True. Detroit is yet another year older. They didn't add any significant parts to their roster since last year either. Besides, the Cavaliers seem to have the Piston's number and they would have to go through Cleveland to get there. In short, I don't see that happening.

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“Context and memory play powerful roles in all the truly great meals in one's life.” -- Anthony Bourdain

And yet, every year, come the conference championship, there we are. No reason to think this season will be any different. The new coach seems to have revived the core players. Maybe Saunders was the problem, we'll see come May. Meanwhile the bench is another year older and experienced also. Amir Johnson is probably moving to the starting rotation, so that McDyess will get more scoring opportunities coming off the bench. And if you don't know about Stuckey and Afflalo all ready, you will soon enough. Add in Maxiel, who's motivated by being in a contract year, and maybe even Kwame (Dumar's latest reclaimation project), giving the front court some depth, I can see us getting back to the championship. Depth galore guys, it does matter. Also look for this team to play more transition (read: fast break) ball, and a return to DETROIT style defense of old. Injuries will be the decisive factor in whether we get to the conference championship for the (what is it 7th or 8th?) time.

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Everybody is entitled to my opinion.

NBA Preseason doubleheader tonight- Wizards/Cavs and Thunder/Lakers.

I love NBA games on Friday night, but will anyone watch preseason?

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"I made up my mind, but I made it up both ways." Casey Stengel

Not me. I'd rather watch the Boise St. vs. San Jose St. CFB Game.

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“Context and memory play powerful roles in all the truly great meals in one's life.” -- Anthony Bourdain

Give me your NBA Finals predictions:

I see the Celtics playing the Rockets

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"I made up my mind, but I made it up both ways." Casey Stengel

Cavs over Hornets.

Cleveland gets their championship!!!

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"If winning isn't everything, then why do they keep score?" - Vince Lombardi

2008-09 NBA Predictions:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Cleveland
2. Boston
3. Philadelphia
4. Orlando (ahead of Detroit ONLY for seeding purposes)
5. Detroit
6. Toronto
7. Atlanta
8. Miami

First Round
Cleveland over Miami in 4
Detroit over Orlando in 5
Boston over Atlanta in 6
Philadelphia over Toronto in 6

Conference Semifinals
Cleveland over Detroit in 5
Boston over Philadelphia in 6

Conference Finals
Cleveland over Boston in 7




WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. New Orleans
2. LA Lakers
3. Utah
4. Dallas
5. Portland
6. Phoenix
7. San Antonio
8. Houston

First Round
New Orleans over Houston in 5
Portland over Dallas in 7
Lakers over San Antonio in 5
Utah over Phoenix in 7

Conference Semifinals
New Orleans over Portland in 6
Utah over Lakers in 6

Conference Finals
New Orleans over Utah in 7


NBA Finals
Cleveland over New Orleans in 6.............. MVP- LeBron James


Regular Season MVP- LeBron James

Rookie of the Year- Greg Oden (and yes he's eligible)

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"If winning isn't everything, then why do they keep score?" - Vince Lombardi

You have San Antonio right where I expect them to be

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"I made up my mind, but I made it up both ways." Casey Stengel

I honestly think the EAST is still a toss-up AFTER the Celtics. I don't think that Cleveland is that much better than Philly, Detroit OR Orlando....that is the team that will make some noise in my opinion.

Too early to predict who will win.....New Orleans over Boston in 7.

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"ESPN killed sports journalism. It hired, overpaid and showered our best and brightest with fame, turning many of them into jig-dancing clowns unprepared to insightfully examine the sports world they allegedly cover.' ....Jason Whitlock

salsa, as a Heat fan, how many wins do you see, after last year's ungodly debacle?

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"I made up my mind, but I made it up both ways." Casey Stengel