By Sam Amico / The Amico Report

Editor's Note: The Amico Report predictions and season awards are below. The official InsideHoops predictions and season awards are coming on Friday.

PREDICTING THE POSTSEASON

FIRST ROUND

Eastern Conference

No. 1. Detroit vs. No. 8 Orlando

The games will be close, but the series won't. The Pistons are just too deep, too experienced, and too confident to lose a seven-game series to the one-man-band that is the Magic. Although, it'll be a blast watching Orlando's Tracy McGrady try to carry Orlando to an upset. Obviously, a big key for Detroit is the health of Ben Wallace, who sat out the final two weeks of the season with a knee injury. But even without Wallace, the Pistons are loaded with guys such as Richard Hamilton, Chauncey Billups and Corliss Williamson, who make themselves better by playing team basketball in the truest sense. Prediction: Detroit, 4-1.

No. 2. New Jersey vs. No. 7 Milwaukee

I really like the way the Bucks have been playing lately. I mean, I REALLY like the Bucks. In other words, I wouldn't be shocked if Milwaukee pulled off an upset. Gary Payton seems to have gotten used to his teammates since arriving from Seattle, and he's the one point guard who can contain Nets star Jason Kidd. But I'm not going to do it. I'm not going to pick the Bucks, simply because they missed the playoffs last season, and the Nets made it to the Finals. As much as I like the late-season progress made by Milwaukee's Tim Thomas and Michael Redd, I'm that much more impressed with Nets youngsters Kenyon Martin and Richard Jefferson. It'll be a good one. Prediction: New Jersey, 4-3.

No. 3 Indiana vs. No. 6 Boston

The Pacers have something the Celtics desperately want -- competent post players. Actually, Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal, Brad Miller and Al Harrington are more than competent; they're flat-out GOOD. And who will the Celtics counter with? Tony Battie? I hardly think so. Granted, Indiana will have to figure out a way to slow down Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker (and even underrated point guard J.R. Bremer), but living on the perimeter is no way to survive in the playoffs. It's much better to pound the ball inside for easy baskets, which is what the Pacers are about to prove. Prediction. Indiana, 4-2.

No. 4 Philadelphia vs. No. 5 New Orleans

I just love these 4-versus-5 series, as these are the two teams in the playoffs that are most evenly matched. Obviously, Allen Iverson will get his 30 points per game for the 76ers, and it'll be a joy to watch him do it. As much heart as Iverson displays in the regular season, he shows even MORE in the playoffs. But the key to this series for Philly will be the play of Van Horn and underrated mid-season acquisition Kenny Thomas. If those two can help Iverson on offense, and assist Aaron McKie and Eric Snow on defense, the Sixers should be OK. If not, the Hornets have tons of talent in Jamal Mashburn, Baron Davis, and up-and-coming center Jamal Magliore, and they just might win it. I'm taping this one. Prediction: Philadelphia, 4-3.

Western Conference

No. 1 San Antonio vs. No. 8 Phoenix

Tim Duncan. As I sit here trying to figure out what to say about this series, that's all I can think -- Tim Duncan. Pretty lame, isn't it? But can you think of a better reason why the Spurs will win? I sure can't. After all, I love the Suns. Stephon Marbury has become everything coaches seek in a point guard, and Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire are two of the most athletic and effective forwards in the game. And say what you will, but I'm still a huge Penny Hardaway fan. Still, the Suns are young -- and the Spurs have Tim Duncan. The Spurs also have Tony Parker, Bruce Bowen, and yes, David Robinson. That's why you gotta love 'em. Prediction: San Antonio, 4-1.

No. 2 Sacramento vs. No. 7 Utah

These teams met in the first round last year, and I wrote that the Jazz would give the Kings a battle. It turned out to be one of the few times in my life that I was right. Well, guess what? I'm gonna say it again -- Utah is gonna make Sacramento miserable. The Jazz will scratch, claw, fight, hustle and move the ball. They'll be in EVERY game, and because of You Know Who and You Know Who No. 2, the Jazz might even win a couple. But Chris Webber, Mike Bibby, Peja Stojakovic, and the rest of the Kings are deeper, more energetic, and basically, more talented. Athleticism will overtake savvy in this one. But I promise, it ain't gonna be easy. Prediction: Sacramento, 4-2.

