NBA Playoff Preview: Toronto Raptors (3) vs. New Jersey Nets (6)

When you look at the seedings for any tournament, alot of people presume that the 4-5 match will be the tightest out of all the others. And frankly, most of the time, it's true. But this matchup, pitting the Nets and the Raptors, has a little bit more to it than just the seeds. From the emergence of Chris Bosh to Sam Mitchell's first playoff coaching experience, to the drama surrounding Vince Carter and Jason Kidd, this has more storylines than Lost.

Ok, well, maybe that was a stretch. But make no bones about it--Carter's presence in such a critical juncture will surely bring out the boo birds in high levels in Toronto; and rightfully so--Carter pouted and whined in his final year with the Raptors, and now that this team is very successful, fans have just been waiting for this kind of matchup to show "Vinsanity" that they can get the last laugh.

Or can they? While Bosh and T.J. Ford have the inside-outside combo, the X-factor for the Raptors will be rook Andrea Bargnani and his already-questionable toughness factor. If he can be solid, the Raptors will move on. If he falters, Kidd and Carter may be too much for the others to overcome.

Carter certainly can score (25.2 ppg), but Kidd is the ooooomph to this team, leading them in rebounds, assists, and steals. If he is able to play up to his capabilities, he is near "Nash"dom. But with his offcourt woes this season and a little age showing, Kidd has been more up and down this season than usual.

This series, I believe, comes down to the seeding factor of home court advantage, and for that reason, I believe the Raptors have the firepower to outlast perhaps the most dangerous six seed the NBA has ever seen.

Prediction: Toronto in a barnburner 4-3 series that comes down to the last minute of the last game. Mr. Bosh, meet superstardom.

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NBA Playoff Preview: Toronto Raptors (3) vs. New Jersey Nets (6)

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