02/10/06 – Will the Nets give the Spurs a tough loss?

Best: Spurs @ Nets: One last rematch from three years ago. There is no Mutumbo or Martin to stop Duncan this time, who will? Jason Kidd is getting back to his old self, which is a good thing since Carter is just as adept at running the floor as K-Mart. New Jersey beat Miami and Detroit in the last week so they should be used to facing tough teams. For those of you betting on this game, pick the Nets. Predicted score: New Jersey wins 85-82

Runner-up: Knicks @ Hornets: The New York Knicks’ frenetic style should easily be matched by the Hornets. Marbury and Chris Paul should be an interesting couple. But one sleeper rookie has been David West, who has developed into a very solid outside shooter. Predicted score: New Orleans/Oklahoma City win 100-95

Blast: Hawks@Sonics: Atlanta would be able to match Seattle’s pace if it weren’t for the sheer number of turnovers they commit. Rashard Lewis on Harrington. Luke Ridnour on Tyrone Lue. There are some serious mismatches. A young team like Atlanta should be running the floor. But Atlanta only gets 95 per game, so Seattle should beat them. Predicted score: Seattle wins 114-93