Well the Heat couldn't be better right now IMO and do you guys agree that Shaq is doing great now considering his slump in the beginning of the year. He seems to be putting up the big numbers and more importantly giving his team the win now. They vs the PIstons tomorrow and believe it or not the reigning champions are the underdogs here. So do you guys think the Heat have things going as nicely as possible? I know I do Lets make Detroit basketball be losing basketball for them of course.
The only team the Heat will struggle against in a 7-game series are the San Antonio Spurs, other than that, they could outplay any team in the L. I expect them to go as far as the NBA Finals. Specially if Artest does not return in the playoffs.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Purple Fever:</div><div class="quote_post">The only team the Heat will struggle against in a 7-game series are the San Antonio Spurs, other than that, they could outplay any team in the L. I expect them to go as far as the NBA Finals. Specially if Artest does not return in the playoffs.</div> Add Minny and Detroit to that. I consider the Spurs the team to beat with Minny, Miami and Detroit all a close second. Scratch Minny off the list, because of them losing to SA in the WCF and the only thing between the Heat and the NBA Finals are the Pistons. The Pistons aren't doing well at all lately, but they are still the champion. And to quote Tomjanovich :'Never underestimate the heart of a true champion'. I do think the Heat have more of a chance against Detroit than the Lakers had last year, because of Wade's willingness to dump the ball down low just about every play. That wasn't the case for Kobe last year. I expect the Heat to win the EFC and lose in 5 or 6 against the Spurs. San Antonio has just to many good players to let any team defeat them. Whether the Pacers make the play-offs or not, and whether Artest plays or not, it won't matter, because of Miami and the Pistons being better teams IMO. Back on the thread now : I think Shaq has reached his level of 3 years ago. Though his numbers aren't there to back it up, the record is backing it up, plus you can also see a great difference in his play, for example, going after the ball-handler after a pick. The Heat are really on fire(no pun intended) and that is largely due to the play of Shaq.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Purple Fever:</div><div class="quote_post">The only team the Heat will struggle against in a 7-game series are the San Antonio Spurs, other than that, they could outplay any team in the L. I expect them to go as far as the NBA Finals. Specially if Artest does not return in the playoffs.</div> There are plenty of teams the Heat will struggle against, they play in the East. Phoenix, San Antonio, Minnesota, Detroit, and Indy (if they get Artest back) can all beat the Heat in a 7 game series.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Kobe 8 Ball:</div><div class="quote_post">There are plenty of teams the Heat will struggle against, they play in the East. Phoenix, San Antonio, Minnesota, Detroit, and Indy (if they get Artest back) can all beat the Heat in a 7 game series.</div> See the thing is The Heat will not have to play both Phoenix(who will struggle in playoffs), San antonio and Minnesota. ONly one of those 3 make it to the Finals and I'll bet you anything it's the Spurs. Detroit about now looks like crap so I on't know why every one sayd their the best in the East. Indy is without Artest so The Heat won't have too much of a problem. The Pacers are a better team than the Pistons with Artest of course. The PAcers are probably a bigger problem. The Heat cannot beat the Spurs. If the Heaat have homecourt against the Wolves(Heat record IS better) they would win. Phoenix I have no idea. I think they will be a bust in the playoffs.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Kobe 8 Ball:</div><div class="quote_post">There are plenty of teams the Heat will struggle against, they play in the East. Phoenix, San Antonio, Minnesota, Detroit, and Indy (if they get Artest back) can all beat the Heat in a 7 game series.</div> Pheonix couldn't beat Miami in a 7 game series. They asren't built for that ir the playoffs. They are a good regular season team. Tjhey rely to much on the fast break and in the playoffs rebounding and defense are the key things that win you a series. IMO there are only 2 teams that could possibly beat the Heat in a series. The San Antonio Spurs and the Minnesota Timberwolves. But the ZTimberwolves would struggle because they don't have anyone that could give Shaq trouble.
San Antonio, Minnesota, Phoenix, and Seattle can all beat Miami in a 7-game series. In fact, the Pistons won't let the Heat get to the Finals. Remind me when the playoffs start...because I'm so confident that the Pistons will beat Miami, that I'll do a sig bet with all of you. If the Heat lose, 5 Miami fans of my choice get to wear a sig of my choice for a month. If the Pistons lose the series, I'll wear whatever sig you want for a month. Injuries will not void the bet, either. If you're confident in the Heat, don't forget to remind me about it when the playoffs start up.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Real Deal:</div><div class="quote_post">San Antonio, Minnesota, Phoenix, and Seattle can all beat Miami in a 7-game series. In fact, the Pistons won't let the Heat get to the Finals. Remind me when the playoffs start...because I'm so confident that the Pistons will beat Miami, that I'll do a sig bet with all of you. If the Heat lose, 5 Miami fans of my choice get to wear a sig of my choice for a month. If the Pistons lose the series, I'll wear whatever sig you want for a month. Injuries will not void the bet, either. If you're confident in the Heat, don't forget to remind me about it when the playoffs start up.</div> WHAT SEATTLE!? Seattle is already slowing down this year slowly. 2 nights ago I watched my Sixers destroy them. AND IT WAS AT THE SONICS HOME TOO! lol, well yea there is no way Seattle can beat the Heat in a play off series. When the playoffs start I'll keep your bet in mind. I'll only bet if Shaq or Wade isn't injured, other than that yea I'll do it. I gots total confidence in my team.
