hey "senior" analyst (sorry i don't want Chevonne mad at me) did hinrich play with the bulls in the past? Do you think that will factor into the game at all?
Yes he did!
To me, Hinrich is the difference between Hawks losing in about 5 or 6 and losing (or maybe surprising Bulls) in 6 or 7. Bottom line: Bulls win easier without Hinrich, Bulls win more difficult with Hinrich.
And on that note: I will go ahead and make my predictions for the matchups ready to begin.
Lakers/Mavericks: Lakers still look inconsistent and basically play good when they want to. To me, they know they are one of the best teams in the NBA so they know that if they fall behind they can come back. Example: the last 2 games in the previous series. Mavs look pretty good as well too but almost choked against Portland. If Lakers are focused and Bynum, Odom and Gasol (who had a weak performance) play to their potential, I predict Lakers will win series in 6. So
Lakers in 6.
Bulls/Hawks: Not much to talk about here but as I said, it all depends on if Hinrich is playing. Bulls' biggest weaknesses right now is too much dependency on Rose and Boozer not playing to full potential. If Bulls play to full potential and Hinrich is out I say Bulls in 5. If Hinrich plays, I say Bulls in 6. So I'll say
Bulls in 6.
Heat/Celtics: The MOST IMPORTANT series of this entire NBA playoffs (besides NBA championship). Wow! I'm very torn on this series because I feel like this really should be for the chance to go to the finals but it's the 2nd round. Huge storylines will surround both teams regardless of who wins. Again, I believe the Heat, more specifically Lebron James is under the most pressure in this series! I like Boston because of their experience and the fact that they have been together for quite sometime and because it seems like they are turning it on now. However I am concerned that this series may expose the mistake of trading Perkins. I still believe that with a healthy Perkins they were the favorite to win it all. I still maintain that if Lakers do not make it to finals that whoever wins this game will most likely win it all.
That said, the Heat's athleticism scares me, especially if I'm a Lakers fan. I believe Heat are clicking right now and the Big 2 1/2 will show why they decided to join up. Like Kenny "The Jet" Smith, I am not convinced but I really *sigh* relunctantly say
Heat in 7 BUT it could go either way!So bottomline:
Lakers in 6
Bulls in 6
Heat in 7
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