I just have a tough time thinking the Celts can take the winner of the West (Suns, Lakers or Spurs I think)

Ray Allen can hold up through a grueling playoff gauntlet and still play D? Rajon Rondo is ready for the big lights? I dunno....

Spurs vs. Celtics. Celtics in 7.

the Lakers, i boldly predict, will go out in the first round.

The Spurs are too old. Their window is closing.

How come nobody respects the Hornets? I think their front court might be enough to make it to the finals, but not enough to contain Garnett.

I agree on the Celtics and would love to see TMac and the Rockets make it. Phoenix still can't figure how to play with Shaq yet (uptempo or half-court game?)

I don't know how to rate the Lakers, if everyone is healthy, I'd give them the edge. I don't think Bynum is all that (from what little I saw him playing), but if he can get to 80%, he'd be the missing link. I think the Spurs do have one more run left, so I'd give them the slight edge.

Steve, I love Chris Paul. I don't like Bonzi Wells and his 20 min 2 pt games. They're a year away IMO, on experience alone.

I think the Suns could win the West. Shaq is starting to free up Amare who's gone nuts in March/April. They step up their D a bit and they could surprise.

I don't like Bonzi and I kinda thought WTF when then picked him up also. But look at their roster, the serious front court guys are Chandler/West and then the JV. If they hit a good half-court team, I think they are screwed.

If Chris Paul doesn't get a serious look as MVP (Kobe the only close one), I think he is getting jobbed. He did way more with less then Steve Nash ever did.