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I'm from San Antonio, and I love the Spurs...but that's not why I think they can repeat as champions. I think they can repeat because right now they are almost exactly where they were at this time last year, the younger guys are again stepping up, Rasho Nesterovic is playing well, nobody can stop Tim Duncan, and the only other team that has a chance of winning the NBA Championship, Sacramento, can't beat the Spurs. The start of a dynasty? I think so.

I'm saying the T-Wolves. How could you put up that horrible list and forget them. Knicks? HA! Also you forgot the Mavs.

the knicks aren't in bad shape, i wuldn't be laughin at them yet...

They're not in great shape either and in no way are they better than Dallas or Minnesota.

Indiana Pacers are going 2 win the NBA championship. Well i'm from Greenwood, Indiana like by Indianapolis so I like all the players on the Pacers but I'm not really an NBA fan. I'm a die hard football fan and the Indianapolis Colts are gonna win the superbowl next year. YAAAAA(Howard Dean)

Dallas is a purely offensive team. I like them as well, but offense doesn't went championship. It wins games, but defense wins championships. And Minnesota may have an OK chance, but when it comes down to it, Minnesota has Sprewell, Garnett, and Cassell. san Antonio has a GREAT bench. Indiana also has an OK chance, but I don't believe anybody from the east will be able to win it again for a while. Indiana only has Miller, and O'Neal. New York will be good soon, but not good enough to win the championship this year.

About the colts winning the Super Bowl next year....Won't Happen! I love Peyton Manning, and their offense is great, but they don't have the defense to do it. It may be New england again, but I doubt it. Dallas also has a good shot, but it may be another year before they get to where they need to be(depending on what QB they can pick up this offseason). But I guess Indianapolis COULD win it all, but I really believe it's too early to guess. Wait until the draft.

my money is on

for NBA: Sacramento Kings
for NHL: Los Angeles Kings

well ur kinda right about that satown but indianapolis might get warren sapp even though i dont like him cuz hes got an attitude and hes cocky but hes an all around good player. so that could be a good start but indianapolis did pretty well in there defense and they soon will come back from recovery dont worry it will happen

I do think it will happen soon, about Indianapolis...but I'm more concerned with Eli Manning! I think he will be great where ever he goes. I can't wait to see him play!

How do you expect Sacramento to win? I don't think they can beat the spurs when it comes down to it. The Spurs have proven that. Once again, offense wins games...defense wins championships. Sacramento doesn't play defense. San Antonio does. But maybe Sacramento will change when Marcus Camby comes back...who knows?

The Mavs got pretty far last year in the playoffs with their offense. Minnesota is also missing 2 important players as well. Michael Olowakandi has been injured all year and he is a much better center than Ervin Johnson and "Pig" Miller. Then there is Wally's World who will definitely spread the opponents out with his 3 ball which will open things up for KG and Spree.

I guess so. But I just can't see Minnesota winning it. You do bring up good points, however. But that's the same thing as sacramento. Peja can shoot the ball, and that opens it up for Vlade and Brad. But they can't beat the Spurs.

I'm from southern california and the Lake show's winning it this year. Injuries plagued them early in the season, but they are still the best team. No team in the NBA can take them in a best of 7...especially San Antonio. Sac's their closest competition, but they don't stand a chance once Karl Malone is back. 4 outta 5 ain't bad...last year was a fluke.

Its fine not to be seeing somebody winning it. I just thought that Dallas and T-Wolves were at least more deserving to be on that list more than others (especially NY) whether they get the votes or not.

The Lakers!?! Are you serious!?! Did you see Yao Ming manhandle Shaq last night? Yao whooped all over Shaq, and what did shaq do? He said all the calls went to Yao. Well, Shaq went to the line 19 times, to Yao's 11. Explain that. Also, there is a problem with Phil Jackson. The Lakers have stopped negotiating with Phil about coming back. He WILL NOT be back. Shaq loves Phil, and if Phil doesn't come back, Shaq won't either, and he won't play well the remainder of the season. Karl Malone is a whiner, and past his prime, and Kobe isn't playing well. That only leaves Payton, who can't do it alone. The Lakers have been screwed since the beginning of the season when all that legal crap happened with Kobe. The Lakers are in bad shape, and they aren't gonna be able to pull it together. If Yao can manhandle Shaq like he did last night, do you honestly think Duncan and Nesterovic are going to have any trouble at all? Lakers are going to be eliminated in the second round, if not the first, and next year their team is going to be in ruins. Spurs to repeat.

Is nobody going to comment anymore? I know you guys have an opnion.

I've made several comments but I'm waiting on others to comment now so I can respond to them.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I make a thread, and nobody comes to it...lol. I guess many people just don't want to talk about sports.

comments?

