ESPN "experts" picks for Heat/Celtics

[Kiorrik]

I like the Celtics chances in the Miami series. They are a more complete and tested team. Besides, the Lakers don't seem to match up well with Miami.

I saw your post count and I was going to give you a TP as a welcome.  Then I saw your name.  =  TP count still zero.  Welcome anyways.

Thanks for the welcome anyways - I don't need no stinking points. Hate to admit it, but I enjoy this blog much more than the Lakers Blog - better quality postings and more user-driven.

It may stink, but there it is. TP. I hate you. Welcome.

lol

[JohnBagleyValueMeal]

*IF* the Celtics are up 3-2 going into game 6, I'm fairly certain they'll win. I've said all year that Miami has no home court advantage, and I have no problem imagining the Celtics going into their building and winning. I don't know if Miami can fight their way out of a corner if the C's push them to the brink.

What I don't want to see as a Celtics fan is giving LBJ/Wade multiple chances to put us away with spectacular individual efforts. They're dangerous when they're confident and out in front.

  Wouldn't game 6 be in Boston?

To clarify: I meant if they have a 3-2 lead I'm pretty sure the Celtics will win the series, not necessarily Game 6 (although I'd be confident there, too). What I was trying to say is that Miami could implode if they start to doubt themselves and LBJ & Wade start trying to do it all themselves...but on the other hand, if they jump out to a big series lead and start to feel confident about themselves, they're a lot more dangerous and could win in 6 or 7.

Also, last year has nothing to do with this because a) The Lakers actually have a home court advantage, unlike the "Fan Up" phonies in the 305 b) The Lakers are actually battle-tested unlike Miami and c) The format of the finals series is totally different than the 2nd round.

[nox45]

what do these experts at Every Sporting Prognosis Nixed eat for breakfast ? LeHype fluff pies by chef maverick or maybe they dine at Sterni's for LeKobe summer feast?

[Lakers are the Best]

I like the Celtics chances in the Miami series. They are a more complete and tested team. Besides, the Lakers don't seem to match up well with Miami.

I saw your post count and I was going to give you a TP as a welcome.  Then I saw your name.  =  TP count still zero.  Welcome anyways.

Thanks for the welcome anyways - I don't need no stinking points. Hate to admit it, but I enjoy this blog much more than the Lakers Blog - better quality postings and more user-driven.

****
haha jk welcome to celticsblog hopefully we can transform you into a banner 18 warrior.

It will never happen. I grew up in Los Angeles County watching Wilt, Jerry, Elgin and the other Lakers. I've been a fan for 11 titles and am a lifer. I still can't believe I wore a Celtics t-shirt in college when a neighbor brought me one from Boston - poor judgement on my part.

[slamtheking]

I like the Celtics chances in the Miami series. They are a more complete and tested team. Besides, the Lakers don't seem to match up well with Miami.

I saw your post count and I was going to give you a TP as a welcome.  Then I saw your name.  =  TP count still zero.  Welcome anyways.

Thanks for the welcome anyways - I don't need no stinking points. Hate to admit it, but I enjoy this blog much more than the Lakers Blog - better quality postings and more user-driven.

****
haha jk welcome to celticsblog hopefully we can transform you into a banner 18 warrior.

It will never happen. I grew up in Los Angeles County watching Wilt, Jerry, Elgin and the other Lakers. I've been a fan for 11 titles and am a lifer. I still can't believe I wore a Celtics t-shirt in college when a neighbor brought me one from Boston - poor judgement on my part.

but a far better fashion sense

[fairweatherfan]

I like the Celtics chances in the Miami series. They are a more complete and tested team. Besides, the Lakers don't seem to match up well with Miami.

I saw your post count and I was going to give you a TP as a welcome.  Then I saw your name.  =  TP count still zero.  Welcome anyways.

Thanks for the welcome anyways - I don't need no stinking points. Hate to admit it, but I enjoy this blog much more than the Lakers Blog - better quality postings and more user-driven.

