NBA CONFERENCE FINALS "PREVIEW"
Kings v. Lakers
If there was any doubt that Shaq & Kobe were the best two players in the league before the playoffs began, its long since over. Shaq has dominated while afflicted with numerous injuries, and Kobe has owned the fourth quarter. What makes this all the more amazing is that the Lakers have accomplished this with almost no contributions beyond their top 5. However, with the way Horry, Fox and Fischer have played the past three post-seasons, do the Lakers really need a bench? Sacremento, is the ultimate constrast,
an extraordinarily deep team that is able to adjust to the loss of any one of their top players (Webber in the early part of the season, Peja in the playoffs). Unfortunately, the spectacular triumphs over the consistent in the playoffs. Were Peja healthy, this might be the Kings year. Instead, the Lakers will once more emerge as champions in the real NBA final. Lakers in 6.


Nets v. Celtics
The Nets are an easy team to underestimate, and I've done it all year. They have no go-to scorer, no dominating post presence, and yet they can score with anybody in the open court, thanks to Kidd and a bevy of finishers. They will present something completely different for the Celtics, who exposed defense-first Philly and Detroit with their three-point shooting, and smothering half-court defense. The Celtics will adjust - and in the end grab just enough offensive rebounds, and hit just enough key shots to hold off Jersey.
Celtics in 7