...while wondering what ever happened to Fat Lever

OK, so this is the time of year that we're All Basketball All the Time. But really, would you rather hear our political rants? Yeah, we didn't think so. Here's our second round take/predictions going forward.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers
What we predicted: Celtics over Cavaliers
What happened: Celtics in 7
What we learned about Boston: They have three stars who have never won anything. Now we're seeing why.
What next for Cleveland: The same thing as the last three years, until they find a way to get more depth. The deal with Chicago helped, and LBJ is a freaking stud -- but he needs more help.

Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic
What we predicted: Magic in 6
What happened: Pistons in 5
What we learned about Detroit: We're letting our blind hatred of Flip Saunders cloud our judgement.
What next for Orlando: A bright future. Throw in a mid-level veteran and another year together and this team is ready for Prime Time.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz
What we predicted: Lakers in 7
What happened: Lakers in 6
What we learned about Los Angeles: Kobe's supporting cast ain't half-bad. And they don't need Bynum to win it all.
What next for Utah: They have no glaring needs. This franchise is back.

New Orleans Hornets vs San Antonio Spurs
What we predicted: Spurs in 7
What happened: Spurs in 7
What we learned about San Antonio: Experience counts
What next for New Orleans: Perennial title contention. They're the 90's Kings and 00's Mavs, except with these.

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

Boston Celtics vs Detroit Pistons

The C-men are winless on the road in two -- two -- seven-game series. Detroit is good enough to win in the Gahden. Paul Pierce really manned up in Game 7, but it was against Cleveland. At home. Until this team can win on the road and grow some testicles, new uniforms be damned -- they're toast.

Pistons in 6

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

Los Angeles Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs

The extra days rest between games 6 and 7 of the series against the Bugs probably saves San Antonio's season. The Lakers are every bit as young and fast as New Orleans. And they have the MVP. Pride will win the Spurs a game at home and one on the road, but this is where the Repeat ride ends.

Lakers in 6

Next week, our end-of-season awards, and we promise to try to clear out some of the Fodder File which, between the playoffs and crazy days at work, is bursting at the seams.

Until next time,
Paz