When it comes to winning the championship of NBA, Lakers will win no matter what. They have Shaq, Kobe, Payton and Malone. Malone was injured during the season but now in hte playoffs, they'll beat Dallas in five games. Then they'll take on the Kings in a seven games series. Lakers will win the final round of the western playoffs by eliminating Minnesota in a 7 game series. Then they will play the Pacers but will beat them in a 5 game series. So at the end of the day, Phil Jackson will win his 10th win as an NBA coach and Lakers once again will prove that nobody is as good as they are.

you just seem to have it all figured out don't you sportsmaster? maybe you should invest in some stocks or something with that kind of foresight.

Almost exactly where they were last year???

Nobody, and I mean absolutely nobody, is mistaking Nesterovic for David Robinson. Although his stats might not have showed it, he was a very important piece in the Spurs' championships. Yall might have that little Bobby Hurley wanna-be Manu Ginobli, and the most overrated PG in the league in Tony Parker, but they won't be doing much good when Duncan is getting tripled teamed in the post. Sure, he'll get fouled a lot, but he's a less than adequate free throw shooter.

Last season Robinson might have only put up 10 points a game, but he drew the double team away from Duncan, allowing Duncan to put up 25 points a night.

That's completely absurd, just thought I'd let you know. You don't even know how the standings are going to be at the end of the season. San Antonio can still catch Minnesota, and dallas can move up, or Lakers can move up...there's no way to tell.

Are you really that ignorant? Have you seen the way they've been playing? They've managed to run a great motion offense and still get back down and play defense. That's unheard of in the NBA. If they can master that when Duncan comes back, there's no stopping them. Malik Rose is playing great, Rasho is getting into a groove, Turkoglu is playing great. Overrated point guard! He's underrated! He is going to be one of the greatest points of all time, and right now he is only 21! And there is no mistaking Manu Ginobili's ability. You must be a Lakers fan.

I must be a bitter Mavs fan

Same thing. Except, I like the Mavs...just not as much as the Spurs.

HAHAHAHA!!!! you really honestly believe the Spurs have a chance in hell of winning the championship? get real. The Lakers got it this year with Sac being their only real competition.

Jerry Bus won't let Phil go anywhere. He's openly stated that he has interest in returning to the Lakers. He'll either retire or re-sign with the Lakers, because there isn't a more appealing city on this planet for basketball.

Where do you come up with this crap? You dare have the audacity to say Nesterovic will do good and you can say Shaq will play poor? You are rediculous. 4 retards can be on the court with Shaq and they'd still win. He isn't playing poorly...he's just playing team basketball because he has a supporting cast. Not all 4 stars can average 30 pts a game...

No one man handled Shaq...what game were you watching? Out playing Shaq is 1 thing, and that's entirely possible. But to sit there and say he got man handled is just ignorance. He outscored Shaq by a whole 7-8 pts, and just overall outplayed him. But NO ONE can do that to Shaq in a best of 7 series...it just can't happen. After the 3rd game Yao will be bruised used and abused.

Karl Malone is a Man...where do you come off calling him a whiner? Past his prime? he's in better physical shape than any other power forward in the league with acception of Kevin Garnett and perhaps Jermaine O'neil (sp?). He's got perfect range on his jumper, big size for posting up and rebounding, and his passing ability for the triangle offense is phenominal. Remember...with him in the line up, the Lakers started 18-3. He's been out since December and now he's back...


Are you on crack?!?!
Kobe Duncan
PPG - 22.8 22.9
RPG - 5.4 12.8
APG - 5.1 3.1
STL - 1.66 .93
BLK - .5 2.65
and that's with 4 superstars on the team...Tim is the consistent weapon on San Antonio....and he's hurt.

Spurs to repeat? They have no one! They are in far worst shape this year than last year. They lost 7 people from last year. And now they just lost Timmy...i'm sorry buddy, but your Spurs aren't even going to make it out of the 1st round. I'd put my money on the Grizzlies before i ever went on ranting about the Spurs.

I wouldn't comment on what the Lakers are going to be like next year because you really don't have a clue. Winning a championship will keep Karl there for another year. There's no chance in hell that they are going to lost Phil, Shaq, and Kobe in the same year....it's just not possible. Jerry Bus is the best owner in the league for a reason...and that is because he knows how to make a dynasty. The Spurs? they were just a fluke.

You're a f*cking moronic Lakers fan. It's trendy to like the Lakers, and you just reaffirmed that. The Lakers won't make it out of the first round, the Spurs will take it all. If not, then the Kings. If the Spurs don't get it then I'm happy with the Kings getting it.

I'm a moronic Lakers fan?! Who's more moronic on this arguement?

I just laid it down for you...and you've proved that you're a completely hopeless Spurs fan that's holding onto a dream.

Explain how liking the Lakers is trendy? What are you like 12? I was around to watch their Dynasty in the 80s and i've been a Lakers fan since the first game i ever watched.

You call me following a trend? how about jumping on the Spurs bandwagon?

Don't stoop to the level of calling me names because at this time of the year...when it really matters. My team is getting better and healthier, and your team is falling apart.

