Who do you think would be an easier opponent to beat in the Finals?

[ACF]

If Suns advance do we have HCA?

Nope, Phoenix finished 54-28. Doesn't matter though, since we are the best team (still in the playoffs) on the road.

With the Celtics being better on the road, how do you feel about the 2-3-2 NBA Finals format?

I think we'd split road games against whatever team we would face and then there'd be a real pressure to win at least two of the home games. Even though we're a great road team, I wouldn't like to see it come down to game 7 in their building.

[lon3lytoaster]

If Suns advance do we have HCA?

Nope, Phoenix finished 54-28. Doesn't matter though, since we are the best team (still in the playoffs) on the road.

With the Celtics being better on the road, how do you feel about the 2-3-2 NBA Finals format?

I think we'd split road games against whatever team we would face and then there'd be a real pressure to win at least two of the home games. Even though we're a great road team, I wouldn't like to see it come down to game 7 in their building.

True, game sevens are never good in someone else's buildings. I'd be curious to see an overall record for game seven's for the road team.

But honestly, I'd be shocked an appalled if the Celtics dropped 2/3 at home. I know they've played their best ball on the road, but that would be completely unacceptable to lose 2/3. IMO, a split with games one and two is the only way we can in the Finals against the Lakers. Also, with Jackson's ridiculous record in series where he won the first game, I'd say game one in any Lakers series is pretty [dang] critical.

[ACF]

I agree.

[CoachBo]

If we play consistently good defense, it doesn't matter.

Neither West team defends at all. Defense will put a banner in the rafter.

[Spilling Green Dye]

To answer the question at hand, I'd say Lakers.  I like the matchups we have with them, and have had proven success against nearly the same lineup in the finals.

While I would normally think Phoenix would be easier due to their subpar defense, I thought the same thing in the regular season until the Suns came to Boston and ran the Celtics off the court.  The Celtics haven't faired well against running up-tempo teams, or extremely athletic teams, and I think the Suns would be very difficult to beat b/c of that.  Notice how the Magic do well when they run?  The Suns are a far more effective team in the up-tempo pace.

[Bankshot]

To answer the question at hand, I'd say Lakers.  I like the matchups we have with them, and have had proven success against nearly the same lineup in the finals.

While I would normally think Phoenix would be easier due to their subpar defense, I thought the same thing in the regular season until the Suns came to Boston and ran the Celtics off the court.  The Celtics haven't faired well against running up-tempo teams, or extremely athletic teams, and I think the Suns would be very difficult to beat b/c of that.  Notice how the Magic do well when they run?  The Suns are a far more effective team in the up-tempo pace.

They shoot a lot of 3s and the Celtics defend the 3 point line very well.

[wiley]

Agree with most....The Suns mess with our identity a little bit...

[Prof. Clutch]

Even though they swept the season series with us, I voted for the Suns because I think they aren't as well rounded a team as the Lakers and I'm one of those guys that believes in good defense beating good offense when it really matters.

[Spilling Green Dye]

To answer the question at hand, I'd say Lakers.  I like the matchups we have with them, and have had proven success against nearly the same lineup in the finals.

While I would normally think Phoenix would be easier due to their subpar defense, I thought the same thing in the regular season until the Suns came to Boston and ran the Celtics off the court.  The Celtics haven't faired well against running up-tempo teams, or extremely athletic teams, and I think the Suns would be very difficult to beat b/c of that.  Notice how the Magic do well when they run?  The Suns are a far more effective team in the up-tempo pace.

They shoot a lot of 3s and the Celtics defend the 3 point line very well.

The Celtics only defend the 3 point line well in a half-court set.  No team in the league defends the 3 point line well in a fast-paced game. 

If you think, after game 4, that Jameer Nelson turning the corner on a pick-and-roll that leads to an open 3 (which happened quite a bit) was painful to defend, then I assure you that Nash would be 3x as hard.

[Roy Hobbs]

Even though they swept the season series with us, I voted for the Suns because I think they aren't as well rounded a team as the Lakers and I'm one of those guys that believes in good defense beating good offense when it really matters.

Agreed.  The Lakers have the capability of playing good defense, even if they don't show it all the time; the Suns don't.  We have the pieces to contain Amare and Nash, but the Suns can't stop us on the other end.

Also, of course, a Suns / Celtics series guarantees that the Lakers won't win, which is always an added incentive.

[Prof. Clutch]

Even though they swept the season series with us, I voted for the Suns because I think they aren't as well rounded a team as the Lakers and I'm one of those guys that believes in good defense beating good offense when it really matters.

Agreed.  The Lakers have the capability of playing good defense, even if they don't show it all the time; the Suns don't.  We have the pieces to contain Amare and Nash, but the Suns can't stop us on the other end.

Also, of course, a Suns / Celtics series guarantees that the Lakers won't win, which is always an added incentive.

If we do make it to the finals to face the Lakers, and they make it to the finals to face us, I think the Suns series taught me some things about the Lakers strengths and weaknesses.  Forcing the Lakers into three point shooting seems to have been a key for the Suns in the last two games, and specifically daring Ron Artest to make outside shots.  Also, Bynum is hurt and the Lakers look a little bit weaker inside as a result.  Bynum kept getting beat on pick and rolls as well since it doesn't seem he has the mobility to help on the point guards curl around the pick.

I think some of those things will be key in trying to overcome them.

[Who]

It's looking like the Celtics are going to have a large advantage over either opponent ... so I don't really care which team makes it (it will be LA, they are still the overwhelming favourites to win that series).

The Lakers are the tougher opponent because of their defense.

I would be worried about the Lakers if Bynum was healthy and playing at a high level but that doesn't appear to be an issue.

[FatKidsDad]

The Suns are expected to lose the West.

If they win, they are playing with house money and a "nothing to lose" attitude. Therefore they are more dangerous.

Bring on the Lakers!

[celticinorlando]

boston needs to woory about the magic

[colincb]

I'm a lot more concerned with the Magic than either of the WC teams.