Columns: Spurs Favored, Shaq's Really Old, Larry Brown's Impatient.

ESPN's Marc Stein gives the Spurs the edge over Detroit. But unlike San Antonio's last two championship runs, this year's finals won't be anticlimactic. Detroit earned the invite and will give the Spurs a fight.

Hoopsvibe.com breaks down key match ups in the Spurs/Pistons series. They're playing their cards close to the vest, but give you a couple things to look for.

Over at Sports Illustrated, Jonah Freedman asks if Shaquille O'Neal is too old to play in the NBA. If Big Daddy Diesel had made the Finals, Jerry Buss' offseason trade would have put him on par with the 1919 Boston Red Sox sending Babe Ruth to New York.

Sean Deveney calls out the Cavaliers' at SportingNews.com and questions whether Larry Brown is the right man to make personel decisions for Cleveland. Just take a look at the Sixers' roster for evidence that Larry Brown best serves a team on the court and out of the conference room.