As a mutual observer: I don't think its moronic to say that either Lakers, Spurs, Kings or T-Wolves have a chance. They all obviously are in the running for the championship. Its moronic to act like you know which team is going to win but its alright to have an opinion of who you think has the best chance.

As an Anti-Laker: Link- Keep in mind that although Lakers may win this year, Kings always give them a run for the money and have added Brad Miller, Spurs aren't far behind from last year, and T-Wolves almost beat Lakers last year before this years huge improvements.

Oh i totally agree that No One should go around saying that they know that one team is going to win over another, i only acted that way in a defensive mannor because i'm being verbally attacked by a Spurs fan.

To nit pick...and that's what i'd have to do to scratch your near flawless arguement...

Kings - Getting Brad Miller is a huge step in the right direction. He's an overall fabulous player. I see there down side to be getting Chris Webber back from injury. I know what you're thinking, he's an all star, but he's also been known to be a choke artist his whole career. He requires the ball in order to be effective, and he's no where near the team player Miller is. Having Webber back will only hurt the production of the Kings....especially while he gets back into a groove.

Spurs - I find them to be producing similar to last year, but that is because the production of Manu Ginobili has picked up as he matures in the league. Nesterovic is about the best replacement for David Robinson that was available to them at the time....so I think that was a good move. But he's still no D. Robinson. Timmy's knee is what worries me the most. No one knows how bad that knee is hurt, and it's not a good sign when he comes back from injury for one game and then has to sit out the next two due to soreness. He pushes that knee to hard and the Spurs season could be over quick.

Timberwolves - Cassel, Sprewell, and Hudson are all very streaky. If they are on their game....they are damn near unstoppable. IMO KG is the best player in the league, so i don't have much i can say against the wolves except consistency would help them.

Mavs - Defense...they have none. Their other problem is that they have 5-6 potential all stars on that team and just about no role players or team players. They're all show and no go. Even when they shoot the lights out, they can still lose games.

Lakers - Defense sucks for them too. Bad free throw shooting and injuries (Karl and Kobe could go back down anytime) could really hurt their playoff production. Their difference is that they DO have Kobe Bryant and Shaq. Both are near unstoppable on offense and they are excellent 1 on 1 defenders. Losing Horry only to pick up Malone and Horace Grant helps them a lot too. IMO Karl is a perfect big man for the triangle offense.

Lakers all the waY

I was not verbally attacking you. I was calling you a moronic laker's fan. That's hardly a verbal atack.

I agree that the Lakers are playing great. I also know that what you said about Kobe and Karl could potentially go down anytime is true. And as Kobe's trial draws nearer, where will his mind be?

The Spurs did lose a great player and locker room presence in david Robinson, yes. But Nesterovic is doing a great job of filling those big shoes. Manu is progressing very well, if Tony has his head in the game, he's one of the best PG's in the league. They aren't rushing Tim for the very same reasons you said. And in a best of 7 series, I don't think anybody could beat them. I loved the Spurs since I was a kid, because I grew up in Texas. I'm also a Mavs and Rockets fan, as well as the Kings. But the Spurs will always be my first choice because I live in San Antonio.

Saying:



is quite a bit different than calling me a moronic Laker fan. But atleast we're analyzing what we're talking about instead of thinking that the other is a moron.

YAY PEACE!

I definitely prefer giving opinions about basktetball rather than giving opinions about each basketball fan.

lol.

I have to give props to L.A. for their comeback win last night over Orlando. That was awesome, and they passed San Antonio, which kind of annoys me, but at the same time, they deserve it.

I just wish McGrady's 3 would have been on time. Does he know how to pass? He was triple teamed and spread out which meant it was 4 on 2 closer to the basket.

Kobe played like an MVP in the 2nd half of that game. I'm not trying to toot my Laker horn or anything, but he completely took over that game like Jordan would do when he was in the zone. And it all started when he stepped up the defense.

Yes, they did take over the Spurs and i don't think that's temporary, but what i'm most interested in is that the Kings have lost 2 in a row. I highly doubt the Lakers, Spurs, or Wolves can overtake their record, but i wouldn't rule it out.

the Lakers have like 12 out of 16 games at home...and they are a freight train at home...I hope they can do some climbing...

Kobe did do great in that game. I'd like to see T-Wolves or maybe Spurs pass up the Kings but I'm happy as long as Lakers don't rise.

If you think about it, Orlando has no business even being in that game to begin with. All Orlando is playing for is a good lottery spot. The Lakers should have absolutely crushed them. NO props are given for beating a terrible team in a terrible conference.

Spurs won tonight, completely manhandling the T-Wolves. They are only half a game behind L.A. to retake their spot. I think they will get it back, and maybe even pass Minnesota. But nobody will pass Sacramento.

I think it's quite obvious that the Spurs will win the title and here's why:

Starting with the Rockets first championship in 94, either Robert Horry or Steve Kerr has been on every championship team (Rockets-Horry. Bulls-Kerr. Spurs-Kerr. Lakers-Horry. Spurs-Kerr) Since Kerr is now retired, the weight lies solely on Horry. And with the Spurs signing him in the off-season to replace their automatic-championship-winner-Kerr, the Spurs pretty much won the championship before a signle game was even played.