No. 3 Dallas vs. No. 6 Portland

You're probably thinking, "Is this Amico guy ever going to pick an upset?" Well, glad you asked. The Mavericks have it all -- splendid ball movement, great outside shooting, and players you can love in Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Finley, and Steve Nash. They are one of two teams to have won 60 games (the Spurs being the other), and they seem to keep their composure at all times. That's the opposite of the Trail Blazers, who have a tendency to fall apart. But the Blazers have one thing the Mavs seem to be lacking -- toughness. With Rasheed Wallace, Bonzi Wells and a healthy Scottie Pippen, Portland has the talent and determination to beat anybody. Why do I think the Blazers will put it all together now? I'm not sure. I just have a feeling they will. Besides that, they're my wife's favorite team. Prediction: Portland, 4-3.

No. 4 Minnesota vs. No. 5 L.A. Lakers

Last summer, Minnesota's Kevin Garnett did a shoe commercial in which he said, "Being the best starts now." I believe him. Mostly, I believe in the Timberwolves. It's not easy to pick Minnesota, because we're talking about the Lakers here. We're talking about Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. We're talking about Coach Phil Jackson, and three titles in the past three seasons. I am not a so-called "Laker hater" (although my allegiance to them falls well short of the one continuously displayed by Sports Illustrated's Jack McCallum). Anyway, Garnett and the Timberwolves are one of the few teams to win in L.A. when Shaq was healthy. They also have quick, big bodies in Rasho Nesterovic, Joe Smith, and off course, Garnett. The key to this series, though, will be Minnesota's Wally Szczerbiak and Troy Hudson. They have to score and do it a lot, because Jackson's defensive scheme consists of nothing more than flustering the opponent's star and making the other guys beat you. T! his time, though, Garnett won't get flustered. Prediction: Minnesota, 4-2.

SECOND ROUND

Eastern Conference

Detroit over Philadelphia: The Pistons' D and depth will be too much for the banged-up Sixers.

New Jersey over Indiana: It'll come down to the final seconds of Game 7, but Kidd and the Nets will figure out a way to hang on -- just like last season.

Western Conference

Minnesota over San Antonio: The T-Wolves' momentum from beating the Lakers will carry them to another shocker.

Sacramento over Portland: The Blazers will have exhausted themselves in the first round, leading to a sweep for the Kings.

CONFERENCE FINALS

Eastern Conference

Detroit over New Jersey: All the Pistons wanted entering the playoffs was the home-court advantage. They're about to find out how valuable it is, as they'll win a close Game 7 and advance to the Finals for the first time since 1990.

Western Conference

Sacramento over Minnesota: Both teams will be flat, as the T-Wolves have run out of gas and the Kings will be waiting for the Lakers. Always energetic Bobby Jackson will be the difference, though, as the Kings win in six.

THE FINALS

Sacramento over Detroit: I can already hear the cowbells ringing in my head. The Kings will prove what most of us knew all along -- when they put their minds to it, they're the league's best team. All the games will be close, but Sacramento will win in five.

THE SAMMYS

And now for my annual NBA awards:

MVP: Tim Duncan, San Antonio. The best player on the best regular-season team. Take Duncan off the Spurs and replace him with any other big man besides Shaquille O'Neal, and they win 40 games. And even Shaq wouldn't have lifted them to 60-22. I know I picked Sacramento, but my heart tells me San Antonio has an excellent shot to win it all. If so, the Spurs will have Duncan to thank. Others considered: Minnesota's Kevin Garnett, Orlando's Tracy McGrady, Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant, Philadelphia's Allen Iverson.

Rookie of the Year: Amare Stoudemire. Somebody once called Stoudemire a modern-day Moses Malone, and everybody else immediately started to do the same. Truth is, though, Stoudemire is a better rookie than Malone ever was. Stoudemire gives true basketball fans hope that the game won't lack All-Star big men forever, and is a big reason why the league may want to reconsider when the idea is setting an age limit. Others considered: Houston's Yao Ming, Miami's Caron Butler.

Coach of the Year: Rick Carlisle, Detroit. Nobody does more with less than Carlisle. On paper, the Pistons are a .500 team. On the court under Carlisle's guidance, they're the team to beat in the East. Carlisle is a rare coach in that he has convinced his players they'll be better individually if they play as a team. Others considered: San Antonio's Gregg Popovich, Dallas' Don Nelson, Phoenix's Frank Johnson, Golden State's Eric Musselman.

Most Improved Player: Matt Harpring, Utah. A good player who finally found the perfect fit in Utah. He moves without the ball, is fearless going to the basket, and is the Jazz's best defender. Harpring used to look like a journeyman -- now he looks like the guy around whom the Jazz can build in the post-Malone and Stockton years. Others considered: Golden State's Gilbert Arenas, Memphis' Jason Williams.

