General Chat / NBA CHAT

We can't help it if Kobe can't handle real food. Besides they probably aren't even going to make it to us this year..sad to say. It looks like they are heading into a first round match up with San Antonio which i don't see them coming out of.

Maybe so. But it is a 7 game series this year, and the best team usually wins a best of 7 series. I'd like to see them play SA a few more times before the playoffs though, last time they played, Robinson and Shaq were out (if I'm not mistaken) and the Lakers were on a slight skid.

Besides, right now they are tied for 6th with Utah, 4 back from Minnesota, 5 back from Portland. They could pass these teams up, there is a lot of season left to be played. Regardless of where they end up, they are in for a hell of a series.

Playoff Prediction Time. Cast your predictions for each series and the series result (i.e. Dallas over Portland 4-2) Do first round, then conference semi-finals, conference finals, and the NBA Finals.

All series are best of seven.

WEST
1. San Antonio Spurs
8. Phoenix Suns

4. Minnesota Timberwolves
5. Los Angeles Lakers

3. Dallas Mavericks
6. Portland Trail Blazers

2. Sacramento Kings
7. Utah Jazz


EAST
1. Detroit Pistons
8. Orlando Magic

4. New Orleans Hornets
5. Philadelphia 76ers

3. Indiana Pacers
6. Boston Celtics

2. New Jersey Nets
7. Milwaukee Bucks

First Round

WEST
#1 San Antonion Spurs defeat #8 Phoenix Suns: 4-2

#5 Los Angeles Lakers defeat #4 Minnesota Timberwolves: 4-1

#3 Dallas Mavericks defeat #6 Portland Trail Blazers: 4-2

#2 Sacramento Kings defeat #7 Utah Jazz: 4-1

EAST
#1 Detroit Pistons defeat #8 Orlando Magic: 4-2

#4 Philadelphia 76ers defeat #5 New Orleans Hornets: 4-3

#3 Indiana Pacers defeat #6 Boston Celtics: 4-1

#7 Milwaukee Bucks defeat #2 New Jersey Nets: 4-2

Conference Semi-Finals
WEST
#5 Los Angeles Lakers defeat #1 San Antonio Spurs: 4-3

#2 Sacramento Kings defeat #3 Dallas Mavericks: 4-1

EAST
#4 Philadelphia 76ers defeat #1 Detroit Pistons: 4-3

#3 Indiana Pacers defeat #7 Milwaukee Bucks: 4-2

Conference Finals
WEST
#5 Los Angeles Lakers defeat #2 Sacramento Kings: 4-3

EAST
#3 Indiana Pacers defeat #4 Philadelphia 76ers: 4-2

NBA Finals
#5 Los Angeles Lakers defeat #3 Indiana Pacers: 4-1

EDIT: I changed Kings-Mavs to 4-1. Mavs don't stand a chance vs the Kings, now that I think about it.

Conference Finals
WEST
#5 Los Angeles Lakers defeat #2 Sacramento Kings: 4-3

RRRIIIIGGGHHTTT!!!!!

LA will not get that far, San Antonio will make sure of that. Prob the best series looks like it will be the Sac/Dallas match in the second round, can't wait to see that. It will be good to see a new champ this year, and Sacramento will be the front runner for that.

I can't believe people are already counting out the Lakers. Until they lose 4 games in a playoff series, no one has that right.

I just want the Lakers to make it to the Kings again this year. That's all. Then we'll see who the real champions are eh? And if it won't be LA or Sacto, the Spurs are looking mighty fierce right now. For all of the Dallas fans, they've got a definate shot but not this year. Maybe in 2004. That's my opinion on the matter.

I like how it's set up, Lakers and Kings in the WCFs. But San Antonio can beat either team. Lakers aren't great this year, this is the Kings chance to get revenge for the series that they let go last year and the Spurs chance to get revenge on the team who knocked them out the last 2 years.

I, personally think each team has their own unique niche and this year will be a free-for-all.

Hey, Iris! Spurs came back and beat the Suns! Now... for Detroit to do the same...

T Wolves: 119 Lakers: 91

OOUUUCCCHHH!!!!!!



Meanwhile, the Kings are up 2-0 and in one game ended the hopes of Jazz fans everywhere (alright so maybe there aren't any Jazz fans). I'm going to enjoy watching the last two games of Stockton's career.

Lakers can still make it!!!

Meanwhile, Mavs and Kings should cruise into their 2nd round collision.

Um... go Pistons!

Can the Celtics get any love?

No?

Okay, then.

Can the Celtics get any love?

No?

Okay, then.

Not unless they beat the Nets.

Well the Kings have officially started off the "let's kick the Mavs Asses tour"! Maybe Dirk and company didn't get the memo, you HAD a game tonight! I'm guessing that the banner hanging in the Mavs training facility wasn't paid attention to, or maybe it didn't come in enough languages . The best part of the whole evening has to be watching Mark Cuban sitting on the sideline like someone just stole his favorite toy. Is it just me or does he look like a ten year old boy with a learning disability?

Yes, the Mavericks got their asses handed to em.
It makes me wonder however... The Mavs seemed like they were worn out in the 2nd quarter, which points back to the seven-game series with Portland. Sacramento was rested and it obviously showed, because Sac was running circles around Dallas. I think this may hurt Dallas's chances, because they really don't have any time to rest. The next game is on Thursday, then they have a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday. In other words, I think Dallas may be in trouble.

Good news though, the Spurs beat Los Angeles.

Another thing...
Dallas, play defense!

Yea, I think the rest factor has a lot to do with it, but it's also Dallas' fault for not closing out Portland early when they had the chance.
If Dallas is going to have a chance this series, Michael Finley needs to wake up. He hasn't had one real good game since his injury, and he is the heart and soul of that team. Dirk is being really inconsistent as of late. I expect to see Dallas make a move this offseason. Most likely a Nick Van Exel/Kurt Thomas type deal, which I think would be great for both teams.

Dallas being tired i'm sure had something to do with what happened last night. Although i'm not surprised that Cris Webber got of on them, he always does. You look back at the trade deadline and wonder why Cuban never pulled the string on the Van Exel for Brian Grant trade, that really would have gotten them thier inside defender. Also, it seems Dirk has issues with being defended by other Euro players. Peja is not that tall and yet he seems to really get into Dirks face. Dirk has the same reputation Bibby has.. rough him up a little and he loses his game. Don't worry about the Lakers, the Spurs got thier monkey off thier back by not colapsing in the fourth quarter. Lakers will not make it to the next round, promise! I can hear all the "we didn't have Rick Fox" whines coming now .

Aero, if they had Rick Fox, they still would lose.
We all know that.

i have not read the other posts relly but i know basketball well and i can tell you this its over for the lakers not this year (i hate them i hate all dineasties and MJ ) this year the champ will be the winner of the dallas vs kings match up and the east who cares they all suck, relly im just sad coz im a heat fan my only hope is they will get the #1 pick and get lebron

I dont see Dallas coming out of the SAC series. They blew their chance to finish off Portland and get some rest. Instead, they are tired and can't play defense. Im still hoping and rooting for em though.

My pick for champion: San Antonio.
Believe it, its coming to Texas and will be coming for years to come.