LAMO!!! i love die hard Spurs fans! they're almost as bad as Lakers fans.

Oh and the Lakers are now 1 game behind Minnesota to take 2nd place in the west. I don't see the Lakers relinquishing their position to San Antonio at this point because the Lakers have a ton of home games left before the end of their season. I can't wait to see how things shape up for everyone in the final weeks of the season. (both spurs and Lakers fans alike)

if lakers take 2nd seed in the west, they won't meet the sac kings until 2nd round, if they get that far...

L.A. will lose in the first round, especially if Kobe has to take leave for his more pressing matters. San Antonio will pass them again, I think. I know they have mostly home games left, but that doesn't mean their minds will be on the game.

As long as the Lakers don't seed up against The Rockets in the 1st round...they'll pass it by easily. The Rockets aren't really that good of a team overall, they just match up against the Lakers really well.

COME ON DAMNIT! What the hell is wrong with the T-Wolves. They need to pull their act back together. This is making me angry. If they fall far behind in seeding, then consideration for KG as MVP will go down and I really want to see him win it.

They will lose tomorrow night against the Spurs.

hmmmm....Wednesday head to head vs the Kings. It should be a really good Laker game as well.

Hmmm... losing our psychic powers are we?

Lakers raped Sacramento last night. They are 28-6 when they have all 4 of their stars...and they have a 6 game win streak. I smell a #1 seed.

I don't know if they'll make it to #1 seed. Its possible but Sacramento would have to go into a slump while the Lakers continue their streak.

12 games left and the lakers are 2 games behind right now. It's not likely, but i do feel it's entirely possible. Call it the hopeless Laker fanatic in me.

Oh I agree its possible. But I'd say 75-80% that the Kings will retain their spot. I hope that the Cavs can retain their playoff spot as well. They are in the 8th seed but only by 1/2 a game over the Celtics.

if it's between the celtics and the cavs...i hope the celtics go. I love Paul Pierce that guy is a bad ass. But if it's any other team in the East...then Go Cavs!

Minnesota lost last night(thanks L.A.), which is good. I guess L.A. could get the number 1 seed, but I don't know. I just know that I, as a Spurs fan, do not want to play Memphis or Dallas in the first round.

Boston doesn't deserve a playoff spot.

I'm fine with LA getting best record as long as they don't win the championship.

Only 3 teams in the East (NJ, Detriot, and Indy) deserve a playoff spot. The rest of them are absolute garbage.

Lebron is now the youngest player to ever score 40 pts with 41. He had 13 assists as well in a come back victory over NJ. I'm also glad to see that the Blazers are only 1/2 a game from the 8th seed behind Utah. What a great day for NBA: T-Wolves over Clips, Spurs over Suns, Pistons over Knicks. Everyteam that I wanted to win won today. YAY!

I really want L.A. to pass Sacramento, because then San Antonio won't play them until the Western Conf. Finals. lol.

oh oh....8 game win streak by LA. They only seem to get better and better with each game. Kobe IS the MVP...home boy puts all of their games on ice, he can do it from anywhere on the court and he's clutch like only Jordan was...

Trailblazers...good luck, you got 2 games vs LA and 2 vs....ummm....Dallas i think. Those are 4 tough games that they need to reach the playoffs.

Jeff, why as a Spurs fan would you rather avoid Dallas than Houston? Well i see your point...aww hell. The whole western conference is dangerous as all hell. I just wish the Lakers could skip right to the finals...oh btw...they ARE making it to the finals and winning this year. just thought i'd enlighten you guys...

ok so i tried to edit ^ that post, but it took me too long.

break down is like this...

Sacramento has 6 outta 9 remaining games away. 3 of those games are against houston, dallas, and san antonio...all away games.

Lakers have 6 outta 9 remaining games at home. I believe they play against houston and san antonio at home.

The Portland Trailblazers are probably NOT going to make the playoffs. I really want them to but lets get real here for a second. Of their remaining games...2 of them are against LA and 2 are against San Antonio. Portland is good, but there's no way in hell they are winning all 4 of those games. They'd be lucky to win 2 outta 4.

All they have to do is do a little better than 50% of their remaining games and they have shitty teams to play as well. This is as long as Utah and Denver don't bump up a notch. Plus, the Blazers have always faired well against Dallas and could pull off 1 victory against LA or SA. I'm just remaining hopeful.

Damn today sucked. Minny beat Houston which is good (although I like Houston) but Cavs lost to Spurs , the Blazers barely lost to Knicks (GODDAMNIT!), and the Celtics won to go ahead of Cavs by a full game. Damn.

I would rather play Houston than Dallas because Houston doesn't have the firepower that dallas does, and Dallas has given us problems this year. But that doesn't matter. NOBODY can beat the Spurs in a best of 7, not even L.A.

