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Overview
This matchup of the NBA’s two highest-scoring teams should at least
keep the scoreboard operators busy. The Mavs, led by Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Finley and Steve Nash, averaged 105.2 points per game. The Kings, led by Chris Webber, Peja Stojakovic and Mike Bibby, averaged 104.6. Sacramento had the NBA’s best regular-season record, but it struggled in the first round against Utah. Meanwhile, surging Dallas has won 13 of 17, including a three-game opening-round sweep of the T’wolves.
The Kings will win if ...
Webber finally lives up to his $100 million-plus contract and performs like a true superstar. Though he's one of the game’s top players, the 6-foot-10 power forward has yet to lead his team to a truly meaningful playoff series win. Against Dallas’ big men, he’ll need to attack inside and not settle for jumpers. Also, the Kings must show that their newfound defensive mentality was more than just a regular-season phenomenon.
The Mavs will win if ...
They can get out in the open court and turn the game into a track meet. With its Big Three, as well as Nick Van Exel and Raef LaFrentz, Dallas actually has the edge in firepower. During the season series, the Mavs averaged 110.5 points on 49 percent shooting against the Kings. Dallas is a loose team on a mission. It also won both games at Arco Arena, so Sacramento’s home-court advantage might not mean as much.
Key Stats
Dallas not only led the NBA in scoring, but also in foul shooting
(80.6 percent) and fewest turnovers per game (12.1).
Did you know?
This series marks the first time since ’97 that the NBA’s two
highest-scoring teams will meet in the postseason?
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| Prediction: Mavs in 6
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Lakers (58-24) vs. Spurs (58-24)
The Lakers won the season series 3-1.
The average margin of victory in L.A.'s three
regular-season wins was only four points.
 Complete Head-to-Head Stats
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Overview
The Spurs have been waiting all year for another shot at the Lakers, who swept them in last year’s conference finals. San Antonio put together another great regular season, winning a second straight Midwest Division title, but was extended to five games by the Sonics in the first round. L.A. comes in riding high off a three-game sweep of the Blazers, and should be well rested after having nearly a full week off. The Spurs are heavy underdogs, but they could be dangerous if the Lakers overlook them.
The Lakers will win if ...
Shaquille O’Neal’s chronic toe injury doesn’t flare up and L.A.’s “spare parts” make shots. Shaq is just too much to handle inside (especially with David Robinson ailing), and his presence in the middle makes L.A.’s defense stout. With Kobe Bryant wreaking havoc as well, the slow-footed Spurs will have no choice but to focus all their attention on those two. Then it’s basically up to role players Derek Fisher, Robert Horry and Rick Fox to make open jump shots, which they normally do.
The Spurs will win if ...
David Robinson returns to health from his back problems and plays like a superstar -– not like the fossil who got pounded by Shaq last year. A healthy Admiral not only gives San Antonio another 7-footer to defend Shaq, but his jump shooting at the other end also can help lure the Diesel out of the paint. Veteran shooting guard Bruce Bowen must make Bryant work on offense, while rookie point guard Tony Parker must use his edge in quickness to penetrate and create scoring chances.
Key Stats
Bryant averaged 26.5 points (on 47.6 percent shooting) and 5.0 rebounds to lead the Lakers during the season series; Tim Duncan averaged 23.8 points (on 44.2 percent shooting) and 11.5 rebounds for the Spurs.
Did you know?
Duncan and the Spurs swept Shaq and Kobe out of the playoffs in 1999, the last time L.A. lost a playoff series.
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| Prediction: Lakers in 5
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