I have such a low opinion on Dallas Mavericks

[CelticG1]

I would be utterly shocked if the Mav's beat the Lakers in this series. I just don't think they stand a chance. Even though the laker's kind of botched their first round series I don't think they'll have much trouble getting to the finals yet again

[birdwatcher]

I would be utterly shocked if the Mav's beat the Lakers in this series. I just don't think they stand a chance. Even though the laker's kind of botched their first round series I don't think they'll have much trouble getting to the finals yet again

I have never viewed the Mavs as mentally tough. They have some tough  matchups to contend with, and I think it all favors LA.

[BudweiserCeltic]

I like the Dallas matchup. I think Jason Terry is going to kill them, and I like what the Dallas bigs bring to the table, and will limit the impact of the Laker bigs. And I like the pieces they have to throw at Kobe.

[Who]

I think Dallas has a shot.

Lakers are deserved favourites but Dallas are capable of knocking them off.

[j804]

I like the Dallas matchup. I think Jason Terry is going to kill them, and I like what the Dallas bigs bring to the table, and will limit the impact of the Laker bigs. And I like the pieces they have to throw at Kobe.

I doubt it if they had Caron Butler I'd say he'd kill them but so much for that

Dallas is just soft

Lakers in 6

[jambr380]

I have a lower opinion of the Blazers. This is a veteran, playoff tested team. They may not beat the Lakers, but at least they have a chance...and this year, they have some big guys to throw at them.

[Yogi]

I have a lower opinion of the Blazers. This is a veteran, playoff tested team. They may not beat the Lakers, but at least they have a chance...and this year, they have some big guys to throw at them.

  They have failed every test they have had in the playoffs.  3 first round exits in the last 4 years?  That being said, they have a defensive anchor this year in Chandler.  They are sorely missing Butler's defense on the wing. but I think Lakers will take the series eventually due to home court and more experience. 

[manbehindtheman]

My opinion is similar to the OP.  I see Chandler in constant foul trouble and that is going to hurt Dallas a lot. 

[mgent]

I think LA matches up perfectly with Dallas.

Chandler won't be able to bang all over Bynum.  Dirk won't have a huge length advantage on Gasol.  And they won't mind taking Artest out and going small with Kobe, Brown, and Fisher/Blake to match the Mavs' guard lineup.

[jdz101]

Caron butler gave them another element when he was healthy.. Pity he's injured.

[ElChe]

They have a chance here...

[Finkelskyhook]

They have a chance here...

They have a great chance.  Dallas has been a great road team.  I see them using Marion on Kobe a lot.  Kidd vs any of their PGS is a mismatch. Gasol will get worn out chasing Novitski. Very even series.  18 fouls to use on Bynum/Gasol. 

Dallas in 6

[Jon]

Yeah.  I've never liked Dallas.  They've traditionally been very soft.  With Chandler in the middle, things have changed a bit.  But still, when you're best player is essentially a one-direction player, you're likely never going to win a title. 

[wahz]

La probably wins, say its 60/40, but Dallas has a shot. Dirk CAN outplay Gasol overall and take him away from the basket. Chandler will get into foul trouble alright but he can handle Bynum while he is in there, Maybe slight advantage Lakers. Marion can outplay Artest and Terry can have huge games and somewhat neutralize the Kobe effect. Fisher will switch around to whoever he can pretend to play d on and Barea is as good as him at this point. Kidd is still good and will outplay Fisher and help offset Kobe

There is no reasonable answer to Odom though if Odom shows up

[RMO]

Dallas to me has always been soft.  I remember one game this year against the lakers.  They got them in the penalty early in the fourth (I know - I was shocked as well) but they never took it inside after that and couldn't capitalize on getting to the line.  If memory serves the lakers were in the penalty with about 9 minutes to go and and Dallas didn't shoot another free throw until late in the game.