So, who do y’all think is the favorite to win the NBA title now?
Wallysays
I think the winner of the Eastern Conference will win it all … and I’d have to say the favorite to win the East is Miami. Bulls and Hawks are likely going a full 7 games, but even if the Bulls managed to win that series tonight, I’d have to predict Miami would win a series vs the Bulls for the Eastern crown. (Hope I’m wrong).
I think Dallas will win the West vs whoever it turns out to be … OKC or Memphis … those teams are just wearing themselves out and I don’t think either has the moxy to win the conference finals.
So that leaves Dallas vs Miami in the Finals … and as much as I’d like to see ANYONE BUT Miami win the title, I’d still have to pick them. They are peaking at the right time and have shown the ability to actually win close games against good teams now, whereas in the regular season they were losing most of them.
Having TWO MEGA-SUPERSTARS really sets the Heat apart, and they also seem to have other players accepting and succeeding in their roles. Although I’m far from saying they’re comparable to the Bulls dynasty teams, I am willing to admit seeing a little bit of the Jordan-Pippen dynamic in Lebron-DWade. However, those Bulls teams were awfully deep and pretty talented up and down the roster. Most of the time, they went through the playoffs losing only 3-4 games in total … I think one year they may have only lost one playoff game on their way to another title.
Just looked it up. The 1990-91 Bulls went 15-2 in the playoffs. The following year they went 15-7, which was the most post-season games they lost in any of their six championship seasons.
The Heat are 8-2 so far this postseason. I doubt they will dispatch teams like the Bulls and Mavs that easily, so they’re probably not quite ready to be compared to those Bulls teams. Now that the Celtics are gone, I can root against the Heat, but I have a feeling it’s going to be in vain. 🙂
Speaking of rooting against the Heat, it’s really only LeBron James that people despise, right? I can’t imagine them being anything but indifferent to Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade’s pretty likable, isn’t he?
Wallysays
The ’95-96 Bulls, arguably the “best team ever” with the 72-10 record breaking regular season, went 15-3 in the playoffs. (I had to look this up cuz I thought they may have matched the 15-2 playoff record of the ’91 team).
I’ve always kinda liked Wade … he grew up very close to where I spent about 7 years of my early childhood, so he’s one of Chicago’s “favorite sons” ,,, until D Rose (also Chicago) came along and actually plays for the Bulls. But Wade is pretty soft-spoken and packs a whole lotta game into that 6’3″ body. I think Wade has had some publicized domestic issues recently … just can’t remember what they are.
I think folks despise Lebron and the Heat for putting on that mid-summer carnival show after he made the decision to go there. That was truly a joint effort in ticking off the public.
Wallysays
Question for Bill … who’s gonna win the NHL game 7 tonight in San Jose?
Then, what’s your prediction for how the rest will play out with Vancouver waiting for the winner and Tampa vs Boston ???
Wallysays
Actually, that’s an open question for anyone really … I just know that Bill’s got hockey on his mind much of the time.
bill ribassays
Late to the game today, but . . . tonight’s game is a tough call, Detroit has the momentum, and that might give them a slight edge, but the games have been brutally close (and brutal, period). Detroit also has more playoff experience in recent years, so I’d say slight edge again, but personally, I’d say it’s almost too close to call. It could boil down to something as simple as some player having a bad lunch today, and throwing off his game. I will say though, that this will be a great game to watch.
As for the rest, either winner tonight will take Vancouver, maybe in 6 or 7 games, but I think they are both stronger overall.
Tampa Boston could be interesting – I’d give the edge to Boston because they seem more physical, but Tampa is pesky and has great shooters.
My long term guess would be Boston Detroit for the final, with Detroit winning, but now that I’ve said that, it won’t happen.
