Will the Kobe and Shaq-Attack lead the Lakers to another NBA title or will Allen Iverson be the answer to Philadelphia's championship dreams? The best slam dunkin', trash talkin', in-your-face shot blockin' playoff basketball of the NBA is about to take flight.
The Matchups
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The West San Antonio vs Minnesota Los Angeles vs Portland Sacramento vs Phoenix Utah vs Dallas |
The East Philadelphia vs Indiana Milwaukee vs Orlando Miami vs Charlotte New York vs Toronto |
The Faves
Kobe never invited Shaq to his wedding and the two like each other about as much as the Backstreet Boys like *NSYNC. But if Shaq and Kobe both play at their best, the Lakers should repeat as champions. But to do that, they'll have to get by the Twin Towers from San Antonio. Tim Duncan and David Robinson led the Spurs to the best record in the West and they'll form a seven-foot wall in the paint which even Shaq will have trouble getting through. The 76ers may be the best from the East, but Allen Iverson can't be the answer to everything. Unless guys like Dikembe Mutombo and Eric Snow also play at their best, the Sixers won't be winning any title.
Biggest Disappointment
The Portland Trailblazers were supposed to be winning it all this year - but instead this group of trash talkin', overeating underachievers will be going out the first round. Rasheed Wallace can't keep his mouth shut, Shawn Kemp should've been on a diet back in October. The only trail these guys will be blazin' is the one leading to an early playoff exit.
Best Rivalry
Raptors vs. Knicks. These two teams are really starting to hate each other. Look for an emotional series with lots of hard fouls and in your face dunks.
Best Comeback
Alonzo Mourning of the Miami Heat. The guy spent most of the year recovering from kidney disease - but he's hitting the court again for the playoffs. If Zo stays healthy, the Heat could do some damage.
What are your NBA Playoff predictions? to Kidzworld.
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