Mind you guys that San Antonio didn't come together last year until about this time of year, whats to say the Pistons can't do that? No one expected the Pistons to make the finals, let alone win them. I still take the DEFENDING CHAMPS over the Heat, who would be finished if Shaq or Wade went down with an injury..and knowing Shaq..that is very possible.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Kobe 8 Ball:</div><div class="quote_post">Mind you guys that San Antonio didn't come together last year until about this time of year, whats to say the Pistons can't do that? No one expected the Pistons to make the finals, let alone win them. I still take the DEFENDING CHAMPS over the Heat, who would be finished if Shaq or Wade went down with an injury..and knowing Shaq..that is very possible.</div> Well I guess his 30 pounds loss, shall put some less pressure on those ankles, knees and big toe. If that hamstring of his recovers quickly, I don't see him miss any more games. Wade too, was injured a lot last year, but that seems to be better too, so I should be very surprised if they would go down. I think Big Ben or Hamilton have as much chance to be injured as Shaq and Flash.
Ben and Rip rarely get injured, while Shaq and Wade have history of inury problems. The chances are anywhere near as close as you may think. In response to KB8's post, another team also started out 16-13 last season which included a 6 game losing streak and went on to enjoy their summer vacation in style. Championships aren't won in december/january, I have watched the past two NBA champions start out very slow only to go on a big runs to end the 2nd half of the season. I know better to judge who will be the best in each conference this early, team's fans can enjoy the winning now but the fact remains no one cares about regular season titles or head to head match-ups If you are a success in the post season.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Kobe 8 Ball:</div><div class="quote_post"> I still take the DEFENDING CHAMPS over the Heat</div> Wasn't that game on TNT tonight very interesting?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Real Deal:</div><div class="quote_post">San Antonio, Minnesota, Phoenix, and Seattle can all beat Miami in a 7-game series. In fact, the Pistons won't let the Heat get to the Finals. Remind me when the playoffs start...because I'm so confident that the Pistons will beat Miami, that I'll do a sig bet with all of you. If the Heat lose, 5 Miami fans of my choice get to wear a sig of my choice for a month. If the Pistons lose the series, I'll wear whatever sig you want for a month. Injuries will not void the bet, either. If you're confident in the Heat, don't forget to remind me about it when the playoffs start up.</div> I'll take that bet! I've been very unimpressed by Brown's pistons this year. Their struggling offense has been sad at times. I'm wondering if the Pistons got past Indiana due to a J O'Neil injury + Tinsly injury. Then past L.A., due to a Malone injury and a selfish Kobe. Whoever said Seattle cracks me up. The one team in the East that I think might upset a team or two are the Wizards. Their starting line is nice, and they have two potential starter centers in Haywood and Brown. Mainly b/c a good center is hard to find. I think the Wizards will be a tough team in playoffs.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting SkiptoMyLue11:</div><div class="quote_post">I'll take that bet! I've been very unimpressed by Brown's pistons this year. Their struggling offense has been sad at times. I'm wondering if the Pistons got past Indiana due to a J O'Neil injury + Tinsly injury. Then past L.A., due to a Malone injury and a selfish Kobe. Whoever said Seattle cracks me up. The one team in the East that I think might upset a team or two are the Wizards. Their starting line is nice, and they have two potential starter centers in Haywood and Brown. Mainly b/c a good center is hard to find. I think the Wizards will be a tough team in playoffs.</div> If you really want the bet, that's fine...but I would wait. Remember how the Pistons did at the beginning of last season. Sheed is in a slump...he'll fall out of it in due time. You gotta give Detroit credit for winning the rings, man. The Pacers were on a roll...and the Lakers ALL lost together. It was because the Pistons beat everyone...no excuses.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Real Deal:</div><div class="quote_post"> If you really want the bet, that's fine...but I would wait. Remember how the Pistons did at the beginning of last season. Sheed is in a slump...he'll fall out of it in due time. You gotta give Detroit credit for winning the rings, man. The Pacers were on a roll...and the Lakers ALL lost together. It was because the Pistons beat everyone...no excuses.</div> The Pistons last season in the beginning didn't have Sheed so of course they would be off to a slow start. Sheed isn't in that big of a slump. Hes struggling right now, but not a slump. The fact is other teams know how the Pistons play because their the current champions. Every teams goal is to beat them and win the O' Brien trophy. The Pistons team as a hole is doing pretty good. It's just other teams know how they play very well.
