sorry, this was supposed to have odds, but the book I use for odds didn't have anything up. I'll try again later today. Miami and OKC obviously the favorites. Teams that won't win it: Orlando, Philly, Utah, Denver can't rule out Dallas entirely, but that's another team I don't like. Going into the season I thought Chicago had an excellent chance, but with Rose unable to stay healthy, it'd be hard to back them.
No, I can rule out those teams. They're not capable of winning the title this season. Lockout-shortened season is irrelevant. We know what the teams have.
No offense, but would you have ruled out the Knicks in '99? The differing factor today is the expansion to 7 games in the first round. If it weren't for Memphis last year I would've doubted that any 7 or 8 would advance past round 1 in the 7 game format
I don't know. I didn't but I wasn't making predictions in '99. Yes it's a lot different and the teams I ruled out, I did so knowing what talent they have. The 1999 Knicks were pretty talented and them finishing with the 8 was not representative of their talent level. They had been to the eastern finals the year before and the two years before that they made the semis. Which of the teams I mentioned fits the profile of a very talented team that underperformed in the regular season or has had significant playoff success recently? The closest would be Orlando, but they were bounced in the first round last season and the #1 reason for their success over the past seven years isn't playing. Without him, they're pretty lousy (I wouldn't refer to them as very talented even with Howard. It's one exceptional player surrounded by average and below-average players). There's an outside chance they beat Indiana, but they're not getting past that. I'd bet any amount that none of the teams I mentioned will even make the conference finals.
I would've bet you. A little too late now though. However, even if they beat Boston, my original point was not wrong unless they win another series after that. Orlando, Denver, and Utah all lost in the first. Philly made the second.
I'm messing with you. I understand you like to be correct, but this as an example that, now we are "mid-way" (i.e. one round in), whether you end up being right or wrong, it was all just a prediction. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy reading predictions. But, despite your vast knowledge about the NBA (zero saracasm intended, you're clearly a sports fanatic and may know more about the NBA than any fan I've met), $h!+ happens. We only know in hindsight.
Philly needed a miracle to get to the second, too. Chicago lost its two best players to injury. :smile: Some things are predictions, and some are a little more, because any of those teams would've needed a miracle to make the conference finals.
Since Rose went out, I've been thinking Thunder and Heat. Of course the Spurs could get in too, but the Heat for sure is getting to the ship again and likely winning it.
So you really think the Pacers are going to take them out? I like them as an underdog (and have) but come on. The 6ers won't. The Celtics can barely take care of the 6ers... Also, Bosh may only miss this one series. By the time they would reach the finals, they'll be just fine I'm sure.