Hard to argue against the Heat as being the favorite, but they are probably not as heavily favored as many might think. Yeah, they beat the Celts in five games. None of those wins were blowouts. Yes, the Heat won, but the Celts contributed a little. First, the Perkins trade blew up in their faces especially when Shaq is in street clothes. Rondo’s injury is hard to ignore. While Boston struggled with foul trouble, the Celtics had no one to create the same problems for Miami.
That being said, Chicago will give the Heat a better run than Boston. Rose will draw fouls, and the Bulls defense will make it VERY difficult for Miami.
Wallysays
Well, Casey, if the Bulls and particularly Boooooooozer play as well as they did tonight in winning the ATL series, it will be hard for anyone to beat them. Boozer played great on both ends. Amazing what sitting on the bench during the entire 4th quarter of a close playoff game will do to motivate ya. Deng also outstanding tonight.
Bulls played an impressive game tonight, on the road, but maybe a bit of an abberation. Maybe the Bulls are learning on the fly. They seem to be cutting down on the turnovers. If Boozer can play to the level that justifies his huge salary, that will be the difference for a narrow Bulls win over the Heat in 7. They do have homecourt advantage. But if we see the Carlos Loooooozer from most of the playoff games before tonight, Heat will win the series. I guess that makes him the X Factor.
bill ribassays
Well Detroit just lost, so there you go.
Dansays
Interesting perspective on the Bulls/Heat series…
Derrick Rose during his press conference showed unprovoked loyalty to his coach saying that he was sure that “Tibs” will have a great gameplan for his team going into the Miami series.
On the other side, it has seemed that the Heat are coached not by the guy in the suit, but the players wearing #3 and #6. The seem to be the ones in charge of that team.
How will this difference have an effect on the series? Anyone have any thoughts?
Good question. Add to that the topic of depth. The Bulls proved they can go to their bench and win. The Heat?
The Bulls will not go easily.
Slamming on Boozer seems pretty en vogue. What is the guy’s role on Chicago? To stay, as it should be, out Rose’s way. Add to that, Boozer plays opposite Joakim Noah most of the time. Noah plays with A LOT of energy, but he is erratic. Add to that, this is Boozer’s first year on the team. You have an MVP point guard who requires considerable space to work in, and a forward who bounces all over. Boozer is doing a pretty good job of making his teammates better. Boozer has accepted a diminished role on this team as compared to what he has had in the past. And he is not sulking at all. In fact, he is the first one to encourage his teammates.
Wallysays
Dan … I think the Bulls have en edge in the coaching dept … specifically the guys wearing the suits. It is nice to have “coaches on the floor” though … and that’s maybe where the Heat are a bit like Scottie and Michael with the Bulls.
Casey … I simply think Carlos is a huge swing factor when we’re looking at a big playoff series like the one coming up. He’s gonna have to stay in the game and not get silly frustration fouls which put him on the bench. If he can get the Bulls 14+ ppg, plus all those boards he’s been getting, I think the Bulls will be very healthy in this series. It’s his offensive production that this team really needs to get to that next level. Last night he was totally enfuego, so we can’t count on that, but he’s certainly capable of 14-18 every night … Bulls will really need that. Deng is very underrated and has been playing extremely well … often goes under the radar screen, but he’s been very dependable.
Last night it was GREAT to watch a Bulls game where 4-5 players were clicking and Rose didn’t have to score 30+. But their TEAM DEFENSE is the cornerstone and that was quite impressive last night. You’re right … the HEAT should have their hands full … I still think their the favorites … but I hope I’m dead wrong 2 weeks from now.
Like many who follow the Bulls, the author was rather taken aback by the “unexpected” dominant performance in the clinching game 6 vs the Hawks. Whereas many viewed Miami as clear faves before Game 6, now many are saying the Bulls have a decent chance to win after seeing their performance yesterday. It’s just more data, but I was like “Wow, where’d that come from?” Again, maybe the Bulls are a rapidly learning team?
Loyal readers, here is your chance to get the discussion going. Let us know what is on your mind. Today is a great day for the Pine!
