And then there were four

NBA Playoffs
So here I go for the trifecta. After a music review, followed by a movie critique, I now move on to my specialty: Sports.
Well, maybe not so much my specialty. I just know a little bit more about sports than the previous two subjects. I think.
Oh well. Some may disagree with what I’m writing, but by the grace of God, I go on... to predicting winners of the conference finals of the NBA Playoffs.
WEST
Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs
OK, OK, so I’m a day late. The Spurs won yesterday, and won impressively. Not only did they take the opener on the road, they also won without Tim Duncan playing at 100 percent.
I was leaning towards picking the Spurs before the series started, but my mind is really made up now. San Antonio, unlike Phoenix, plays consistent defense. And they proved Sunday they can score, too.
The Spurs also have much, much more playoff experience. And they should have been in the NBA Finals a year ago, if not for that shot by Derek Fisher with :00.4 seconds left (how in the world did he get that off?).
So, I take the Spurs in six. And if I’m wrong, I’ll be surprised.
Even if no-one else is.
EAST
Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons
I promise I’m writing this one before the tip-off of tonight’s opener. The big news going in is whether or not Shaq will play, and if he does, how effective he’ll be.

Follow up:

But let’s say in theory that Shaq is completely healthy. A healthy Shaq, along with Kobe Bryant and his playoff-tested Laker teammates, bowed out to the Pistons in five games in last year’s NBA Finals (and it should have been a sweep).
So is it reasonable to think Shaq and Dwayne Wade can pull off what the Lakers didn’t come close to doing a year ago? Sure, the Heat toughened up with Alonzo Mourning, but methinks he won’t be nearly as effective in the post banging bodies with likes of Big Ben and Rasheed Wallace.
Besides, Mourning can’t go more than 30 minutes a game.
In any event, Detroit has way too much depth and postseason experience not to win this series. They’ll end it in six — possibly five if Shaq doesn’t return to form.
But Shaq can take solace that with D-Wade at his side, the Heat will make another playoff push next year. The same can’t be said for his former sidekick in L.A.