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Quick work Don't expect any second-round series to go the distancePosted: Monday May 05, 2003 2:16 PM
Well, we all knew the Eastern Conference was up for grabs, so I don't feel horrible about my .500 percentage in first-round predictions. My upset special of Orlando over Detroit looked good until the Pistons found a way to contain Tracy McGrady. I also underestimated just how screwed up the Pacers really are and blew that pick, as the Boston Celtics beat Indiana in six games. I went 4-for-4 in the West, as Dallas' clutch Game 7 win over Portland on Sunday finalized my 6-2 first-round record. Now it gets tougher. Eastern ConferenceDetroit vs. Philadelphia -- Having done a good job on McGrady, the Pistons should be able to lock up Allen Iverson, right? Well, I like the Sixers' momentum, I like coach Larry Brown's bench mind, I like Eric Snow's chances of shutting down Chauncey Billups, and, damn, I like Iverson. Sixers in 6. New Jersey vs. Boston -- Two words for you: Jason Kidd. He will control this series. Yes, the Celtics can counter with their favorite two words: Paul Pierce. But after a predictable semi-scare from Milwaukee, New Jersey will continue on course. Nets in 5. WESTERN CONFERNCESacramento vs. Dallas -- The Mavericks appeared to recover their shooting touch, and a Dallas team that can shoot is always dangerous. But Sacramento has just as many shooters and far more defensive muscle. Kings in 5. Los Angeles vs. San Antonio -- The Spurs have home-court advantage. The Spurs have the MVP (Tim Duncan). The Spurs have the Coach of the Year (Gregg Popovich). The Spurs have much more balance than they had last season. The Spurs won all four regular-season games against the Lakers. The Spurs have maximum motivation, having lost to L.A. in five games in last season's Western Conference semifinals. But there are three things the Spurs don't have: Shaquille O'Neal. Kobe Bryant. Phil Jackson. It won't be as easy as last season, but ... Lakers in 6. Sports Illustrated senior writer Jack McCallum covers the NBA for the magazine and is a regular contributor to SI.com. Click here to send a question to his Mailbag.
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