So, who do y’all think is the favorite to win the NBA title now?
I think the winner of the Eastern Conference will win it all … and I’d have to say the favorite to win the East is Miami. Bulls and Hawks are likely going a full 7 games, but even if the Bulls managed to win that series tonight, I’d have to predict Miami would win a series vs the Bulls for the Eastern crown. (Hope I’m wrong).
I think Dallas will win the West vs whoever it turns out to be … OKC or Memphis … those teams are just wearing themselves out and I don’t think either has the moxy to win the conference finals.
So that leaves Dallas vs Miami in the Finals … and as much as I’d like to see ANYONE BUT Miami win the title, I’d still have to pick them. They are peaking at the right time and have shown the ability to actually win close games against good teams now, whereas in the regular season they were losing most of them.
Having TWO MEGA-SUPERSTARS really sets the Heat apart, and they also seem to have other players accepting and succeeding in their roles. Although I’m far from saying they’re comparable to the Bulls dynasty teams, I am willing to admit seeing a little bit of the Jordan-Pippen dynamic in Lebron-DWade. However, those Bulls teams were awfully deep and pretty talented up and down the roster. Most of the time, they went through the playoffs losing only 3-4 games in total … I think one year they may have only lost one playoff game on their way to another title.
Just looked it up. The 1990-91 Bulls went 15-2 in the playoffs. The following year they went 15-7, which was the most post-season games they lost in any of their six championship seasons.
The Heat are 8-2 so far this postseason. I doubt they will dispatch teams like the Bulls and Mavs that easily, so they’re probably not quite ready to be compared to those Bulls teams. Now that the Celtics are gone, I can root against the Heat, but I have a feeling it’s going to be in vain. 🙂
Speaking of rooting against the Heat, it’s really only LeBron James that people despise, right? I can’t imagine them being anything but indifferent to Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade’s pretty likable, isn’t he?
The ’95-96 Bulls, arguably the “best team ever” with the 72-10 record breaking regular season, went 15-3 in the playoffs. (I had to look this up cuz I thought they may have matched the 15-2 playoff record of the ’91 team).
I’ve always kinda liked Wade … he grew up very close to where I spent about 7 years of my early childhood, so he’s one of Chicago’s “favorite sons” ,,, until D Rose (also Chicago) came along and actually plays for the Bulls. But Wade is pretty soft-spoken and packs a whole lotta game into that 6’3″ body. I think Wade has had some publicized domestic issues recently … just can’t remember what they are.
I think folks despise Lebron and the Heat for putting on that mid-summer carnival show after he made the decision to go there. That was truly a joint effort in ticking off the public.
Question for Bill … who’s gonna win the NHL game 7 tonight in San Jose?
Then, what’s your prediction for how the rest will play out with Vancouver waiting for the winner and Tampa vs Boston ???
Actually, that’s an open question for anyone really … I just know that Bill’s got hockey on his mind much of the time.
Late to the game today, but . . . tonight’s game is a tough call, Detroit has the momentum, and that might give them a slight edge, but the games have been brutally close (and brutal, period). Detroit also has more playoff experience in recent years, so I’d say slight edge again, but personally, I’d say it’s almost too close to call. It could boil down to something as simple as some player having a bad lunch today, and throwing off his game. I will say though, that this will be a great game to watch.
As for the rest, either winner tonight will take Vancouver, maybe in 6 or 7 games, but I think they are both stronger overall.
Tampa Boston could be interesting – I’d give the edge to Boston because they seem more physical, but Tampa is pesky and has great shooters.
My long term guess would be Boston Detroit for the final, with Detroit winning, but now that I’ve said that, it won’t happen.
Hard to argue against the Heat as being the favorite, but they are probably not as heavily favored as many might think. Yeah, they beat the Celts in five games. None of those wins were blowouts. Yes, the Heat won, but the Celts contributed a little. First, the Perkins trade blew up in their faces especially when Shaq is in street clothes. Rondo’s injury is hard to ignore. While Boston struggled with foul trouble, the Celtics had no one to create the same problems for Miami.
