Chat with Chris Broussard

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Welcome to The Show! On Sunday, ESPN.com NBA Insider Chris Broussard will be joining us to chat live from Amway Arena prior to Game 3 between Cleveland and Orlando.

Broussard grew up in the Midwest dreaming of being the next great tailback at USC. Instead, he became the next underachieving point guard ("I should have averaged 20'') at Oberlin College.

In 1990, he launched his sportswriting career at the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Four years later, he started covering the NBA for the Akron Beacon Journal. He spent 2½ seasons as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer before going to the New York Times to cover the Nets (two years), the Knicks (three) and then the NBA (one). He joined ESPN The Magazine in September 2004.

Send in your questions now and then join Chris at 8 p.m. ET Sunday!

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Chris Broussard
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ray (cleveland)


who do you think wins this series?

Chris Broussard
  (8:07 PM)


I'm on record as picking Cleveland in six, so I'll stick with that.

Ahmed (Boston)


Hi Chris, my question to John Hollinger was featured on this morning's daily dime so by taking another from me, you'd be making my night! Answer this for me, why is Cleveland getting such a pass from the press for playing so awful? I mean, you take that LBJ miraculous shot away, and you're looking at the mighty Cavs suddenly down 0-2. Do you think the easy-ride during the first two rounds is finally catching up to them?

Chris Broussard
  (8:10 PM)


I actually don't think Cleveland's playing awful. I just think Orlando is a terrible matchup for them. Every time down court, Orlando has a mismatch. If LeBron's on Rashard, then Hedo has either a size advantage over Delonte or a skill advantage over Varejao or Sasha. And, let's be honest, just like Orlando could easily be up 2-0, so could Cleveland (if Rashard doesn't hit that 3 late in Game 1). The Cavs outside of LeBron, though, haven't been shooting well. Mo has had plenty of open looks that he hasn't converted, so there's an area where they must improve.

Jon (LA, CA)


Kobe looked totally exhausted last night. He took over the game in the last few minutes. I see a repeat of the Houston series where Denver will throttle LA in Game 4 like Houston did. Thoughts?

Chris Broussard
  (8:11 PM)


I don't see Denver blowing LA out, but I do see them winning Game 4. I don't think it'll be a last-second decision, but I think they'll win by about 8 or 9.

Ryan (plainview, new york )


Do you think LeBron can go for 50 pts, 10 dimes, and 10 assts tonight? what are his chances out of 100? and what are the cavs chances of winning the game if he pulls that off?

Chris Broussard
  (8:15 PM)


Obviously, I think LeBron will have a very strong game, but I don't see 50, 10 and 10. If he does go for those numbers, the Cavs will definitely win. Not so much because of the 50 points (we've seen them lose with those numbers - 49 in game one), but because of the 10 assists. That will mean his teammates are making shots, which is one big thing Cleveland's been missing.

Erick: (Orlando)


With KG and Nelson coming back for their respective teams, is this "Perfect Season" for the Cavs their best chance at winning a chip?

Chris Broussard
  (8:18 PM)


Not a bad point. KG's return shouldn't concern the Cavs nearly as much as Jameer's. I def think Cleveland beats Boston with or without KG, but Orlando is just a terrible matchup that will only get worse with Jameer back. For instance, Cleveland's had success with LeBron guarding Rafer because he's been able to roam the paint and help on Dwight. Well, that option would not exist with Jameer there because he's such a good outside shooter that LeBron would not be able to leave him. Bottom line, Cleveland, either next year or in 2010, almost certainly needs to add another top-flight player (really, a big) to have a chance to be a dynasty.

Jon (LA, CA)


I heard Jameer Nelson claim he would return for the finals if the Magic make it. Any truth to that?

Chris Broussard
  (8:19 PM)


No chance.

Nomar (Cleveland)


Do the cavs play pavs 30 minutes and put lebron at the 4 to minimize the mismatches?

Chris Broussard
  (8:21 PM)


That's a possibility. I think they'll try to go conventional, but if they see things slipping, they'll go small. Possibility ,they go small early, though. But the Cavs knew this was a possibility and they prepared to go small before the series began. But don't be surprised if it's Wally at the 4 and LeBron at the 3.

Alec (Seattle)


Who is more valuable to the magic? Rashard Lewis or Hedo Turkoglu?

Chris Broussard
  (8:22 PM)


Both are incredible, and that's a very hard choice, but I'd say Hedo because he's much more of a facilitator and creator than Rashard. Although, without Rashard stretching the defense, it'd be much harder for Hedo to penetrate and create.

Nitish: Seattle: WA


It seems that during this post season, Lebron James has for the first time in his career a killer instinct. I think he learned it from watching Kobe compete each day during the Olympics. This is what was missing for Lebron James, to play with a passion as if the ball was on fire. He really focused on the details of his game, not just relying on his athleticism. I also think that he benefited with his defense watching Kobe guarding the best play on the international team each game. Do you think this is the reason that he has been able to elevate his game to this level so quickly?

Chris Broussard
  (8:24 PM)


I think that's part of it. I also think that each time he's lost a postseason series, he's gone back and reevaluated his game and what he needs to improve. Vs. SA in '07, he realized he had to improve his J and he did. Vs. Boston in '08 he gave up 41 points (I think it was 41) to Pierce and realized he needed to become a better defender to get the Cavs over the hump.

Jackie Moon


If the Lakers lose the conference finals, do you think Kobe will opt out or are the Lakers his only shot to get another championship?

Chris Broussard
  (8:27 PM)


That's a great question. There's every indication that Kobe will stay in LA, but a surprising WC Finals loss would be interesting. Thing is, the Lakers will only get better with Bynum growing. Problem is, other teams will get better as well. And I think Kobe's too good to go elsewhere to chase a ring. Same with LeBron. They are players who have such a high stature in the league that they shouldn't move on to play with other stars. Other stars should go to play with them.

Elechim, Jacksonville , FL


who is going to the finals? Alot of ppl will think this an easy question to answer

Chris Broussard
  (8:28 PM)


I picked Cavs in 6, LA in 7, but I have to admit that all four teams have a legit shot at reaching the Finals. This is shaping up to be one of the best postseasons in NBA history.

AJ (Los Gatos, CA)


Do you see Cleveland winning one in Orlando?

Chris Broussard
  (8:29 PM)


Yes, I predicted a split in Cleveland and a split here in Orlando through the first four games. Guys, it's been great. I have to head out to the court. Enjoy the game!

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