PTI
Welcome to Pardon the interruption boys and girls! Tony Kornheiser here and I'm Michael Wilbon,and this is PTI! Today we hear DeJuante isnt ready to retire just yet and all of a sudden everyone is hall of fame worthy. The big news was the Pistons going down in the 1st round and a season ending surgery for the former MVP, Get well Glenn Bruce. On another note this weekend is the finals and can't wait to reveal my picks.
Western Conference Final
Spurs vs Grizz
Familiar territory for the Spurs but this is with an all new crew from years past, the youth movement is here. The grizz carry alot on their shoulders all season, with much to prove after the big off season moves. Big things to note in this game they will be missing presumably the MVP in Jarvis and could be without others key contributors. Marty Collins another former MVP will have to have a huge game, he likely matchup is Keyon Williams and at times is prone to foul trouble. They will have to keep the pressure on all game and hope the grizz burst under pressure. The grizz just have to do 1 thing and 1 thing only, be quiet and just play ball.
Grizz in a shocker and Jr and Keyon get to their 1st MPL Finals
Eastern Conference Finals
Bulls vs Pacers
This is a more evenly match than many would think, the bulls are tough as nails and their floor general makes them flow. They have a size down low and great 3 point shooting it's when those arent falling is when they get in trouble. How will Steve handle the athleticism of Woods? Pacers looked like the team to beat and played a almost perfect 2nd half after trailing by as much as 19. I havent seen that team all year and if they continue to play that type of basketball defending and rebounding at a high rate they are tough to beat. X factor- who gets better guard play between Chris and Demonte!
Pacers by 4
MPL Finals
Grizz vs Pacers
If I said it once I'll say it again its two the hard way and that day its 2 games in 1 day. The grizz dont carry much depth outside the
starting 5 and the Pacers go 8-9 deep. With the speed of the game they fall short because they run out of gas.
Pacers MPL Champs
1st Round
Bucks vs Bulls
I like bulls and everything they were able to accomplish this year, but I just dont know in this match up. Bucks have maybe the best complimentary duo in the league with Brab and Elijah. How many teams have a guy that puts up shots and the other one is more than happy to rebound the misses. Both teams play together extremely but in my opinion Demonte has to have a good good game to offset Brad's output. They both have lost the last 2 regular season games so watch to see whoever catches their groove 1st the other team just might panic. Bulls will most definitely need their bigs there or risk being out rebounded by Elijah by his self!!
Bucks get this game and move on to the ECF
Jazz vs Grizz
Rough year for both teams, the up and down year from the grizz kept them off of alot people's radar to contend for a title but they have a chance to capitalize on the Jazz misfortune of erratic play and lack of team chemistry. The rookie Quincy Jackson and Thomas Shumpert are the x factors for the Jazz if they can keep it close with there shooting ability, and maybe they can rattle some adversity from the grizz players. The dynamic tandem of Williams and Morris produced a western conference final appearance last year and they want more. Good match up to watch is Morris vs Dame but the key to their success is the continued stellar play of Sartin.
Grizz by 7
Pacers vs Pistons
This just might be the matchup of the day, star power across the board and because of the loaded east we get it the first round. Pacers has lost a few they should of won but Al kept the team positive. This is a long rivalry but this is the 1st playoff meeting in a longtime. I honestly dont know which way to lean because the Pistons have won 5 Straight with Eric and Matt being that catalyst. They have a rookie Andrew who can shoot the ball from Chicago. Pacers arent missing out on talent at any position, you name it they have, point guard play (McHenry), shooting(Hubbard, Raymont) and they have an outstanding rookie in Woods. Pistons play a brand of ball that relies on team play and cutting, Pacers like to push the ball and grind you out on defense.
I like the Pacers with the upset in this match up by 3