That being said, Chicago will give the Heat a better run than Boston. Rose will draw fouls, and the Bulls defense will make it VERY difficult for Miami.
Well, Casey, if the Bulls and particularly Boooooooozer play as well as they did tonight in winning the ATL series, it will be hard for anyone to beat them. Boozer played great on both ends. Amazing what sitting on the bench during the entire 4th quarter of a close playoff game will do to motivate ya. Deng also outstanding tonight.
Bulls played an impressive game tonight, on the road, but maybe a bit of an abberation. Maybe the Bulls are learning on the fly. They seem to be cutting down on the turnovers. If Boozer can play to the level that justifies his huge salary, that will be the difference for a narrow Bulls win over the Heat in 7. They do have homecourt advantage. But if we see the Carlos Loooooozer from most of the playoff games before tonight, Heat will win the series. I guess that makes him the X Factor.
Well Detroit just lost, so there you go.
Interesting perspective on the Bulls/Heat series…
Derrick Rose during his press conference showed unprovoked loyalty to his coach saying that he was sure that “Tibs” will have a great gameplan for his team going into the Miami series.
On the other side, it has seemed that the Heat are coached not by the guy in the suit, but the players wearing #3 and #6. The seem to be the ones in charge of that team.
How will this difference have an effect on the series? Anyone have any thoughts?
Dan,
Good question. Add to that the topic of depth. The Bulls proved they can go to their bench and win. The Heat?
The Bulls will not go easily.
Slamming on Boozer seems pretty en vogue. What is the guy’s role on Chicago? To stay, as it should be, out Rose’s way. Add to that, Boozer plays opposite Joakim Noah most of the time. Noah plays with A LOT of energy, but he is erratic. Add to that, this is Boozer’s first year on the team. You have an MVP point guard who requires considerable space to work in, and a forward who bounces all over. Boozer is doing a pretty good job of making his teammates better. Boozer has accepted a diminished role on this team as compared to what he has had in the past. And he is not sulking at all. In fact, he is the first one to encourage his teammates.
Dan … I think the Bulls have en edge in the coaching dept … specifically the guys wearing the suits. It is nice to have “coaches on the floor” though … and that’s maybe where the Heat are a bit like Scottie and Michael with the Bulls.
Casey … I simply think Carlos is a huge swing factor when we’re looking at a big playoff series like the one coming up. He’s gonna have to stay in the game and not get silly frustration fouls which put him on the bench. If he can get the Bulls 14+ ppg, plus all those boards he’s been getting, I think the Bulls will be very healthy in this series. It’s his offensive production that this team really needs to get to that next level. Last night he was totally enfuego, so we can’t count on that, but he’s certainly capable of 14-18 every night … Bulls will really need that. Deng is very underrated and has been playing extremely well … often goes under the radar screen, but he’s been very dependable.
Last night it was GREAT to watch a Bulls game where 4-5 players were clicking and Rose didn’t have to score 30+. But their TEAM DEFENSE is the cornerstone and that was quite impressive last night. You’re right … the HEAT should have their hands full … I still think their the favorites … but I hope I’m dead wrong 2 weeks from now.
Quite a good synopsis of Heat vs Bulls from the Chicago Tribune:
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/cbsports-bullsheat-who-has-the-edge-and-a-prediction-20110513,0,919129.story
Like many who follow the Bulls, the author was rather taken aback by the “unexpected” dominant performance in the clinching game 6 vs the Hawks. Whereas many viewed Miami as clear faves before Game 6, now many are saying the Bulls have a decent chance to win after seeing their performance yesterday. It’s just more data, but I was like “Wow, where’d that come from?” Again, maybe the Bulls are a rapidly learning team?