Welcome back to the NBA Playoffs! We've hit the time machine and arrived somewhere in the 80s. That's right folks, we're here at the NBA Finals and it's the Lakers vs. Celtics. The top two teams from the Western and Eastern Conferences. Just like the good 'ol days. Don't act like you aren't excited!
I don't want to ruin my prediction for you, so let's break it down piece by piece to scientifically choose a winner. Sound fun? On to the matchup...
Coaches
Hahahahaha. Really, do I need to wax poetic on this one? Or can I just list the names, pick a winner and move on? Phil Jackson. Doc Rivers.
Pick: Lakers
Starting Five
Maybe I should narrow this down to starting three, because that's the tagline that Boston has used all year. Pierce, KG, Allen - "The Big Three". Who would you rather have...that, or...Kobe, Gasol, Odom? Me too. I've preached it this whole playoffs. Kobe is a man possessed. Nothing will stop him. So please don't compare him with LeBron and how the Celtics found a way to beat the Cavs. Totally different teams. Totally different players.
Pick: Lakers
Bench
While I love the experience of Cassell, Posey, and PJ Brown plus the youth of Big Baby Davis...I have to go with the spark that Farmar, Sasha, and Walton provide from the sideline.
Pick: Lakers
Arena
I can't respect the LA scene where showing up in the second quarter is considered normal. Baseball, basketball, it doesn't matter. People either try to "beat the traffic", or think it's cool to show up fashionably late. Whatever the reason, LA fans will be there for half the game while Boston fans will be there from start to finish, yelling and cheering for their beloved team.
Pick: Celtics
Series
So how does this all add up? Well, it should be pretty obvious. Lakers in 6. I'd like to say in 5...but I guess I'm giving the Celtics D and home court advantage some credit. I do think Game 1 goes to LA...setting the tone for the rest of the series.
Pick: Lakers in 6
So there you have it. A guy who is used to chantting "Beat LA!! Beat LA" on a regular basis is picking the Lakers. Something must be in the water. See you on the court!!!
I think Lakers should and could win this in 5, but the fix will be in. You will see some pretty weird fouls call to make sure this thing goes 6 or 7. Just look at how much the NBA and TV will lose if this doesn't go more than 5 with these two historic franchises.
Also I can't believe you listed Cassell in this article. He is dead on the floor. Shouldn't even play.
Just not getting much value. Bet on series or game by game? I like road dog money lines.
I really don't understand why the Celtics would be favored. They have struggled throughout the playoffs, and now they have to face the Lakeshow who has been incredible. Of course, this means that I will psych myself out right before tipoff and bet on the home favorite and the Boston Garden, aka. Fleet Center, aka "Insert Advertiser Here" Garden.
WOW! looks like all of LA is running scared now. Can't beat emotion. Lets see how that knee feels in a day though.