Sixth Man Award: Bobby Jackson, Sacramento. Jackson would be the best player on a lot of other teams -- and is occasionally the best player on THIS team. He scores, defends, and plays with tons of passion. It's the type of great attitude you need in a guy who is good enough to start, but doesn't. Others considered: None.

Defensive Player of the Year: Ben Wallace, Detroit. Sports Illustrated named Wallace its mid-season MVP, and it based the pick on Wallace's defense. That's how good he is. If you take a shot in the lane, there's a 50 percent chance Wallace will force you to run home and cry to mommy. One of the league's nicest guys is also one of its most unselfish and fiercest competitors. Others considered: Indiana's Ron Artest.

All-Underrated Team: Kurt Thomas, New York; Troy Murphy, Golden State; Jamal Magliore, New Orleans; Shane Battier, Memphis; Corey Maggette, L.A. Clippers.

Best Free-Agent Signee: Jimmy Jackson, Sacramento. Just what the Kings needed -- another athletic veteran off the bench. Others considered: Golden State's Earl Boykins.

Best Retro Uniforms: Denver Nuggets. I never thought I'd miss Fat Lever, but then I saw the Nuggets don the old rainbow look. Others considered: Washington Wizards/Bullets.

Best Five Young Guys Who You May Not Know: Carlos Boozer, Cleveland; Rasual Butler, Miami; Lonny Baxter, Chicago; Michael Bradley, Toronto; Kedrick Brown, Boston.

ON HIP-HOP ATTITUDE

Just a quick note regarding an e-mail I printed last week from reader Chris Wittkop. Wittkop's remarks were printed in the regular "Improving the NBA" segment of this newsletter, and among the things he suggested was the idea that the NBA needs to lose its "hip-hop attitude."

I wasn't sure what that meant at the time, and I'm still not. But one thing you must understand is that I DO NOT support everything I print from readers. I do, however, want to give you a forum to speak your mind on the NBA -- whether I agree with it or not, I always feel it's worth sharing.

Occasionally, readers write in and say they disagreed with me for "supporting points" made by an e-mail I printed. Again, just because I print your thoughts doesn't mean I agree with them.

As for the "hip-hop attitude" comment ... well, let's just say I'm kind of puzzled that the NBA's association supposed with hip-hop is considered a bad thing. I mean, you sure don't hear people complaining about NASCAR's association with country music.

READER FEEDBACK

From Tim Darga

Q: I disagree with your praise of Boston's Antoine Walker in the previous newsletter. I agree that he has great court vision and could probably average five or six assists a game. But he's too selfish and consistently shoots the Celtics out of too many games. Just wanted to share that thought.

A: Dear Tim, your opinion has been noted. Thank you.

From Dale Lolley

Q: Who will be the better pro, LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony? And can the Pistons get Anthony with the Grizzlies' pick at No. 3 to close out the ill-advised Grant Long deal?

A: Dear Dale, to answer your first question, I think Anthony will be the better pro early, but James has the potential to be better after three or four seasons. Right now, I'd go with Anthony. As for the Pistons getting Anthony, yes, it could happen. The only way the Grizzlies get to keep their pick is if it's No. 1. Otherwise, it belongs to Detroit.

From Malcolm Woods

Q: Any teams that missed the playoffs this season that you feel will make it next year?

A: Dear Malcolm, glad you asked. The answer is yes -- Golden State, Seattle, Houston and Chicago are the first that come to mind.

FOUR FINAL THOUGHTS

-- At the beginning of the season, I said that Chicago's Eddy Curry would become the league's second-best center. And, by golly, I finally have a case. Curry scored 31 points in the Bulls' final game and led the league in field-goal percentage. New Bulls general manager John Paxson has a great place to start building -- in the middle.

-- Anyone else notice that Houston's Terence Morris really produces when given the minutes? I've loved this guy since he came out of Maryland, and I still think he could turn into one of the true steals of the 2001 draft. Morris scored 18 points on eight-of-nine shooting in the Rockets' next-to-last game.

-- Great job, Cleveland Cavaliers! The new look is outstanding. Love the uniforms, love the logo, love the new floor. If you don't know what I'm talking about, check out the Cavs' new look at www.cavs.com.

-- Thanks, MJ. We'll miss you.

NEWSLETTER NOTE

Don't forget, there won't be an Amico Report next week, as I'm vacationing to absorb the playoffs. The newsletter will return to its normal format the week after that, and sometime in May, I'll be previewing the NBA's draft lottery. I don't know who will win it, but I am going to tell you who WON'T.

Enjoy the playoffs, and keep those e-mails coming!

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HAVE A GREAT DAY!


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