but most teams that build the way they are have to get it together for a season before making a real run at the championship. the 08 celtics are the exception. the cavs certainly should be considered ONE of the favorites. but over a spurs team that JUST won, gels better than everyone, and has easily the best organization in the league? nah dude, spurs are the favorites until we see how everyone else plays.

regarding the 2010 heat run in the eastern playoffs:

a) it's the east.

b) every favorite should destroy the first 2 rounds. doesn't always happen, but they should. the only surprising result was them killing the bulls.

c) you're forgetting they were expected to win more than 58 games. people predicting 70+ wins were being unreasonable, but 60-something was perfectly within reach. let's not act like people weren't disappointed by the regular season. we all remember it.