 -- One prediction that is easy to make is that the total score will reach 200s for every game. Kind of a shame both these teams have to face in the first round, Dallas is known to choke but not so early, I think Dallas, hope CRZ doesn't take it out on me because I picked them .

(2)LA Lakers vs. (7)Houston - PICK: LAKERS IN 5 -- Ohh do I want the Lakers to implode but not going to happen, not this round anyways

(3)San Antonio vs. (6)Memphis - PICK: GRIZZLIES IN 7 -- This is my major upset in the first round. I can see San Antonio looking past the Grizz and getting behind in games and the series early.




14 Leaf Wins to add another banner behind Trish
JayJayDean
Scrapple








Since: 2.1.02
From: Seattle, WA

Since last post: 2975 days
Last activity: 2553 days
#13 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.99
The Sports Guy would have to beg to differ with your assessment, 'sandro, and he's biased FOR the C's.

2. Who's the worst team in the playoffs?

The Celtics. You can't imagine how brutal this team is. They won 16 of their last 43 games. They have the worst home-court advantage in the league, mainly because their fans are still in shock that the front office raised ticket prices, then dismantled a 48-win team in a lousy conference. And Danny Ainge has been so inept, he couldn't even sabotage the team enough so it wouldn't make the playoffs.

It gets worse. Their one All-Star, Paul Pierce, has played maybe six All-Star-caliber games since mid-December, right when the Celtics traded for Ricky Davis ... a move which unfolded like a "Simpsons" episode where Marge brings in a foster kid who teaches Bart how to smoke cigs, avoid curfew and hotwire Homer's car. Everyone loves Ricky -- he's a great guy by all accounts. You just don't want your franchise player hanging with him until all hours of the night.

Anyway, I hate watching this team. I hate what happened. I hate the fact that they're about to be swept by an average of 20 points a game. At least we get a lottery pick out of it.

(Oh, wait ... we don't.)


(edited by JayJayDean on 16.4.04 0953)


“To get ass, you’ve got to bring ass." -- Roy Jones Jr.

"Your input has been noted.
I hope you don't take it personally if I disregard it."
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"Speak English or face admin retribution." -- CRZ
Alessandro
Lap cheong








Since: 2.1.02
From: Worcester MA

Since last post: 458 days
Last activity: 63 days
#14 Posted on | Instant Rating: 3.04
Bah, Simmons is just bitter that his hair doesn't look as good in corn rows as Ricky's does





Alessandro "Hercules" Boondy

Just so you guys know: 75% of this crap [you read on the internet] is made up, either by the writer, or the wrestler the writer is getting the dirt from. Just so you know. -- Statement by "Tammy Sytch", from Hyatte's Dec. 29th column ... Lest we forget.





pieman
As young as
he feels








Since: 11.12.01
From: China, Maine

Since last post: 111 days
Last activity: 5 days
ICQ:  
#15 Posted on | Instant Rating: 8.21

Ricky Davis only cares about Ricky Davis. He will never be a star in the mold of Celtic stars of years past. Mark Blount is tall. That's it. His limited skill set would have him riding the pine for 90% of all NBA teams. With JayJayDean's and Bill Simmons' back-up, I will stand by my "craptastic" comment.

pieman - long-suffering Celtic fan who is being realistic.




Gabba Gabba Hey!


Kawshen
Liverwurst








Since: 2.1.02
From: Bronx, NY

Since last post: 5393 days
Last activity: 3653 days
#16 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.87
    Originally posted by pieman
    Ricky Davis only cares about Ricky Davis. He will never be a star in the mold of Celtic stars of years past.


Cavs fans must be thanking the man upstairs for getting him out of Cleveland before he could corrupt LeBron. Then again, Ricky's jealous of him anyway. Either way, Cavs win.

(edited by Kawshen on 16.4.04 1756)


pieman
As young as
he feels








Since: 11.12.01
From: China, Maine

Since last post: 111 days
Last activity: 5 days
ICQ:  
#17 Posted on | Instant Rating: 8.23

    Originally posted by Alessandro
    the C's should put up a pretty good fight


Well, there wasn't a heck of a lot of fight in Game 1. I still contend it will be an upset in the Celtics win one game from the Pacers.




Gabba Gabba Hey!


SC
Potato korv








Since: 11.12.01
From: Valparaiso, IN

Since last post: 4762 days
Last activity: 4096 days
#18 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.85
LET'S GO PACERS

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Indiana Pacers v. (8) Boston Celtics - The Celtics won 36 games. Pacers in five.

(4) Miami Heat v. (5) New Orleans Hornets - "New Orleans Hornets" still sounds retarded. Hornets in six.

(3) Detroit Pistons v. (6) Milwaukee Bucks - Detroit's D is so good. Pistons in five.

(2) New Jersey Nets v. (7) New York Knicks - OOH RIVALRY! Except not. Has there ever been a bigger win difference between a 1-2 than this (14)? Nets in six.

(1) Indiana Pacers v. (5) New Orleans Hornets - Pacers in seven.

(3) Detroit Pistons v. (2) New Jersey Nets - Pistons get revenge for last year. Pistons in six.

(1) Indiana Pacers v. (3) Detroit Pistons - They wouldn't be my Pacers if they didn't choke somewhere along the way. Pistons in seven.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Minnesota Timberwolves v. (8) Denver Nuggets - DA NUGS! Oh well. T-Wolves in four. Poor Utah would've been the 4 or 5 in the East.

(4) Sacramento Kings v. (5) Dallas Mavericks - The teams of tomorrow, yesterday. Kings in seven.

(3) San Antonio Spurs v. (6) Memphis Grizzlies - Give me the upset here. Grizzlies in seven.

