Basketball: Heat on Shaq to deliver championship to Miami

When Shaquille O'Neal switched coasts and teams in the close season, moving from the Los Angeles Lakers to Miami in a blockbuster deal, the Heat were immediately labelled National Basketball Association championship contenders.

With the NBA playoffs set to tip-off tomorrow (NZT), expectations are running high in Miami but such burdens have always rested easily on the O'Neal's massive tattooed shoulders.

Behind the efforts of 2.16m, 136.07kg centre and the supremely talented Dwyane Wade, the Heat rumbled to the best record in the Eastern conference (59-23), including a 3-0 series sweep of their first round opponents the New Jersey Nets.

The Nets, led by their brilliant backcourt duo of Jason Kidd and Vince Carter, waited until the last game of the regular season to clinch their postseason spot and have posed few problems for the Heat this term.

But with O'Neal suffering with a bruised right thigh that kept him on the bench for the final two games the Nets could provide an unexpected test for Miami.

Stopping O'Neal is a daunting task facing any team but he will not frighten defending champion the Detroit Pistons, who neutralised the big centre on way to capturing last year's championship.

Following an inconsistent start the Pistons have hit their stride heading into the postseason - winning 11 of their final 12 games.

The Pistons open against the Philadelphia 76ers, who earned their playoff spot thanks to an MVP calibre season from the Allen Iverson, who joined Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain and George Gervin as the only players to own four NBA scoring titles.

Two of the NBA's most storied franchises, the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls also make playoff appearances.

In the playoffs for the first time since Michael Jordan ruled the hardwood, the Bulls face the Washington Wizards while the Celtics meet the Indiana Pacers.

A season full of distractions, record suspensions and criminal charges behind them, the Pacers will hope for a fresh start in the postseason.

All-star Ron Artest is still banned for brawling with Detroit fans but Jermaine O'Neal and Stephen Jackson have served their time and the Pacers could be the sleeper team of the Eastern conference playoffs.

In the Western conference, the battle is expected to come down to two teams -- the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns, who staged one of the biggest turnarounds in NBA history.

A dismal 29-53 and out of the playoffs one season ago, the Suns, sparked by point guard Steve Nash, posted a league best mark of 62-20.

The mop-topped Nash has been instrumental in transforming the Suns into the NBA's most explosive and entertaining offence that has averaged over 110 points.

A consummate playmaker, Nash led the league in assists with 11.5 per game and has the rare ability to elevate his game when needed.

While the Suns wide-open style has not generally translated into postseason success, Phoenix is expected to advance deep into the playoffs after starting against the Memphis Grizzlies.

San Antonio must be wary of their first round opponent the Denver Nuggets, who were one of the hottest teams down the stretch and are playing with confidence under coach George Karl.

Success for the Spurs hinges on the fitness of twice MVP Tim Duncan, who is still rounding into form after missing almost a month with a severely sprained ankle.

The "Battle of Texas" clash between the Houston Rockets, led by China's Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady and the Dallas Mavericks should provide an entertaining showdown, while the other Western conference matchup pits the Seattle SuperSonics against the Sacramento Kings.

- REUTERS