Possible Match-ups in 2006 NBA Finals

[dinocarlo]

This year's final four has been set. It was almost the same as last year but the defending champs got knocked out. So, as a result, we get no defense vs. defense match-up this year.

Among the possible match-ups are...

I. Detroit Homecourt Advantage
[1]Detroit vs. Dallas: At this point, this is what most analysts probably expect. It will be an offense vs. defense battle between two 60 win teams.

Player match-ups: Nowitzki vs. R. Wallace, Terry/Harris vs. Hamilton/Billups

[2]Detroit vs. Phoenix: One of the best defensive teams against one of the best offensive teams.

Player match-ups: Battle of the Backcourts

II. Dallas Homecourt Advantage
[3]Dallas vs. Miami: This will be an offense vs. offense battle. Whoever can play defense will win.

Player match-ups: Terry/Harris vs. Wade/Payton/Williams

III. Phoenix Homecourt Advantage
[4]Phoenix vs. Miami: The HOT finals which many were anticipating last season. Too bad Amare won't be around. It's still gonna be a high scoring contest.

Player match-ups: Wade vs. Bell, Battle of the Role-Players/Benches

IV. Miami Homecourt Advantage
Due to the Heat's poor chemistry and injury problems during the season, the Heat have no chance of getting homecourt advantage in the finals
But if they can get past Detroit without the homecourt, why can't they do it in the finals?

So, which match-up do you like?

[Donatello]

I don't really think any of these teams deserve to win the championship except Miami. They were the only ones who got their job done and done well in the semifinals. It pains me to say it because I would usually root against them.

My vote goes to Phoenix-Detroit for the series I'd most like to see, but I think Dallas-Detroit is more likely.

[Fenix]

I would say the Nets were the easiest to beat, so logically, Miami did the best job, simply because they had like four players who can play inside (Mourning, Shaq, even Haslem and Mourning) as opposed to Jersey's sole inside presence in Krstic. OK, Detroit struggled a bit, but does that make him unworthy of winning a championship? Of course not, they're still better than Miami and so is Dallas.

[Unrestrict3D]

If Phoenix can manage to beat the Mavericks and my Heat can shutdown the Pistons I'll be super-estatic because a Miami/Phoenix matchup just sounds like an exciting series, I'd probably pay to see this series.

[Colin]

I think Miami is winning the East, and because of ammendment 17, paragraph 4, of the 'Fan Constitution' I am hereby required to state that the Suns will win the series.

[Rowan Boatman]

I think Miami in 6 and Dallas in 5, even though im a Suns supporter.
Im really proud of what they have done this season without Amare, but think Dirk and Terry will be too much for them

Im pulling for Suns/Pistons though

[Stevesanity]

Mavs vs Heat would be my preference.

The Suns arent at full strength and I rather not see Detroit in the final cause of how cocky they've been/become and the Heat would be better to watch for the neutrals.

[eisfeld]

Suns vs. Heat would be my favourite, but I think it will be Mavs vs. Pistons. Since most of my favourite teams are out I hope the Suns will advance to the finals.

[Andrew]

Mavericks vs Heat would be the series I'd most like to see. I don't think that's impossible though I have to admit I like the Mavs' chances more than Miami's...that said, I did pick the Heat to win in 7.

[BIG GREEN]

I love when you post drew..cause you always seem to rip my opinions from my mind. I agree with everything you said there...but i'd rather miami win the championship. I consider dwayde my mimi-me lebron and i've always liked shaq.

[artestfighttrainer]

Heat vs. Suns
If we want the playoffs to finish the way off it has been from the beginning then please let this matchup happen. It has been one heck of a entertaining post season.

[Andrew]

I love when you post drew..cause you always seem to rip my opinions from my mind. I agree with everything you said there...but i'd rather miami win the championship. I consider dwayde my mimi-me lebron and i've always liked shaq.

Me too actually, I just like the Mavericks' chances against the Suns more than Miami's chances against Detroit at this juncture.

[Amphatoast]

mavericks and suns play the same type of ball. Pistons could give Miami issues..Miami season is all dependant on the big fellow and how he produces. He can't afford to have 16pts/7rebs/ 6 fouls

[3th]

Detroit Vs Dallas

two of my favourite players

[John WB]

I'm hoping for Mavs vs. Heat, but I also like the Suns so I don't care too much who wins in the West.

I want whoever wins the West to win it all.

I'm just so glad the Spurs are out.

[Axel]

I'll be happy as long as the Heat make the finals. I would like to see the Suns as well, but I'm not sure how I would feel rooting against the Suns since they are my 2nd favorite team.

Guess I'll be happy if either of those two win it all.

[Silas]

I hope its Mav's over heat, it will likely be Pistons vs Heat and i think it will go to Game 7, before cleveland took the 3-2 lead i would have thought the pistons would walk through the playoffs and the finals title.

[Anthony15]

Detroit vs Phoenix is my vote!

[Sauru]

I don't really think any of these teams deserve to win the championship except Miami. They were the only ones who got their job done and done well in the semifinals. It pains me to say it because I would usually root against them.

My vote goes to Phoenix-Detroit for the series I'd most like to see, but I think Dallas-Detroit is more likely.

playing the easiest team does not make them the only team who deserves to win.

[air gordon]

if Miami were to win, i would like everyone except Walker and Payton to get a ring. Otherwise I'd like to see Dallas play and beat Miami in the finals

[Sauru]

i pretty much always go with the east to win but this year i want the west simple cause i wanna see either dallas or phoenix to take home a ring, both have earned it imo. if not then miami.

[frenchy]

I think the winner is one of the two western conf finalist (I prefer Phoenix cos of Diaw but I also like Dallas)