I couldn't believe what I was seeing or hearing, but Bayless sat opposite Chris Broussard this morning on ESPN's First Take and agreed with his assessment that Howard is playing with "unparalleled dominance" (minus the turnovers). But then he upped the ante, disagreeing with Broussard's prediction that Orlando would lose to the Bulls in the second round.

Bayless said not only did he think Orlando would beat the Bulls with greater ease than they will the Hawks, but that Boston (with Shaq) will defeat the Heat, and Orlando will then defeat Boston.

Broussard said, stunned, "Then you're picking Orlando to make the Finals."

"I am," said Bayless.

As great as it was to hear Dwight's biggest antagonist in the sports media speak so highly of him and the Magic, this still feels like a bad omen. Mainly because Bayless is often so wildly wrong, as though he intends to be, confusing true contrarianism with spouting utter nonsense. I don't like him on our side.

Not that his opinions, good or bad, have any impact on anything. Certainly not the successes and failures of the Orlando Magic.

Do you guys agree with him? He did say if the Conference Finals comes down to the Heat and Magic, he likes the Heat. So it wasn't an absolute Magic/Howard lovefest. But he said even with the Heat, if the Magic are hitting 3s, anything can happen.

As difficult as it has looked for the Magic to pull even with the Atlanta Hawks, I remain skeptical, but hopeful.

What do you guys think?