NBA Finals Prediction: Suns over Celtics in 7 games

It's that time of year again. The NBA playoffs are about to get underway, marking the end of perhaps the most exciting regular season in NBA history. Before they do, here is my pre-playoff NBA Finals prediction:

Eastern Conference
All season long, the Boston Celtics have played at an elite level regardless of conference. While Detroit and Orlando both have formidable teams that could pose problems for the eventual champion from the West, the trio of KG, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce should be too much for anyone in the East to overcome in a seven-game series.

Additionally, the Celtics have a surprisingly deep roster. Despite all their talent, if you include late addition P.J. Brown, 12 different players have contributed in a significant way this season for the Celts. While the Pistons cannot be ruled out entirely, Boston's depth should prove too much for an aging Detroit team.

Western Conference
This should be a far more exciting conference showdown. The West featured an astounding nine (9) teams that came within 2 games of 50 wins. All eight playoff teams have 50 wins or more.

So here's where things get fun. I expect the 6th seed Phoenix Suns to make quick work of the 3 seed San Antonio Spurs (who finished a whopping one game ahead in the standings). Why? Because of Shaq's historical dominance of Tim Duncan in situations when it counts. If the Suns are smart enough to give the ball to Shaq early on, this one could be over in 4.

I can actually see the Nuggets giving the Lakers some problems in their 1 vs. 8 match-up. I don't know that they'll win, but I can see this one going the full 7.

The Hornets will dispose of Dallas in 5 or 6, and the Jazz will add to Tracy McGrady's playoff ineptitude. After that, it all depends on the match-ups. I think the Jazz would beat the Hornets, and the Hornets would beat the Lakers or Spurs. Ultimately, I see Phoenix winning out regardless of who they play.

One thing I've learned in my 17 years of watching Shaq play, is to never bet against that man. He made Orlando a title contender when he played for the Magic, he and Kobe Bryant were unstoppable in L.A., and well, just look where the Miami Heat are without him.

The Suns big 3 - Shaq, Nash and Amare - should be too much for the rest in the West, and I expect the Suns will rise to the occasion.

The NBA Finals
In what will likely go down as one of the greatest Finals in history, the Suns will top the Celtics in 7 games, five of which will go down to the final minutes with each team taking a lopsided one at home.