Dr. Mac said:
, Shaq and Mourning on the court at the same time, will be the wildcard factor.
I like the duo of Zo and Shaq on the court at the same time as well, but I wouldn't continue to disregard San Antonio. I said earlier that I would like to see the boys from South Beach take home a title. That would mean a different champion for the last four years. BUT, if Shaq is not 80%, Zo won't be able to do it alone, and if Wade has another game like he had in Game 1, that simply won't get it. Those other guys aren't going to bring enough to the table to make up for it. They do have to go to DETROIT, remember?
San Antonio, on the other hand, even if Duncan might be hobbled, his injury isn't enough to keep him off the court. Plus, they got the benefit of the best mid-season trade in the league....Nazr Mohammed! The kid brings the kind of fire to the Spurs that Mourning brings to Miami. Plus, he's gonna score some points. Not to mention as I have before (in my best Charles Barkley impression....) GIIINOOOOOOOBBBBBBLLLLLLLLI!!! Parker, Horry (5 ring-holdin' Horry,) Barry, Bowen, and not to mention those others who can come off the bench.
I know that all the attention is in the east, but neither the Pistons or the Heat are a "sure in." San Antonio may not be the "glamour" boys like the Lakers, but that's part of what makes them the "team" that they are. After all, where are the Lakers these days?