Diesel, your thoughts on the Leastern Conference

[PoppaFritz]

As the season started you thought the gap had closed between Conferences. Just curious what your thoughts are now.

Also, who do you and eveyone else see matching up in this years NBA Finals?

[KB21]

NBA Finals?

I think it will be the Lakers and the Pacers.

I think Indiana has more staying power for a playoff run than either New Jersey or Detroit. Detroit sort of reminds me of the mid 90s Hawks -- lots of defense, not much offense. I don't know if they can get out of the 2nd round.

The Lakers will get their biggest challenge from the Kings and Spurs out west, IMO. Dallas is a team that I could see getting upset in the 1st round, but they have definitely shown that they can't beat either the Lakers, Kings, or Spurs - the three teams that you have to beat to make it to the finals.

But, Shaq will start clicking come playoff time, and the Lakers will make their run and win their 4th straight championship.

[Diesel]

Well,

When you really look at it... The gap has closed... Sorta.

The Atlantic is 41-32 vs. Midwest.

The Atlantic is 43-36 vs. Pacific.

The Central is 37-50 vs. Midwest

The Central is 33-55 vs. the Pacific.

So of the eastern teams.... THE Central SUCKS.

Chicago, Atlanta, Cleveland, and Toronto are doing everything that they can to bring the whole east down.

BUT...

The Atlantic is the best Division in the NBA.

The Central is the Worst.