Apologies to all who ignore the NBA, but this game merits its own thread.  This has got to be one of the most thrilling first-round series in the history of the NBA…my favorite since the Suns were down 3-1 to the Lakers after Kobe’s buzzer beater in game 4.  Raja Bell then decked Kobe in game 5, and the Suns eventually won in 7 after a strange game where Kobe quit on his team.  Also earning mention is the Warriors stunning upset of the Mavericks two years ago.  And finger-wagging Dikembe knocking out the Sonics in 1994.

Anyway, back to the game.   Fighting and tension is the natural result when teams and players meet head-to-head so many times in a row, and that is certainly apparent in this series.  Bulls fans are screaming for a Rondo suspension while Celtics fans are screaming at Noah because, well, he’s just incredibly obnoxious if he’s not on your team.   Keep in mind that Rondo getting mixed up a few times has really hurt his mental game.  Some players can’t set aside emotion, and to me, Rondo has gotten too caught up in these skirmishes and it led to his worst game of the series in game 6.  Suspension or not, Rondo fighting actually helped the Celtics out.

I think Allen continues his hot streak, making one key to the game keeping Pierce out of his comfort zone.  A rejuvenated John Salmons really was the difference in game 6 and the Bulls need his consistency, especially if Gordon doesn’t find his groove.

An even bigger key to the game?  The Bulls bench.  Let’s just say when Brian Scalabrine is logging major minutes in a playoff game for you…well, it’s not a good sign.  If Miller and Hinrich contribute like they did in game 6, the Bulls should hold the advantage.

My pick?  Look back to last year’s Celtics run.  Their first 3 series went 7 games; they’re battle tested and I expect them to advance by 5-8 points.  Nothing, however, surprises me about these Bulls.  Win or lose, the future looks bright in Chicago.  I'm cheering for the Bulls to pull it off, but either way I hope Game 7 lives up to the rest of the series.

If only they would have drafted Beasley like I thought they should…(sarcasm)

Interesting read on the series from BS here.