Want to know who's going to win the NBA title this year?
Well, don't bet on these predictions, but here's what I think:
THE WEST Lakers d. Nuggets in 5: Denver plays no defense, Los Angeles has potent offense Mavericks d. Hornets in 6: New Orleans still needs some playoff seasoning Suns d. Spurs in 6: Revenge for last year's hip-check. Jazz d. Rockets in 6: Jazz only need to win one in Houston
Lakers d. Jazz in 7: Hard fought series goes to the superstar (Kobe) Suns d. Mavericks in 7: Amare has career-best series
Suns d. Lakers in 7: Shaq gets sweet revenge on Kobe and the Lakers
THE EAST Celtics d. Hawks in 4: Celtics won't even break a sweat Pistons d. 76ers in 6: Sixers have played the East's two best teams surprisingly well Magic d. Raptors in 7: Hedo Turkoglu comes up big in final game Wizards d. Cavaliers in 7: Early injuries have made a healthier Wiz stronger
Celtics d. Wizards in 5: Wizards will steal one game Pistons d. Magic in 5: Pistons have the depth inside to battle Dwight Howard
Celtics d. Pistons in 7: Perhaps the two best teams in the league
THE FINALS Celtics d. Suns in 7: May not get the ratings, but will be a joy to watch. Sam Cassell shows why he was the final piece of Celtics' championship puzzle