These thoughts below are perhaps worthy of a seperate thread, but I'll just post in this one, for now....
Who stands to take a bigger public relations hit for losing the series, Boston or Miami? To me, this is a pretty tough question. Here is how I see it.
From presason until late regular season this was supposed to be the pairing for the ECF, with the winner about an even shot to win a le. Due to both Miami's and Boston's shortcomings late in the year, and Chicago's strong regular season, it happens a round early. Predictions always had Miami and Boston running #1 and 2 seeds, in varying order, with Chicago clocking it at #3. The Bulls were expected to lose to either #2 in the second round, while the Magic lost to #1.
So regardless of who wins, one team falls way short of its expectations. Plus, the winner likely has to go on the road to Chicago and if they win that, still play in the finals. Both teams were spposed to be favored against other teams in the second round, now they face off against each other.
Shortcomings:
Whichever team loses, losing in round 2 will be perceived as a major disappointment.
Boston loss: Perkins trade, Two O'Neal's injuries, aging Big 3 on it's probable last legs.
Miami loss: Preseason hype silenced, LeBron and Wade can't beat Boston in playoffs; 0-3, 0-2 respectively
My opinion is Boston takes the bigger hit with a loss. If they win it all this year, they probably won't again with this core. If Miami loses, sure they will be disappointed, but they will be back.
Miami has home court, Boston takes the bigger hit with a loss, so that and the Celtic's playoff experience almost make this a tossup.
I'll predict this, for now:
Game 1: Heat
Game 2: Boston
Game 3: Heat
Game 4: Boston
Game 5: Heat
Game 6: Boston
Game 7: Tossup
Early in the year, I picked Boston, hands down. Recently I picked the Heat. Not certain now, can't count either out, or in. The winner will not escape unscathed, it's going to be trench warfare.