[realtall]

West: Tough call. San Antonio has looked a bit soft at times and Sacramento gave them all that they could handle. Tony Parker is banged up but the real question is Tim Duncan's foot. Has it fully healed? It bothered him the whole season. I think that the Mavs are going to give SA a difficult time in the upcoming series between them but I am going to take SA just because they've beaten the mavs too many times in similar situations. The mavs are playing very well right now, though.

East: Its between Detroit & Miami; Miami's defense is suspect and Detriot can really light it up if the other team isn't tight in that area.

Detriot v. San Antonio; San Antonio has gained a reputation as a team that can focus themselves and win in difficult circumstances. This series hinges on Duncan & Parker both being healthy. If Parker can start getting some rest between series and is able to let that leg heal AND if Duncan's foot is really ready to go then it could be a dogfight. Also, Ginobili needs to be more consistant with his scoring than he was v. Sacramento.

Even so, Detroit has been the more consistant team this season. Chauncey Billups got some mvp votes and Rip Hamilton has been paying great all season. The Pistons in 6.