I for one don't think Indiana can even slow down Shaq. After seeing Smits miss layups and tapins vs. the Knicks, I think he will get abused. The Lakers weakness is at PF and I like Davis, but I don't see him as a player who can take over a game. I love J. Rose's game. But he is a very streaky player, as is Rice-a-roni. I think Indiana does have an edge here, but Rice always manages to hit the big shots. Reggie Miller is the best big game player in the NBA (currently). He has to have ice water flowing through his veins. I twill be interesting to see how Kobe plays. Kobe is better defensively & a better athlete but never bet against Reggie. Harper is playing great in the playoffs. Jackson & best are both nice as well for the Pacers. Position by position I like the Pacers at at least 2 positions (PF & SF), the Lakers at C, and the other 2 are up in the air. I also like Indiana vets off the bench (I hope Mullin gets some PT, but it doesn't look good). Problem I see is they can't stop Shaq. I think Indiana takes a couple games on Reggie & Jalen's hot shooting, but I can't see Larry's Pacers pulling an upset. Lakers in 6. ------------------
I see Lakers winning this in 6 , but it going to be a battle. Shaq will eat Smits for Dinner and La has advantage in the backcourt with the height of Harper against jackson. INdiana is a tough team but I dont see the lakers losing this one, let shaq get his ring he deserves. ------------------ President of the Moochie Norris FAN CLUB
Francis3...I agree the Pacers have little chance of winning. But the backcourt advantage slightly goes to Indiana. I am speaking of bench players too. Indiana comes to battle with Miller, Jackson, and Best....along with Jalen filling in at the 2. LA has Harper, Kobe, and Fisher. Kobe carries the weight here. Harper has been playing well, but because he has been left open for most of the Portland series (no one respects him). Best is a great backup guard that can light it up. This series will be won by LA on the blocks, where Smits is going to have to be able to take Shaq out on the perimeter like Sabonis tried to. It will be interesting to see how Smits plays. Jalen is going to be a huge factor too, and he will need to put together his best basketball. ------------------ HOOP-T Hey Shaq, Acme called, and they want their bricks back!
