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Why the Celtics should win: They’ve got better outside shooters, and they’re primed for revenge after losing to the Nets in last year’s Eastern Conference finals. Everybody knows about Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker, but as the Pacers found out, Walter McCarty, Tony Delk and J.R. Bremer can inflict serious damage from 3-point range. Also, Boston’s interior defense is better than it looks on paper. Tony Battie is active, and the Celtics can pack it in and force the weak-shooting Nets to beat them from outside. If Boston can limit the damage on the boards and remember to get back in transition, it has a chance to pull off another upset.
Why the Nets should win: They’re a better rebounding team and they’ve got Jason Kidd. He killed Boston in last year’s playoffs, especially after those Fleet Center yahoos insulted him and his family. Kidd should again dominate against the Delk/Bremer combo, as he did during the regular season when the Nets won three of four. Meanwhile, Kenyon Martin has had success frustrating Boston’s Walker, who managed to shoot just 28.4 percent (19-of-67) during the season series. The Nets did a fantastic job closing out on Milwaukee’s shooters in the first round. If they do the same against Boston, and get enough rebounds to fuel their transition game, they should roll.
Keep an eye on: Kerry Kittles. When the Nets’ slender shooting guard plays well, they win. Period. In his team’s four playoff wins over the Bucks, he had 18, 16, 15 and 12 points. In their two losses, he had two and four.
Did you know? Despite his big scoring numbers, Paul Pierce shot just 38.9 percent in the first round against the Pacers. Also, Indiana outrebounded Boston by over six boards per game.
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| SI.com's Marty Burns: Nets in 5 |
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Team Stats: 
