I really liked to see Rashard playing in the post in game 6 vs. PHI, but don’t get used to it. As a Sonics fan, I can tell you that Lewis is as reluctant a post-player as there is in the NBA.

He fell in love with his jumper many years ago, and he doesn’t ever write or call his post game anymore. The fact that he got back together with his post game for one hot, steamy night doesn’t mean that they’re back together. In fact, I bet he woke up the next morning full of regret and shame, and quickly went to buy his 3-pointer some flowers to make up for it. I doubt you’ll see much of him on the block now that D-Ho is back in uniform and not chowing down pizza and wings (really, Dwight? pizza and wings? really? that’s what a finely tuned athletic machine eats?) in a hotel room.

It’s a shame, too, because he’s awesome when goes down low, and at 6-11, with hops, strength, speed, and a silky touch, he could have been a hall of famer.

I gather you missed the playoffs last year?

That said, Pierce is either exhausted or hurt. He had one good game against Chicago, and it was a blowout win for Boston. If he bounces back, I like Boston’s chances. If not, Orlando in six is a good guess.

First lets start with the Doc vs Stan matchup. This is the key matchup of the series. Yes, Doc has a ring, it was bought for him by Danny Ainge through his relationship with Kevin McHale. Doc really isn’t a very good coach (as those of us in Orlando can already know, and those in Boston suspect). Yeah…Doc got COY with Orlando by coaching a team nobody thought was any good (but was really better than anyone gave them credit for), the rest of his time in Orlando was spent underachiving. As were the early Boston years. Last year he got his gifts (Allen and KG) and managed to keep the wheels on (with several close calls) and win his ring. It will be his last.

Stan…..well he can rub some the wrong way, but the guy can coach. He takes an Orlando team that loses two buzzer beaters (you know that series could have easily been a 4-0 deal), struggling with confidance and makes adjustments. Rashard in the low post…again and again…something the Magic have not done often and they rally and win the series easily. Stan can flat out coach, I have never heard his name linked with the word underachiving.

OK…now Big Baby (aptly named) is all of a sudden a stud or something. He ain’t playing the Bulls this time, he is playing D12 (inside) and Rashard (outside). I smell fouls. Perkins…I smell fouls. Howard, maybe but the Magic back up bigs are far better than the Celtics (Gortat and Battie). Stan will find a way to make the one series wonder they call Big Baby an non factor.

Rondo….vs Rafer and AJ. Rondo will be a great player, he will have an impact. He isn’t playing Rose (who will also be a great player but still learning defense and couldn’t keep track of the ball as his TO numbers show). Rondo will be “physical” (cause short of killing someone he need not worry about suspension, or even fouls). In the end however his “edge” will not be enough.

Ray Allen…he better hope he can continue to get 30 a night (doubtful). At the very least he better avoid a shooting slump. The Magic will slow him down enough.

Pierce…..he disappears at times and can be prone to foul trouble himself depending on the matchup. Many call him an under rated superstar, I never have seen it.

The JJ factor…..he has been waiting for 4 years for this chance, he will deliver.

The Lee factor….Of Courtney comes back and is effective this series is in the bag.

Benches……you really think Eddie House (he will shoot you in….or SHOOT YOU OUT), the Redsheaded Dude, Tony Allen and Starbury are a deeper bench than MP, Gortat, Battie, and AJ? Thats without Lee in the mix.

Celtic luck…..yeah they got that, I really hate the Celtics…and Doc I am sure will be crying for calls before, during and after each game (he is very good at that). This time its not enough. Magic in six.

The Nuggetts have won the first game against Dallas and they were perfect in the Hornets series. I think they might pull it out in 6 or 7. At some point, the Dallas team, apart from Kidd will once again collapse under their collective mental pressure.

Cleveland will kill Atlanta, James takes Smith out, and JJ is not really himself lately. Furthermore: the Hawks won’t be able to defend the Cavs shooters.

The Rockets will beat the Lakers, just because I really, really hate LA