NBA Playoffs 2007

When the Pistons lost to the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals last year in six games, I felt like an era had ended. All the power and the confidence and the success of the four straight Central Division Championship years had suddenly evaporated. Miami was the new Alpha Dog.

At first, because of my almost undying optimism, it was hard for me to come to grips with their deterioration. But at some point in the offseason, I said to myself, "They're just not a championship caliber team any longer."

Now, 11 months later, Detroit is once again the Central Champs, and once again the No. 1 team in the East.

Optimism back, doubt gone. I truly believe the Pistons can hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy again in June. It won't come easy, but if everything falls into place (as I will elaborate on in a future post), I think Pistons fans will be planning another parade through Hart Plaza this summer.

Here are my Playoff predictions:

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Detroit over Orlando in 5
Cleveland over Washington in 4
New Jersey over Toronto in 7
Miami over Chicago in 6

Western Conference Quarterfinals

Dallas over Golden State in 5
Phoenix over LA Lakers in 6
San Antonio over Denver in 6
Houston over Utah in 7

Eastern Conference Semifinals

Detroit over Miami in 6
Cleveland over New Jersey in 7

Western Conference Semifinals

Dallas over Houston in 7
San Antonio over Phoenix in 6

Eastern Conference Finals

Detroit over Cleveland in 5

Western Conference Finals

San Antonio over Dallas in 7

NBA Finals

Detroit over San Antonio in 7

Maybe I'm still living in the 2005, but I think this rematch is a definite possibility. The Spurs have been overlooked all season long, and they're ready to surprise everybody. As for the Pistons, it will come down to consistent energy more than anything else. If they can find that, then the title's coming home to Motown. Let's go.