THROWING KNIVES: SINCE WHEN...

by BD, Staff Writer

Over the last few weeks the talk of the NBA seems to have become the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. Everyone and their cousin has anointed the Pistons and Celtics as the league's top two teams. All the while forgetting about the Dallas' and San Antonio's of the world. The two teams out west with more than a legitimate shot of hoisting the trophy on the seasons final day.

I know, I know Boston has the league's best record, but in watching them beat up on the rest of the leastern conference I'm far from a believer. Sure they've gotten contributions from guys outside of the big three, but not consistently. Most nights it's the big three or bust for the C's. And while they've gotten in done far more often than not their's one guy on that roster I don't trust come playoff time. His name? Paul Pierce. The guy who consistently takes bad shots, yet for some reason gets the ball when it matters most. Paul Pierce is their kryptonite and come playoff time he'll be the one to blow it for the other two "superstars."

The Pistons are a completely different animal. A team that relies on a balanced attack offensively and an in-your-jersey defensive toughness that can make Greg Popovich blush. A team working with a competent bench for the first time since they knocked off Kobe and Shaq in 2004. This Pistons team is the closest they've looked to the title team since Okur and others left town that off-season. The problem? Rasheed Wallace. I love the guy, but he's a ticking time-bomb. His lack of control is alarming and it was evident in the team's loss to the Celtics at home as 'Sheed walked from the court to his car and left. He didn't change, he didn't talk to anyone he just left. Just another example of 'Sheeds instability and it often seems that his energy fuels this team. On a bad night for him, they're not winning. But when he's on they're virtually unbeatable.

Then you have the West, where San Antonio and Dallas both reside. The Spurs are still the best team in the league for my money and Dallas is in the same breath as Detroit and Boston. The baffling thing for me is how the Mavericks especially have been overlooked after last years first round flame out. With Jason Terry playing as probably the best six man in the league and the addition of Brandon Bass Dallas is even better than last year. And they sent a stern message last week when they dismantled the Warriors by 22 points. This is an improved team and barring a rash of injuries they'll meet San Antonio in the West finals this May.

For those of you wondering why I haven't mentioned the Suns, here you go: Their system just doesn't win in the playoffs and I don't think it ever will. Amare Stoudamire, (rather than Shawn Marion) is quickly becoming a distraction as he whines over what amounts to spilled milk. Grant Hill is out, though it's not his fault he'll probably go down again once he returns from his appendectomy. Phoenix is a team as well that can't afford many injuries as they lack the bench depth of a true contender.

All in all I point to the West for the best teams as they're playing better competition night in and night out. While the East's elite beat up on teams that are average at best. I stand by my preseason projection of a Detroit championship, but when you start the to overlook the Western giants it's unlikely to shake out well. As they've gotten it done as favorites, I can only imagine them as the underdogs.

Weekend NFL Picks

Seattle @ Green Bay (-7.5)
Pick: Seattle ATS, but GB wins it.

Jacksonville @ New England (-13.5)
Pick: New England on both counts. Barring the worst passing conditions of all-time.

San Diego @ Indy (-9)
Pick: Indy on both.

NY Giants @ Dallas (-7.5)
Pick: The Giants on both.

Highlight O' The Day: Not Supposed To Do That