The reason L.A. won't win the championship is because of Kobe. His trial will be going on, and I don't think he will be mentally ready for the playoffs.

but he proved against Sacramento that playing basketball is his freedom from the rest of the world. His games are always going to be night games and Utah is a short flight when you have your own personal jet. I'm more worried that we won't get Horace Grant back than i am about Kobe.

Lakers are at home against New Orleans tonight...i smell 9 in a row. I'm sure you'll know about it tomorrow, but i'll be here just to either build up my team or talk crap about a loss...if that happens.

I disagree with you on 2 parts here. 1st you can't really say NOBODY can beat the Spurs in a best of 7. You can't ever say that about any team. The Spurs haven't even been playing that great so I don't know how you could say that at all right now. 2nd, I don't totally agree with the Kobe statement either. I thought that at the beginning of the year but he has proven otherwise. He had a tremendous game the same day that he sat through the girl's 3 hour testimony and then the plane trip. If anything, Kobe comes out with a certain flair to his game when something like that happens.

k 10 minutes left in the 4th quarter and they are up by 20, Lakers just got their 9th straight win and they pretty much own the league. Be a fan of your team all you want, but the Lakers are unstoppable right now. Playing like this, no one could EVER beat them in a best of 7...not even Jordan's best bulls team. Bold statement i know, but it's true....just think about it.

I say Memphis is going to get it dun. They are going to win it all

please tell me you're a gambling man

I just think they havnt let me down all year, and well, i dont like to go for the good teams

Very bold Link. Very bold indead.

not that i'm a bulls fan, but that might just be basketball blasphemy right there. have some respect for the great would ya?

4 hall of famers on the same team, on the same court, at the same time. I was pretty sure that i was showing respect to the great.

IMO Magic's best Lakers team could have taken Jordan's best Bulls team. And this years Lakers team is the best team they've EVER had. Well atleast when they are healthy...

But this Lakers team has issues:

Shaq's always hurt whether its his toe or some other random injury
Malone's been hurt most of the season
Kobe has his trials (although he did play better the day he went to trial) and he's been injured
Payton is whining and unhappy with his minutes and points

those were all problems they had earlier in the season. The past 9 games have been a completely different Laker team, and unless there are more injuries, or Kobe isn't aloud to fly back for his games....i don't see any reason why they can't continue to play at this level. It's not like they are doing anything phenominal...each guy is just doing what they have done their whole career.

Thank you San Antonio for beating the Kings...Lakers are now 1 game behind Sac and they play eachother head to head before the end of the season....this is getting exciting...

im stayin with my home team naptown pacers! they the best record so y not?

LA beat Houston last night. 10 game win streak and counting...

Team Win Loss

1.Sacramento 52 23
2. Los Angeles 52 23
3. Minnesota 52 24
4. San Antonio 50 25
5. Memphis 48 26
6. Dallas 47 28
7. Houston 42 32
8. Utah 39 36

9. Portland 39 36
10. Denver 39 37

OK so i know Technically based on seeding that Minnesota would be in the 2nd spot, but right now i'm not sure who the #1 seed is because i'm not sure who's got the better record head to head between the Lakers and Sacramento...and they still play one more time before the season is over. At this rate, i think that Los Angeles will have the best record in the west by the end of the season, BUT i think that the reformed Spurs will end up as the #2 seed. Both teams are playing great where Sacramento is 8-8 since the return of Webber and they seemingly look worst each time they step on the court. Minnesota...i feel, will have some sort of let down between now and the end of the season that will make them drop their current spot

As for last night and whoever opened their mouth about Yao "dominating" Shaq....well you can officially stop. Shaq straight shut down Yao last night. Yao went 3-15 from the field with 6 points and 8 rebounds (0 offensive) Shaq went 7-17 from the field with 18 points and 8 rebounds (3 offensive.) If you watched the game...you know that Shaq played Yao man to man with no help whereas Yao had a double or triple team helping him the whole time.

As for the East....pfft! Lets not go there....5 outta 8 playoff teams don't even have a winning records.

The Lakers look like the team to beat right now, but anyone can get hot in the playoffs. If Sacramento starts clicking again, they will be tough to beat. As long as Duncan is healthy, the Spurs are tough to beat.

If the T Wolves can shoot well from teh outside, they have a good chance at beating the Lakers.

Memphis...no chance
Dallas...no chance, they just don't have the defense for a 7 game series.
Houston...maybe a chance for an upset in the 1st round
Utah/Portland/Denver...The NBA higher ups are PRAYING for Denver to make it.

yea i doubt that ne east team will win this year... but pacers are the hottest team this year. but i think if twolves can ever get past the second round in the playoffs than they deserve it. they have improved quite a bit. plus kg is wanna my fav... ps i hate the lakers!

The Pacers or the Pistons 'could' pull off an upset. I doubt it but the Pacers have played well all year and the Pistons have really pulled things together since Rasheed joined them. This is also assuming that both Wallaces are healthy since both have been having back problems.

