Which team is our biggest obstacle to number 18?

[coco]

Some on our way to the finals and some if/when we get there.

It's amazing how many have disregarded the Cavs and instead have chosen the Lakers.

I think the Champion will come out of the East.  I picked the Cavs as our biggest obstacle. 

Merry Christmas fellas!!!!!!

[dark_lord]

in the east, i think the hawks will give us difficulty, but we will beat them.  i think the cavs are our biggest obstacle in the east, and the lakers in the west.  the spurs could present a problem, as i think they have a great bench.

[Truck Lewis]

i'd say cavs slightly ahead of the lakers and then a giant drop off.

the cavs were our toughest battle last year and both teams look even better this year...its definitely gonna be fun

[Redz]

WEEI was replaying Game 7 of the Cavs series this morning.  It got me pretty pumped up for a rematch.  It will be a battle.  Competitively I'm more interested to see how the Celts matchup against the Cavs next time they meet than I am for tomorrow hype-fest (not that I'm not pumped for the Lakers game, I just think a conference rival matchup is more important for a regular season game)

[Manzana]

I really would have to say our biggest obstacle might be ourselves. I think we have proven that we can beat the Cavs and most of the folks in the Eastern Conference.

I have been happy that they have been very focused this season, and I think it is going to take that kind of focus to win the entire thing again. More than last year. So let's hope they don't beat themselves.

[Evantime34]

It has to be Cleveland, not only because of how good they are. Everyone knows that come playoff time if anyone looks at Lebron the wrong way it's a flagrant 2. I think this was an underrated aspect of our series against them last year.

[OmarSekou]

I think the Cavs are overrated. They're team still revolves entirely around Lebron despite pick ups and improvements. We had an off series against them coming off little rest, and I don't see that happening again. They won't be able to leave Rondo alone (literally no one guarded him) and Ray will be a factor. Our team matches up well with them.

The Lakers definitely are an obstacle. Bynum makes them better regardless of what anyone says and Ariza gives them a tough, multi-talented role player. Plus I'm guessing they're hungrier.

Biggest obstacle is the Hawks. They cause mismatches (on Ray and Perk specifically), still have a chip on their shoulder and are relentless. They are young and fast. Plus I get the feeling that everyone wants the last shot and anyone will take it. Good chemistry and character counts come playoffs.

[dark_lord]

I really would have to say our biggest obstacle might be ourselves. I think we have proven that we can beat the Cavs and most of the folks in the Eastern Conference.

I have been happy that they have been very focused this season, and I think it is going to take that kind of focus to win the entire thing again. More than last year. So let's hope they don't beat themselves.

this is an EXCELLENT point!

[TatteredOnMySleeve]

It has to be Cleveland, not only because of how good they are. Everyone knows that come playoff time if anyone looks at Lebron the wrong way it's a flagrant 2. I think this was an underrated aspect of our series against them last year.

Well said..

Lebron, the refs and ourselves will be the biggest obstacles

[Who]

The Cavs .... followed by the Lakers who may not even get out of the West (although they're the frontrunner).

I think Orlando is next in line.

[RebusRankin]

The Refs.

[hwangjini_1]

the boston bench.

if there is a weakness on this team it is the bench. no dominate, strong, consistent player is there who can use and abuse other teams' benches on a nightly basis.

i had hope powe would be that player, but not so far this year.

[guava_wrench]

It has to be Cleveland, not only because of how good they are. Everyone knows that come playoff time if anyone looks at Lebron the wrong way it's a flagrant 2. I think this was an underrated aspect of our series against them last year.

Well said..

Lebron, the refs and ourselves will be the biggest obstacles

Do people actually believe this about Lebron and the refs, or is this being said in jest?

[Fafnir]

the boston bench.

if there is a weakness on this team it is the bench. no dominate, strong, consistent player is there who can use and abuse other teams' benches on a nightly basis.

i had hope powe would be that player, but not so far this year.

What team has a bench player that can dominate? Ginobli, Kirelinko, and Odom are the only three I can think of off hand.

[davemonsterband]

If healthy, and in the Finals, Utah.