NBA Conference Finals Predictions

Eastern Conference Finals
Boston vs Detroit From December going forward, this was the cinch matchup for the Eastern Conference crown, and now that it has come to fruition, expect nothing less than a war. Looking at this series, it's important to note how the regular season series went. Ordinarily I steer clear of this when it comes to analyzing a matchup, but Boston so completely dominated Detroit in regular season play, I can't help but feel they're the favorite in this series. For them to win, however, they'll have to do it with Ray Allen's jumper completely shot. While Allen struggled throughout the Cleveland series, however, Rajon Rondo, Eddie House and James Posey all stepped it up and Paul Pierce saved his best performances for Games 5 and 7. If he can carry that confidence into the Detroit series, I don't think the Pistons will have an answer.
Key Matchup: Rasheed Wallace vs Kevin Garnett If Detroit has a wild card, it's Rasheed Wallace. While his offensive effectiveness has declined in the last couple years, if he can find a rhythm on offense and play like a beast on defense, he could keep Detroit in this series. It will be tough, however, going against the defensive player of the year in KG. Whoever plays with the most emotional stability wins the matchup and ultimately the series. KG has been known to be a bit high strung, but he's less likely to commit those backbreaking technical fouls by letting officials take him out of his game. Prediction: Celtics in 7

Western Conference Finals
Lakers vs Spurs The other conference finals out west should be just as compelling, as these two teams have dominated the past decade, 7 of the last 9 championships between them. There's a good chance one of these teams may hoist a banner at the end of the season. Both teams faced tough semifinal series' so fatigue won't be much of a factor. If anything though, it may affect the Spurs, who are coming off a draining seven game series against the Hornets that took every ounce of energy they had. These are not the youngest guys in the league either, as four of their five starters are in their thirties. It will be imperative that the Spurs get contributions from their bench, and not just Ginobili, as the Lakers have the deepest team in the NBA.
Key Matchup: Bruce Bowen vs Kobe Bryant He's gotten a lot older, but Bowen still has his same old reputation as a physical, borderline dirty defender. Now he draws the toughest assignment in all of basketball in Kobe Bryant. The scary part for Bowen is, the more physically you play Bryant, the more angry it gets him, to the point where by the 5th and 6th games, he's pulling up from 20 and draining jumpers in your face after about six headfakes. You'd rather Kobe the jumpshooter than Kobe the penetrator beat you though, so if Bowen can just contain Kobe until Duncan switches over, SA has a chance. That will be much harder than in years past, however, as he can't take his eyes off Pau and he can't really guard Radmonovic either, as that takes him away from the hoop. Prediction: Lakers in 7

Playoff Record: 10-2