Well damn, Lakers are #1 in the West right now.

Detroit has been a pleasant surprise lately.

Shit...I don't think San Antonio will catch L.A. or even Minnesota. All 3 teams have fairly easy schedules the rest of the way through...Oh well, go San Antonio today!

Well damn, the Blazers could have had 8th seed to themselves with a win over the Hornets yesterday but failed. It was aweful. Damon was 1 for 9 and DA was 2 for 16 (total of 3 for 25). Zach Randolph and D Miles were the only two that played well. Theo didn't have his dominating defense either but still 3 blocks.

But today, SPURS BEAT LAKERS! YAY! Kings are #1 again with 1/2 game lead. T-Wolves won as well against Memphis who have been playing very well.

i hate the lakers, but even with this one little bump in the road, they are the prohibitive favorites

Lakesr played like absolute crap....good job to SA for throwing them off their game.

Whoever said the East stand a "slight" chance...get real. The East has NO chance against the West. Indiana's record came with little to no injuries during the season and they play all of their games in the east. Other than 3 teams, there aren't any teams in the East with winning record. Hell, the Lakers and Grizzlies are both 26+ and 4 each against the East. I'd say the Pistons have the best shot against the West, but their lack of truly talented guards will kill them in the end.

The Kings are playing like crap and will probably lose their 1/2 game lead over the Lakers by the end of this week...(just a hunch)

Kings are free fallin...
them and Houston

Yes, Kings are falling, and don't they play L.A. again this week?

Spurs won? Over Lakers? What? That's what I thought....not even L.A. can hold them. Spurs will repeat, without the Admiral, no less.

yes, kings play LA this week. Time to shift that #1 ranking around again.

I thoroughly enjoy a full series of Lakers vs. Spurs...Someone had to knock them off their winning streak, but no one can beat them in a best of 7.

The Lakers are 1/2 a game behind both Kings and T-Wolves! YAY! KG FOR MVP!

HA HA HA HA!!!! YESSS!!!! The Blazers beat the Lakers today! Pretty easily too. They led the entire game. Why have the Blazers always been able to beat good teams but lose to shitty ones? On this final stretch we lose to the Knicks and Hornets (lacking Baron/Jamal) yet we beat the Lakers pretty easily? I just don't get it. But I'm happy for now.

utter crap! the Lakers played like this years Raiders. OLD N SLOW. The Blazers whooped them up and down the court. Kobe couldn't hit crap...pfft..12 points?!?! Seeing the Blazers play like they did last night makes me wonder why they aren't the #1 team in the west...

because there are probably 6 or 7 teams better than teh Blazers...

playing well one night doe not make you the greatest team since MJ left

I take Links comment as a complement. I do believe that the Blazers majorly underachieved this year but I don't know about #1. I feel they should have easily been able to get the 6th seed though.

honestly it's an embarassment that more teams don't play like the Trailblazers did last night. All 5 of their players hauled ass up and down the court with every Laker miss. The Lakers played NO transition defense and got scorched. I would expect that level of intensity from all professional athletes. especially for millions of dollars a year...

Theo's defense prevailed again. The Blazers beat GS and the Nuggets are about to beat the Suns to make once again, a 3 way tie for the 8th spot. Theo had 13 rebounds and 8 blocks. He only had 4 points but he only took 4 shots because thats not his job.

Blazers and Nuggets have brutal schedules left, i'm not sure about Utah

Utah is down 22 to the Mavs in the 2nd right now. YAY!

Also, the Nuggets have already won their series against Jazz and Blazers so if its a tie, they advance to the playoffs.

Nobody can beat the Lakers in a best of 7? San Antonio sure as hell can, and they are definitely going to repeat. We play Portland tonight, and it's going to be a lot harder than L.A. Plus we are only 1/2 game behind Minnesota for the #2 seed. I think we will catch them.

I can't wait to see LA win their 4th championship in 4 years...the sh!t talking will no doubt be bad enough for me to get banned from this site.

4th championship in 5 years. But anyway, that won't happen, for their efforts will once again be foiled by San Antonio.

Actually, Minnesota is #1 seed and ahead of San Antonio and Lakers by 1 & 1/2 games. Sacramento is behind Minny by 1/2 a game.

Also, don't forget you 2 that both the Lakers and the Spurs have to get through the top 2 seeds as well.

the lakers pass too much now. everybody so f*ckin' "unselfish"... stop pleasing the media and shoot the ball already! overpassing = turnovers.

Spurs beat Portland of course. So Minnesota is 1 1/2 games ahead of San Antonio, yes.

Spurs, Lakers, and Kings are all tied up and 1 1/2 games behind Minny. Luckily for me, the Nuggets lost to Rockets so its a 3 way tie again at 8.

Well I was pissed yesterday because Nuggets beat Portland in overtime so Portland probably won't make it now that they are a full game behind both Utah and Denver.

