Burning Questions

An Eastern Conference scout addresses three key issues going forward in the postseason

CAN TONY PARKER BE CONTAINED?

He is the key to everything the Spurs are doing. They are setting screens for him early and letting him work. He has become such a great finisher; he has that floater but also has great body control that helps him score over bigs. You have to make him a jump shooter. And you have to keep it away from him in transition. He pushes the ball as well as any guard in the league.

CAN ROY HIBBERT CARRY INDIANA?

The Pacers have to keep Miami out of transition, and that means pounding it inside to Hibbert. He's very good at getting post position and is a good passer when Miami doubles. If they try to single him, he has that nice righthanded hook shot that has developed a lot this year. But the big thing is the pace. He can get fouled, get Miami in the penalty and slow the game down.

WHAT'S CHICAGO'S NEXT STEP?

It's going to be tough to find a taker for Carlos Boozer's contract [three years, $47 million remaining], but the Bulls have to try. He vanishes in big moments. It's too tough to win in the playoffs without a reliable post presence, and at 30 Boozer isn't going to suddenly become one. Al Jefferson (right) would look great in that offense. With all that frontcourt depth in Utah, he could be available, too.