Heat-Bulls
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	ZONE POLL

Why Chicago will win

"Bulls in four. This will be a methodical and downright abuse of their opposition, very similar to the embarrassing pounding Shaq and Orlando took last year. Alonzo Mourning is turning out to be a less dominant and weaker-skilled version of Shaquille O'Neal. Look for the Bulls to put Pippen on the potentially dangerous Tim Hardaway, freeing Michael Jordan and Toni Kukoc to carry the offensive load. This is a brilliant maneuver by coach Phil Jackson, who will not necessarily out-coach Pat Riley, but will make better use of his available tools. Jordan will be determined to collect some hardware for himself, especially since the MVP trophy eluded him by the narrowest of margins."

-- Keith Mayer, Appleton, Wisc.

"The Bulls will win the series in five games. There is only one reason why, and his name is Michael Jordan. He refuses to lose. He alone is the difference in this series. Miami has no one who can stop him. He will dominate on both ends, and will frustrate the Heat into mental mistakes. Michael wants to win his fifth, and he will."

-- Nathan Wilda, Chicago, Ill.

"Obviously, the Bulls will take it in four because of Chicago's backcourt, which can wreak havoc with Miami's lack of ball control. Plus, Scottie Pippen's game will flourish alongside Miami's Dan Marjerle and Jamal Mashburn. Chicago may come out flat in Game 1, but Dennis Rodman will provide much of the needed energy to get the Bulls going. Rodman may be the one of the worst characters in the NBA, but no one beats Rodman at rebounding, energy, strategy and mind games."

-- Phuong N. Huynh, Chicago, Ill.

Why Miami will win

"The Heat will win in six or seven games. If Tim Hardaway can match the point totals of Jordan, then the Heat will win. I don't care what the so-called experts say. The Heat has a big advantage at center. P.J. Brown can play just as well as Dennis Rodman. At guard, both teams have a dilemma. The Heat won't be able to stop Jordan, and the Bulls will be unable to stop Hardaway, so it will depend on who's other guards comes up big. I feel the bench is evenly-matched. And the coaching edge goes to the greatest coach of all time, Pat Riley."

-- Derek Brown, Wichita Falls, Texas

"The Bulls will not be able to keep up with Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning. Also, check Jamal Mashburn's career stats versus the Bulls. He always steps it up against them (scoring a career-high 50 in Chicago, and 23 in Miami last month). I think he loves the challenge and does well against Pippen in the post. Look for the Heat in six."

-- Jake Lovell, Nashville, Tenn.

"I think the Miami Heat will win this series in six games. Chicago has not looked liked the team of old -- or played like it. And Dennis Rodman -- need I say more? Miami is too physical for Chicago, and has proven they can win on the road, even in Chicago."

-- John Richeal, Harrisburg, Pa.