On a plus side, Kings flat out manhandled the Lakers. Shaq had 10 points and Kobe had 8 off 3 for 13. Shaq screwed himself with 2 quick offensive fouls and it was downhill for the Lakers after that. They are now 1 game behind Kings & Spurs, and 2 games behind T-Wolves. Looks like the Lakers won't get that #1 seed after all and may only get #4.

Lakers are still gonna win

i hate shaq

Lakers vs. Kings game was just like the game they played a couple of weeks ago. one team showed up and the other didn't. During the 11 game win streak the Lakers manhandled the Kings and now vice versa. Kobe obviously was making a point to his teammates that made comments about him being a ball hog by shooting only 3 shots after 32 minutes of gameplay. You really can't expect anyone in this league to hold those two to a combined 18 points in the playoffs.....ever

He stopped shooting because he was being double teamed. The Kings forced him to pass and the other Lakers just weren't hitting any shots. Thats why he reduced his shot amount.

Damn, well... the Nuggets have clinched their spot in the playoffs. Hopefully the Timberwolves rip them apart.

Spurs beat Portland. And if they can win their last game and Minnesota loses to Memphis, which could happen, it would give San Antonio the top seed in the West.

that's only a 1/2 truth. You can't shut Kobe Bryant down like that for 3 quarters....it just isn't done. He never took the ball to the rack and dished, all he did was walk around the court. I saw him at the end of the 2nd quarter right when he got onto the bench, and he wasn't even sweating. The real Kobe Bryant would force the ball to the rim and either dish it off to Shaq or Karl....or he would get fouled. He shot like 3 freethrows that game....he averages over 8 attempts per night.

Though the defense was good....i think he was sending a message to his teammates basically telling them that they need him more than he needs them.

he did it to prove a point to his team, though he sabotaged hopes of home court with that little pettiness. there were many opportunities that he would have normally taken it to the rack that me instead passed.

another horrendous game that the Lakers luckily escaped. they need Sacramento to lose to Golden State and they need to beat the Blazers in Portland in order to be #2 seed.

MOTHER F*CKER! Kobe hit a 3 to force over time and a 3 to win in 2OT against the Blazers. Damn, that made Lakers go from 4th seed to 2nd. MOTHER F*CKER!

and shots like those....are precisely the reason why i believe the Lakers are going to win the Championship. No one else in the league could have done that.....probably not even Jordan. Especially the 1st 3 pointer to go into OT.

2 words: Reggie Miller

i stand corrected....but reggie can't take it t the hoop.

actually reggie can take the ball inside. it's just that he doesn't do the flashy dunks a la Jordan/Kobe. Miller used to be a truly incredible player, and he's still the player i'd want taking a 3 pointer at the end of a game.

i'd take Kobe over Miller anyday. Miller hasn't hit any particular game winners all year. Kobe's done it several times...and he's got range all over the court.

I would take Kobe over Miller now but Reggie is my ALL TIME FAVORITE! I absolutely love Reggie. Its a shame I no longer like the Pacers because of Jermaine. Reggie doesn't do much anyways so I'd prefer to see him retire (or at least switch teams). Neither of which will be happening too soon (and he'll retire a Pacer). When Reggie does do good though, I find myself rooting for the Pacers again.

This is a very pathetic poll, indeed. The only Eastern teams that should be on this poll are Detroit and Indiana. And leaving Minnesota off- this list must have been made for the 1993-94 season. Even Portland has a better chance of winning the finals than New York and they didn't even make the playoffs!

"Rasho Nesterovic is playing well..." What? Which "Rasho" in what universe are you talking about? The one that was dumped for chump-change by Minnesota?

The Lakers will play down to the Grizzlies and barely make it to 2nd round, but it won't matter, as they'll lose to the Spurs anyway. The Spurs? They won't win another series after that.

The Spurs and Lakers are playing the best basketball right now.

The Lakers don't play the Grizzlies in the first round; they play Houston.

Minnesota...no one can take them seriously until they win a series

Lakers aren't playing well at all right now. The past 5 or 6 games they've come out slow and dug themselves a big whole. They can't afford to do that with teams in the west...they'll loose too quickly. I also don't like how they suddenly fell apart due to injuries.

Horace Grant - bad hip
Rick Fox - dislocated thumb
Karl Malone - sprained ankle
Devon George - strained calve
Kareem Rush - sore food

I don't know exactly how bad Karl's ankle is, but i don't like the idea of starting Slava and backing him up with Cook.

I hate the Spurs with a passion, but they seem to be the team to beat at this time. And I wouldn't necessarily say that the Lakers are going to "barely" make it to the 2nd round. They are a completely different team when it comes to the playoffs...because of their veterans. And the referees will let Shaq play rougher....history has shown this in the past.

Why do you hate the spurs with a pasion?

Rasho is very comparable to Duncan last year, and nobody expected him to come in right away and be a huge force inside. He sure as hell isn't hurting the team.

The Spurs will lose to the Lakers? I don't think so.

I made this poll in about February...maybe you should take that into consideration before you criticize.

Spurs and Lakers can go either way.

