[bluegrassballa]

The Lakers can't overlook the Nuggets even though they are an 8 seed. In my opinion there is no doubt that the Nuggets are possibly the most talented team ever to be an 8 seed, may even have more talent than the Lakers overall. There is no doubt, however, that LA is a better team because of defense. With the addition of Shaq I believe in a 7 game series it is going to be very hard for any team to beat Phoenix, i know their record hasn't been stellar as of late but I just believe it gives that team the inside presence they have lacked the past couple of years. The Celtics are the best team in the East, but I think Orlando, Detroit, and even Cleveland could knock them off with a good performace.

Now, I don't think Cleveland can knock off the Celtics. My reason is because Lebron is pretty much that whole team. And he can't win it all by himself. As we all saw last year. But unless they get somebody that can help game in and game out, Cleveland won't be winning any championships, IMO.