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By any rational measure, Shaquille O'Neal destroyed Wallace in the NBA Finals last June. No? How's an average of 26.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 63 percent shooting by Shaq sound?

The point is, the NBA never has a Patriots coming out of nowhere or a Marlins trumping the Yankees. Under normal circumstances, the best players always win in pro basketball. And that's why all eyes will be on O'Neal in the opening minutes of Monday's Game 1.

Don't believe those saying before then how he's ready. We heard that before the Washington series.

Don't believe, either that he won't be ready. He'll have had 13 days off between games. And will have played two games in 22 days.

Don't trust your eyes too far in the opening minutes, either. Against New Jersey, O'Neal scored the first two baskets, both on dunks, the second one coming after he ran the court on a fast break. Everyone thought he was back.

It was the most he contributed all series. The most all playoffs, actually.

Having a healthy Shaq compounds all problems for the Pistons, because it isn't just his match-up to worry about on the front line. They'll also have problems when the Heat brings in Alonzo Mourning. Who do they trust there?

Has Antonio McDyess or Elden Campbell instilled faith in helping here?

There are matchup problems on both sides, of course. That's what makes this a fan's delight. How will the Heat defend Rasheed Wallace? What manner of defense will the Pistons use on Wade? And how much will they wait to see on Shaq's health?

Because here's the thing about Wade: He'll happily pass the ball. He passed the winning shot to Eddie Jones to close out the Washington series. He's averaging 8.4 assists. So he'll pass the ball to whoever's open.

If Shaq is played one-on-one by Wallace, he'll be open. If he's healthy, that is. Or at least, healthy enough.

Not much is riding on that question. Just two teams' seasons.

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Not in his house

Rajon Rondo had 18 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds and the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 85-75 in Game 7 on Saturday night to advance to the Eastern Conference finals.

CSN: Rondo's big-game DNA shines  |  Highlights

CSN: You may not see it from start to finish, but when the game — or in this case, postseason life — is on the line, you see just how good Rajon Rondo can be.

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