Pooh
04-17-2004, 06:05 AM
The Scoop: This is what Pacers fans have been waiting for over a year. A rematch with the Boston Celtics, the team who eliimated the Pacers in last years' playoffs. While the Pacers have kept the same until basically intact from last years' squad, the Celtics are a different team. Off season trades and mid-season ones never jelled as the Celtics backed into the final slot in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers on the other hand, improved dramatically since last years' defeat, posting the leagues' best record at 61-21 and home court as long as they remain in the playoffs.
Key Matchup: The marquee matchup, again, is Artest versus Pierce at small forward. The two have battled four times this season with Pierce scoring 20.5 points per game and defensive stopper Artest averaging 17.3 points and 3.8 steals per game. With little else to turn to in terms of consistent offensive production, the Celtics will try to run and count on Pierce to break free of Artest to deliver the knockout punch.
Series Prediction:
Pacers win series 4-1
Key Matchup: The marquee matchup, again, is Artest versus Pierce at small forward. The two have battled four times this season with Pierce scoring 20.5 points per game and defensive stopper Artest averaging 17.3 points and 3.8 steals per game. With little else to turn to in terms of consistent offensive production, the Celtics will try to run and count on Pierce to break free of Artest to deliver the knockout punch.
Series Prediction:
Pacers win series 4-1