****
haha jk welcome to celticsblog hopefully we can transform you into a banner 18 warrior.

It will never happen. I grew up in Los Angeles County watching Wilt, Jerry, Elgin and the other Lakers. I've been a fan for 11 titles and am a lifer. I still can't believe I wore a Celtics t-shirt in college when a neighbor brought me one from Boston - poor judgement on my part.

You've seen all 11 Laker titles?  Pretty impressive.

[footey]

Legler is the only one listed there whose opinion I respect.  And I am not saying that because he picks Celtics, just because he knows what he is talking about.  Which is why I listen to John Gruden, who is brilliant, and tune out Mel Kiper, who is a drone, when it comes to the draft.

[JT11]

Home court doesn't seem to be a help for the Celtics, matter fact sometimes I think it is just the opposite.

I look for Boston and Rondo to jump on the Heat in game one like a pack of starved wolves.

I think Boston has got this teams number.

Agree. Half the time the C's play better on the road than at home (Knicks, anyone?). Gives them an extra fire, I think. Part of being such a veteran and experienced team is not being affected by location and shutting down the crowd early, and the C's have shown that they can do that.

[ejk3489]

Here's an updated version (with Stein and Sheridan):



So it's pretty split down the middle it seems. Thought more people would be picking the Heat.

All of the guys at SI.com (Zach Lowe, Chris Mannix, Ian Thomsen, and Lee Jenkins) picked the Celtics over the Heat too. At least at the start of the playoffs they did.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/basketball/nba/04/13/experts.picks.playoffs/index.html

[JT11]

Here's an updated version (with Stein and Sheridan):



So it's pretty split down the middle it seems. Thought more people would be picking the Heat.

All of the guys at SI.com (Zach Lowe, Chris Mannix, Ian Thomsen, and Lee Jenkins) picked the Celtics over the Heat too. At least at the start of the playoffs they did.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/basketball/nba/04/13/experts.picks.playoffs/index.html

Huh. Most of them have us beating the Heat, but losing to the Bulls. Personally, I think the Heat will be more of a challenge than the Bulls.

[CelticG1]

Here's an updated version (with Stein and Sheridan):



So it's pretty split down the middle it seems. Thought more people would be picking the Heat.

All of the guys at SI.com (Zach Lowe, Chris Mannix, Ian Thomsen, and Lee Jenkins) picked the Celtics over the Heat too. At least at the start of the playoffs they did.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/basketball/nba/04/13/experts.picks.playoffs/index.html

Huh. Most of them have us beating the Heat, but losing to the Bulls. Personally, I think the Heat will be more of a challenge than the Bulls.

This was before the playoffs started. I'm sure a lot of people would change their predictions now after seeing the first round series for every team

[celtics2]

I'll take the Celts in 6. Well rested and defense usually wins playoff games. Most games under 100. Our starting 5 are also better than theirs putting strains on their top 3.

[willis33]

Can't wait for the series the start.  While I understand how scary the Heat's talent is, I was a little shocked by the picks of the "experts"  The Heat are a team that all season long has preyed on the weak.  The are a running team that generates their energy with fast break dunks.  When forced into a half court game they struggle because they rely on streaky outside shooters and generous refs.  And last, and maybe most important, they are awful in the last 2 minutes of games.  If you just look at the match up and say, if the Heat play they way they're capable of and the Celtics play the way they're capable of...who wins, they answer is undeniably the Celtics. 

[gar]

Here's an updated version (with Stein and Sheridan):



So it's pretty split down the middle it seems. Thought more people would be picking the Heat.

All of the guys at SI.com (Zach Lowe, Chris Mannix, Ian Thomsen, and Lee Jenkins) picked the Celtics over the Heat too. At least at the start of the playoffs they did.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/basketball/nba/04/13/experts.picks.playoffs/index.html

Huh. Most of them have us beating the Heat, but losing to the Bulls. Personally, I think the Heat will be more of a challenge than the Bulls.

Yes Hollinger is still a Moron!

[jambr380]

I know these are the 'official' ESPN rankings, but people on ESPN are pretty high on the Celtics right now. I believe on ATH the other day, most all of them predicted the Celtics. I was afraid they were getting too much hype, so I am glad that most don't have them winning here :0)