No Guarantees?

This is a special feature from guest blogger Christopher Sells.

This took a little longer than I thought it would, but it’s here. Playoff guarantee time!

This year’s contestant is Jameer Nelson. After Orlando gave one away Saturday to the Pistons, Nelson told the press, “I’m not being arrogant or cocky or anything like that… We’re going to win this game in Detroit.”

Alright, Magic. Time to make good on that prediction. Otherwise, people will point out that they said it and couldn’t do it. Sure, they’ll be on the road. Yes, Chauncey Billups might play. But you’ve got to have confidence, even if there’s a good chance you’re wrong.

I, unlike a lot of people, don’t have any issue with someone telling the press that they are going to win their next game. I don’t think it gives the other team any sort of fuel or extra motivation, it’s just you saying out loud what you say in the locker room. If players were walking around telling everyone that they’d lose, what kind of message would that be sending?

And, for the record, I don’t think Orlando stands that good of a chance. Missed opportunities come back to haunt you in the playoffs. You really should take advantage of the chances you get, because there’s a good chance you won’t get them in an elimination game on the road.

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