(2) Los Angeles Lakers v. (7) Houston Rockets - In a perfect world, Yao neutralizes Shaq and Stevie Franchise goes nuts. Being realistic, the Lakers are better than the Rockets. Lakers in five.

(1) Minnesota Timberwolves v. (4) Sacramento Kings - Best series of the playoffs. Kings in seven.

(6) Memphis Grizzlies v. (2) Los Angeles Lakers - Do not give me the upset here. Well, do, but no. Lakers in four.

(4) Sacramento Kings v. (2) Los Angeles Lakers - It happens again. Lakers in seven.

FINALS

(3) Detroit Pistons v. (2) Los Angeles Lakers - These Pistons really need Ron Artest and maybe one more real dirty player to just be Bad Boys II, like that movie. I think here's where the Lakers run out of gas and the Pistons "shock the world." Detroit what! Pistons in six.



scottcom
cubs.org

Reverend J Shaft
Toulouse








Since: 25.6.03
From: Home of The Big House

Since last post: 1429 days
Last activity: 12 days
#19 Posted on | Instant Rating: 3.04
    Originally posted by ScottieKStones
    FINALS

    (3) Detroit Pistons v. (2) Los Angeles Lakers - These Pistons really need Ron Artest and maybe one more real dirty player to just be Bad Boys II, like that movie. I think here's where the Lakers run out of gas and the Pistons "shock the world." Detroit what! Pistons in six.


GO PISTONS! GO PISTONS! GET BUSY! IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!

I know this provides no value whatsoever, but I'm frickin' excited about another Detroit team besides the Red Wings expected to so well in the playoffs. That, and I need something to counterbalance all the Boston fans who think all of their teams are going to be kicking ass this year. Sheesh. Based on today, I'll be surprised if the Celtics win even one game against the Pacers...



Where the population of Ann Arbor doubles every home football Saturday.



THOSE WHO STAY WILL BE CHAMPIONS- GO BLUE!!
ekedolphin
Scrapple








Since: 12.1.02
From: Indianapolis, IN; now residing in Suffolk, VA

Since last post: 480 days
Last activity: 4 days
#20 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.52
I don't know... for a minute there, I had the sneakin' suspicion that my Pacers were gonna play their favorite game, “Let's See How Big a Lead We Can Blow”. But the result's been different this year, in that even when we blow big leads, we still manage to win most of the time.

Anyway, kudos to those who are givin' love to my Pacers, including the two championship predictions... and shame on those who swear the Celtics are gonna win. Sure, the Celtics may have beaten us last year, but that was back when... you know... they had a team.

Anyway (2). I'm extremely superstitious when it comes to sports, so other than the first-round Pacers-Celtics series, I'm not going to make any specific predictions. But I'm going to make some general observations.

I think the Lakers won't have as easy a time with the Rockets as many people seem to think. Yao's the one center in the NBA who can consistently outplay Shaq. And he's only going to get better, while Shaq's only going to get worse. I don't necessarily think the Rockets are gonna beat the Lakers this year, but they can certainly steal a few games. And with a little luck, they actually have a chance of winning the series. If they don't totally fuck themselves like they did in Game 1.

I think the Timberwolves will have a relatively easy time with the Nuggets. Minnesota needs to shake off that first-round albatross from around their neck, and they need to do it badly. And the Nuggets seem too happy just to be in the playoffs, judging by the way they danced around after beating Sacramento to get the #8 seed. I'd be very surprised if the Timberwolves don't get to at least the Western Conference Finals, although I'm sure the Kings will have something to say about that.

The Celtics, the worst team in the playoffs? Well, yeah, record-wise. But what the hell's up with the Mavericks? Are they trying to compile an NBA team or a fantasy league team? Mark Cuban needs to look at teams like the Pacers, Spurs, Lakers and the dominant Bulls teams of the early '90s. They didn't shake up the roster every damn year. They became consistently successful because the roster remained relatively consistent, and the team chemistry was always very good.

Y'know, winning games is about more than finding twelve guys who can score at least ten points a game. Games aren't played on paper like that-- teammates that are accustomed to each other are generally going to make their teams better. Plus, where the hell's the D? The Mavericks are the only team I know of that can score 125 points in regulation and still lose by ten.

On another subject. It's always a dangerous thing to count out the Spurs. As much as I'd like to see the Grizzlies upset the Spurs (hell, I'd love to see Memphis get all the way to the NBA Finals), I don't think it's gonna happen. When Tim Duncan's healthy, the Spurs are at the very least one of the top four teams in the NBA.

Anyway... I'm knocking on wood as I'm saying this... but hopefully after this year, all this talk about the Leastern Conference will be an old joke. It kinda cracks me up that the same guys who are calling it the Leastern Conference are also the ones who are picking the 36-46 Celtics (who have no business being in the playoffs) over the 61-21 Pacers (who have a better record against the West than-- well-- every Western Conference team). But hey... if I could say with certainty what was going to happen, it'd be kinda boring, right?



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--Jim Ross, WrestleMania XX

Wiener of the Day Title History:

Won the title on 5/27/02 from Lunacy in a hardcore match; lost the belt the following day to wheresitat42 via offbeat shenanigans

Regained the title on 7/3/02 by pinning SKLOKAZOID in a triple-threat match; lost the belt the next day to NickBockwinkelFan via heel chicanery

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Even more important for the Tigers is that this gets them to 3-1 in the conference. With the Big XII down in a big way this year, Mizzou could win enough games to sneak into the tourney even with a less than stellar non-conference resume.
- BigSteve, Phog-gy Meltin' Breakdown? (2006)
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