Kings @ Timberwolves:
Anthony Peeler has been suspended for 2 games and will miss this deciding game. Although he may not be a high impact player, in one game, anyone is capable of hitting a few big shots (much like Brian Scalabrine did for New Jersey in game 5). An already thin Kings bench will have to rely on guys like Rodney Buford again to make enough impact plays to pull this game out. Key plays by Rodney Buford? Thats unlikely, which is why Minnesota will win this game. Even if Peeler was available, I'd still like the T'wolves to win this game. Forget the fact that home teams have won over 80% of game 7's in NBA history, they're the better team, especially in this type of a game. Often in game 7's, players will not shoot as well due to pressure. But even more of a factor, the officials will not make as many calls and it will be tougher to get shots off because a lot of contact will be allowed. This type of a game favors the team who have more consistency in rebounding, in defense and low post scoring. Needless to say, the Minnesota Timberwolves have a huge advantage in all 3 areas. Add in their home crowd, big time players like Cassell and Sprewell, and you have yourself a Lakers vs. Timberwolves Western Conference Finals to look foward to. In the unlikely event the Kings do get a lead late in the 4th, Chris Webber will choke again, as he has all throughout his basketball-life.
The T'wolves are favored by 5 or 5.5 (depending where you look), you can feel safe betting your children on that spread.
Nets @ Detroit:
This one isn't as easy to call. Its hard to say which personality will be stamped on this game. Will it be a run and gun affair that favors the Nets, or a slowed down defensive struggle that Detroit loves to play in? Obviously since its game 7, its safe to assume the latter. Yet, just because its a low scoring defensive game doesn't mean the Nets can't win. Remember, game 5 was a very slow paced, low scoring and defensive game (until all of the overtime periods) and the Nets were still able to win. New Jersey has a knack of winning close games and Jason Kidd has a great ability to make the big shot. I know the odds are against New Jersey because they're on the road, but if they can keep it close, the pressure will mount on the Pistons. New Jersey has the confidence in each other to make the big plays and hit the big time shots. If the Pistons plan on winning this game, they must continue to dominate on the boards and be able to shoot their open jumpers without any hesitation. They have to play this game like it is any other and be loose on the floor. But that is easier said than done, this game 7, and its not just another game, which is why I see the Nets making all the plays down the stretch to advance.
The Nets are getting anywhere between 5 and 6 points on the spread line, even if they don't win, that should be enough to cover. This one will be a close game throughout and another classic playoff game.
