Am I the only one thinking Miami/Lakers finals?

[gpap]

It makes me sick to say. However, if the Lakers get Howard, I don't see how they are going to be stopped in the West.

In the East, I think Miami is still the beat team (on paper.)
Lebron has clearly hit his stride, Bosh has been huge for them and they are putting quite a bench together with Allen, Battier and Lewis.

Look, I think the C's will be a 3 or 4 seed again, no doubt.

But can anyone honestly tell me the Celtics (as currently constituted) are a championship team?

Yes, I know the season hasn't even started. Just going by what I see on paper

[Jeff]

just you and everyone else

[eugen]

It makes me sick to say. However, if the Lakers get Howard, I don't see how they are going to be stopped in the West.

I tolds before. If Cs get DH12, will be nr1 candidate for the champion title. LAL with Howard will be the best team in paper.

[RJ87]

I still think OKC has the edge. LA still doesn't have an answer for Westbrook or Durant. On the flipside, Thabo Sefolosha is an underrated defender and really harrases the crap out of Kobe. Perk can take D12 man-to-man. And honestly, I'm expecting Durant, Westbrook, Harden, and Ibaka to all improve their games this offseason. And I if they get anything out PJ3 that's close to his potential....

So yeah, I think LA would be better with D12. But I don't see them as a lock for the finals by an means.

[bfrombleacher]

I'm thinking:

Celtics/whoever finals

[Mazingerz]

yup. I still believe in us winning no. 18 this year

[celticinorlando]

i am thinking a celtics thunder finals actually

[Fred Roberts]

Fab Melo will terrorize Dwight Howard in the paint. 

Dwight Howard is no Shaq, but it would still be really painful to see the Lakers get him for nothing more than Bynum.

[SHAQATTACK]

I think LA will start strong with all there experienced players and this will overcome the LACK of a real coach. They know how to play

I think the players age will creep up on them by the seasons end.

It will take ONLY one injury to Bron or Kobe to change the WHOLE deal.  Neither team is built to susstain an injury to a major player.  

By the seasons end all the players are beatup , and LA in particular has nothing to throw in the line up but, JO and Jameison ...  This I predict will be their UNDOING.

Mainly , its about luck , sorta like autoracing,  if Kobe or Bron have a breakdown ... its all she wrote , kiss a championship goodby.

I think the HEAT and OKC still have the best chance meeting, because LBJ and most of OKC are young and sturdy.

The Celtics believe it or not IMO , by the seasons end, chances may HINGE on our two rookies. Avery Bradley,   Sully and MELO and Joseph could be a nice advantage facing LA at seasons end.  when all the older guys are beat up and tired.... these guys should be a ton better and able to contribute.

Better hope KG can whip Melo into shape... how far we go might depend on his deveopment by years end.

[celtsfan84]

I think LA will start strong with all there experienced players and this will overcome the LACK of a real coach. They know how to play

I think the players age will creep up on them by the seasons end.

It will take ONLY one injury to Bron or Kobe to change the WHOLE deal.  Neither team is built to susstain an injury to a major player.  

By the seasons end all the players are beatup , and LA in particular has nothing to throw in the line up but, JO and Jameison ...  This I predict will be their UNDOING.

Mainly , its about luck , sorta like autoracing,  if Kobe or Bron have a breakdown ... its all she wrote , kiss a championship goodby.

I think the HEAT and OKC still have the best chance meeting, because LBJ and most of OKC are young and sturdy.

The Celtics believe it or not IMO , by the seasons end, chances may HINGE on our two rookies. Avery Bradley,   Sully and MELO and Joseph could be a nice advantage facing LA at seasons end.  when all the older guys are beat up and tired.... these guys should be a ton better and able to contribute.

Better hope KG can whip Melo into shape... how far we go might depend on his deveopment by years end.

You think Melo and Joseph are going to play meaningful playoff minutes?  Doc Rivers disagrees, I hope.

If Rajon Rondo and Kevin Durant go down with a season ending injury, the Celtics and Thunder chances diminish also.  You can say that for any team and their best player.  Kobe is older, but LeBron has no health issues to be concerned with.

[Lightskinsmurf]

I'm thinking:

Celtics/whoever finals

I bet you said that the last two years.

[jambr380]

Guess it's time to go out and get my new Lebron jersey. The Heat already broke the seal this year and are the only ones with a realistic chance to beat the new superteam Lakers.

I love the Celtics with all my heart, but I don't see how we get past them with that treacherous lineup. I would much rather see the Heat win than the Lakers.

[Lightskinsmurf]

Guess it's time to go out and get my new Lebron jersey. The Heat already broke the seal this year and are the only ones with a realistic chance to beat the new superteam Lakers.

I love the Celtics with all my heart, but I don't see how we get past them with that treacherous lineup. I would much rather see the Heat win than the Lakers.

You make me sick

[StartOrien]

It's a real dark horse, but I admire you for going out on a limb.

[bfrombleacher]

I'm thinking:

Celtics/whoever finals

I bet you said that the last two years.

And I'll keep saying it for the next 10.