[gridironguy]

Food for thought: Since 2001, out of the 12 total teams that made the NBA Finals (6 West teams and 6 East teams), only 3 of them have been #1 seeds going into the playoffs. Just 25% of the teams making the finals were #1 seeds.

My theory is two-fold:

1) Teams that earn #1 seeds have expended the most energy during the regular season in achieving their lofty records.

2) Teams seeded #2 or lower are usually teams that have been close to winning in recent years and are ready to turn the proverbial corner, ie, they are hungry.

I'm picking the Suns to make the Finals because they have just enough defense now with Stoudamire finally healthy. I believe Dallas is still somewhat hungry from last year, but might be overconfident after the incredible regular season. San Antonio has already won a few titles with the same cast pretty much and cannot be as hungry as in year's past. They are also aging.

In the East, speaking of aging, the Pistons have been. Just like last season, they are a great reg season team, but will probably not excel past the Orlando series. Flip Saunders is a nice guy but not a big game, big series coach.

I'm going with Cleveland, who played 6 very close games vs. Detroit last season before succumbing in the 7th game.

I have Chicago knocking off the defending champion Miami Heat in 7 games.

Phoenix over Cleveland in 6 games in the Final.

Nash finally gets his ring. That's the way I see it shaking out.

Enjoy the games everyone.