Net$ getting full

[lapdoggy <lapdoggy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

May 02-04, 2003


By Jimmy Vaccaro,

Well, as of this writing, the Kings and everyone else are waiting for 
the second round match-ups but the rematch of last year's eastern 
conference finals will start on Monday; namely, the Nets and Celts who 
will meet in the second round.

Well, whether the Spurs wanted them or not, they got 'em. They have 
been embarrassed the last two years, having won a grand total of 1 game 
out of 9 in post-season play. Same set again as, in this round, you 
will see the 2-2-1-1-1 rotation of games.

A few side notes:

There are strong possibilities that, even with the huge contract, 
George Karl will be moved out of Milwaukee. Also Isaiah Thomas, now 
with a record of 5-10 in post-season play, is definitely not the 
favorite to return. The only consistent play was that of Jermaine 
O'Neal and Artest, but Artest just brings too many negatives to 
overcome the positives. It's hard not to root for Maurice Cheeks, 
especially after helping the youngster who found herself in a tough 
spot.

Basically they are teams that you really should have no allegiance to, 
since one day you bet on them and the next you bet against.


Let us take a quick glance at the two series that start on Monday (a 
few ballpark numbers as to where I believe the prices for series and 
games will start at post time):


Nets 8 and 179 in game 1 and series price Nets -400 Celtics +350
I played on the Pacers in the series against the Celtics and all I got 
back was a receipt for my time and money. I had the wrong side and the 
Pacers, who could not hold any lead (some of which were substantial), 
showed lack of leadership from both the floor and the bench. Paul 
pierce played well and, like all good players, he shot his way out of 
bad streaks and, once he made a few, his confidence brimmed over. It's 
hard to forget the trash talking the last 10 seconds before the half 
when he smoked (I believe it was) Artest and that was all she wrote for 
the Pacers in that game.

Antoine Walker is, and always will be, Antoine Walker. He can both 
shoot you in and out of a game because he is relatively inconsistent. 
The help that Pierce got from the ancillary players on both scoring and 
ball defense was really the key to shutting down the Pacers. People 
like Miller and Croshere were non-existent when the team needed a 
spark. This series, though, will be much harder due to a few reasons: 
first and foremost, I believe that this year's rendition of the Nets is 
better than last years and you can reverse that for the Celtics. Kidd 
is bona-fide, Martin is becoming very legitimate and, more importantly, 
more consistent while Jefferson is turning into the third option that 
all teams need when either 1 or 2 is having an off-night or on the 
bench.

I took a small bite on this favorite to win this best of 7. In game 1, 
as in all of these playoff games, you do pay a heavy price for the home 
team and it almost begs you to wait until they travel where the price 
will be cheaper. The only problem with that is that numbers in these 
series are based upon situation as opposed to basic power ratings. The 
numbers and situation will dictate, but I will seek out more punches on 
tickets with the Nets on them as opposed to the Celtics.

Nets in 6 games.