Updated: Apr 20, 2005, 9:54 PM

Vote: N.J. Nets vs. Miami Heat


The ultimate goal for each of the 16 teams in the NBA postseason is 16 wins a parade with a very shiny trophy. But the journey begins with a best-of-seven challenge in the first round. Will any of the favorites fall victim to overconfidence in the postseason's opening stanza? For that matter, do the seedings really tell us who the favorites are? We're asking SportsNation to break down each opening-round series.

No. 1 Miami vs. No. 8 New Jersey: It's been a long and bumpy road for the New Jersey Nets but a gutsy win in Boston in their final regular season game assured them a spot in the playoffs. Will Shaquille O'Neal be back in top form after missing the final two games of the season with a swollen thigh? If he isn't, can the Nets capitalize?
  • 1) How effective will Shaquille O'Neal be in Game 1?
  • 2) Who would have been a tougher matchup for Miami?
  • 3) Who has the edge at point guard?
  • 4) Who has the edge on the bench?
  • 5) Who has the edge in coaching?
  • 6) Who has the edge on the wing?
  • 7) Who has the edge up front?
  • 8) How much of a role will Richard Jefferson play in the series?
  • 9) Who should take the last shot for Miami?
  • 10) Who should take the last shot for New Jersey?
  • 11) Who wins the series?

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