Really feel the Lakers are the team to beat. Don't think anyone will really test them in the West. Only two teams I think will give them some resistance is San Antonio and Utah. Spurs just cannot win in LA though. They usually get blown out there. Plus, the Spurs are just too old. Also, always seems that one of the big three is out injured. Utah is a team I really like, however they usually suck on the road. They get helped out big time by the officials at home, but on the road they are nothing special. Just not good enough defensively. Lakers should roll through the West.
As for the East, it should come down to Boston and Cleveland. Don't think Orlando will have enough to get past Boston or Cleveland, as losing Jameer was huge for them. Rafer will help, but he is no Jameer. Nelson was playing so great this season. I think whoever ends up with homecourt will probably get it done. Boston's bench just looks very weak to me right now. They have nothing off the bench from the wing position besides Eddie House. No real backup PG. Pruitt sucks. Losing Posey was huge. Cleveland looks a little thin also, however I do think they have a lot more scoring options of the bench. Just very thin in the frontcourt. Like I said before, I think that homecourt will determine who moves on to the Finals.
Regardless of who gets there, I feel as though it is the Lakers championship to lose.
As for the East, it should come down to Boston and Cleveland. Don't think Orlando will have enough to get past Boston or Cleveland, as losing Jameer was huge for them. Rafer will help, but he is no Jameer. Nelson was playing so great this season. I think whoever ends up with homecourt will probably get it done. Boston's bench just looks very weak to me right now. They have nothing off the bench from the wing position besides Eddie House. No real backup PG. Pruitt sucks. Losing Posey was huge. Cleveland looks a little thin also, however I do think they have a lot more scoring options of the bench. Just very thin in the frontcourt. Like I said before, I think that homecourt will determine who moves on to the Finals.
Regardless of who gets there, I feel as though it is the Lakers championship to lose.
