Are you jealous of the fans in Cleveland and Washington that they actually get to watch a competitive series? Yeah, me too.Relax, relax: I wouldn't trade the top seed for anything, it's just that it doesn't seem like the playoffs have actually started yet... But thanks to the marvel that is cable television, you should be able to pick sides and follow that series, as well. It's tied at 1-1, and they play again Friday night.
The Pistons are due for a competitive second-round matchup no matter which team emerges, and I'm excited for either one. Why? Three reasons:
- The storylines -- Detroit lost all three of their games to the Wiz, 'nuff said. Plus, the CavsOr at least their fans: "Rasheed must bleed!" seem to get riled up and extra physical whenever they play the Pistons. It's one of those one-sided rivalries that the Pistons probably won't pay any attention to until four or five years from now when it's too late, and Ben, Rasheed and Tayshaun walk off the court in the playoffs without shaking LBJ's hand.
- The stars -- Washington's Gilbert Arenas is one of the NBA biggest stars, and even though he enjoyed a fine regular season, I'd like to see him come through with a strong showing in the playoffs to help take his national rep to the next level, if for no other reason than the fact that the Association needs more players with cool nicknames (Agent Zero, the Black President, etc). As for the Cavs, seriously, who doesn't want to see more of LeBron James?
- The blogs -- okay, so this is a reason that'll go over the heads of most casual Pistons fans, but not regular readers of DBB: The Wizznutzz and YAYsports! are two of the best basketball blogs out there, and they just happen to be written by fans of the Wiz and Cavs. I want to see those guys cover a matchup with the Pistons.
So that's that. I don't want to sound like I'm completely discounting the Bucks, except... I guess I am. What about you guys? Do you have any thoughts on any of the other first-round matchups you've been watching?