I'm curious what he has against the Spurs as well besides the fact that they beat Lakers last year. The Spurs are an easy organization to root for. They treat their players well and their team is made of good people. I wish they were my home team that I grew up with rather than the Blazers. Luckily the Blazers are turning things around by getting rid of their trouble makers.

basically that right there Myth....they beat the Lakers....well that and they're from Texas....

Damn, Houston almost beat the Lakers. FUK!

I'm from Minnesota, and I think the T-Wolves will take it all. No one ever believes in Minnesota sports because we're percieved to be so damn unpersistant and unpredictable. I mean look at the fricken Vikings! I just think it's sucky that ya didn't even put the # 1 seed in the midwest division on here! Oh well, I guess. You'll just hafta wait n see

I'm with ya trixy.

haha, kewl and yur not even from MN! Well, we'll all show them.... maybe. Ya kno it is MN j/k

Lakers continued to "barely" make their way out of the 1st round with a 14 point victory last night. 2-0 just like San Antonio.

Am i the only one who's like really excited to watch the next 2 rounds of the Western Conference? I think it's going to be some of the best basketball in history...

basketball is the worst it's been since Magic came in

Houston had a great game last night, and I'm glad to see that this is finally becoming a series. Go Houston! Spurs are up 3-0 now, and Memphis is as good as done, but we knew that from the beginning. Denver can still come back, and Dallas is done. Mark Cuban is a f*cking idiot.

Here's the finals----San Antonio V. Detroit, with San Antonio taking it in 5.

oopps.....it's not a series anymore. We're going back to LA to finish them off and then comes the biggest test of the playoffs.

i guess the only thing i can look forward to is LA breaking the Spurs winning streak. I'm not exactly confident they can win the series, but i'm very confident that they'll win 2 if not 3 games. This will be the best series of the playoffs.

Link - I like you as a Laker fan. You aren't the typical "Lakers are god" fan. You actually look at where they stand and state what you honestly expect them to do. Most Laker fans believe that they are invincible. You get a thumbs up in my book for avoiding that stereotype.

I've played b-ball for 12 years of my insignificant 21 year life. And in that time i learned that teamwork and defense wins championships.

The Lakers have better players...
The Spurs are a better team...

It's anyones series.

I think L.A. will take 2 games.

I'm calling Spurs in 6.

I think Lakers in 6 or 7...probably 7 if they can manage to make it that far. (gotta stick with my team)

i like pacers n twolves...but im not sure bout twolves....?

no way the t wolves will win; they're having problems with the Nuggets (yes, i know the series is 3-1, but they have looked downright BAD the last two games); how will they respond to a team like the Spurs or Lakers in a 7 game series? or even the Kings?

The T-Wolves have had little success in years past so they'll have to earn everybody's respect even though they are the #1 seeded team. However, as the #1 seeded team, they have proved that it is possible. I'm rootin for them all the way. Spurs vs Lakers on Sunday though so GO SPURS!

Even though it seemed like they started in January, the playoffs really started two weeks ago; and we're still in the first round.

Western Conference:
Spurs 4-0 Memphis
TWolves 3-1 Nuggets
Lakers 4-1 Rockets
Kings 4-1 Mavericks

Eastern Conference:
Pistons 4-1 Bucks
Nets 4-0 Knicks
Pacers 4-0 Celtics
Heat 2-2 Hornets

Spurs looked dominant, easily beating Memphis.

The T Wolves looked dominant the first two games, but the last two have looked VERY vulnerable. Tonight's game will be pivotal; if Minnesota can't close out at home, the whispers will begin again

The Lakers won the series 4-1, but showed some vulnerability in it; San Antonio can take advantage of poor play by 3 of the big 4 where Houston couldn't

The Kings dispatched the Mavericks in the battle of softest teams in the playoffs.

Pistons woke up and decided to guard Michael Redd, and easily beat the Bucks after a game 2 scare.

Nets and Pacers coasted through the first round, with the Pacers beating the Celtics by double digits in every game.

The most boring playoff series (Heats-Hornets) is probably the only one that will go the six games...

I wouldn't say the Heat vs Hornets was boring by any means. It was far more exciting to watch than the Nets and Pacers series. The East in general is boring as hell to watch.

NJ V. NY was great to watch, I thought.

L.A. needs to learn how to defend the pick & roll if they want any chance at all of beating the Spurs.

I guess I (along with some others too) was right about Heat/Hornets being most exciting. Its the only close series. This has been a very lopsided 1st round but 2nd round will be an execellent 2nd round.

Lakers vs Spurs
T-Wolves vs Kings (most likely)

Pacers vs Heat/Hornets
Nets vs Pistons

I'm now starting to wonder if round 1 should have stayed 5 games. It seemed like a good idea and more fair to the good teams to have best of 7, but its not as exciting because there will be much less disappointments in best of 7.

i think the Pistons will make it 2 the 3rd round

The Lakers will beat the Spurs, and will have to face Scramento again.