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| sportinsider 2005(SPI) was created for the sole purpose of giving sports fans what they really want: news, opinions, facts stats and predictions around the clock. If you're looking for word for word coverage this isn't the place, but if you want a sports experience like none other: keep it here SPI |
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| ON SECOND THOUGHT |
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| It's funny how things work. How the Cleveland Cavaliers and LA Lakers were both looking good, until coaching changes ruined their season. It's ironic that the Seattle Sonics are the odd team out in these playoffs, just because of their weak finish. What those tend to forget is how unimpressive the Kings have looked as well. As for the Mavs and Rockets, neither Texas team is blowing my mind, but both can get hot. The East has at least 4 deep. Miami, Detroit, Boston, and Indiana, all could come out of the East. In the west, no one wants to admit Phoenix top to bottom has been the best team this season. Yes, their defense is last in the league, but is a team like the Spurs even a given to beat the red-hot Nuggets in round one? And is Memphis really that stocked? Because if they were, I'm pretty sure they'd be better than 8th in the west. -sj |
| FIRST ROUND Best of 7 WEST (1) Suns (2) Spurs (3) Sonics (4) Mavericks (5) Rockets (6) Kings (7) Nuggets (8) Grizzlies |
| EAST (1) Heat (2) Pistons (3) Celtics (4) Bulls* (5) Wizards* (6) Pacers* (7) 76ers (8) Nets |
| It's never been a hotter debate. Defense like the Pistons offer or Offense like the Suns deliver. It's the big question heading into these 2005 playoffs, because who ever wins the contrast of styles, will probably have a ring soon fitted on their finger come June. Our 1st round Forecast The big matchup getting all the attention right now is Dallas and Houston. But this series isn't a=nearly as glamorous as it may seem. With their recent slide down the stretch, Houston has shown it isn't ready to contend-yet. And I can't buy the idea that Yao Ming and TMac are enough to beat a loaded Mavericks team that is 10 deep. Mavericks in 6 The Spurs have been hailed as the best team in the NBA nearly the entire season. But how good are the Spurs? Tony Parker and Manu Ginobilli are good players and San Antonio plays great D, but are they equipped without a health Tim Duncan to make a run? No. Denver rolls into their series with the best post-all star game record in the league. Kenyon Martin is finally becoming the force they thought they were getting and Marcus Camby has been huge defensively. But is Denver really a threat? Survey says: Nada. Spurs in 6 The most curious series is by far the Grizz and Suns. Their styles are completely different. The Suns put 110 on each team they face and the Grizz hold each team they face under 90. As is, the Suns are loaded with weapons, and have sufficient enough bench to beat Memphis. Avoid the hype; Suns in 6 The best series though will be Sonics, Kings. No Webber for Sactown and no chance is what the analysts are telling Seattle. Ray Allen is a playoff performer and the Sonics have enough bulk as well as home court advantage to squeeze by a Kings team that should give them a good fight, Sonics in 7 -sj |
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| Are You Ready? |
| Amare and Co. will be battling for respect and a ring |