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Sure they lack top tier players, except for Nene, but if they can play together they can get production from literally any of at least 10 guys. It'd be good for the game if they went some distance in the playoffs. That's why I'm rooting for them. They play some slick offence. Easily the best offensive display of any team in the first round of games. Now if they'd just lock in on defense...or maybe they don't have to and could still emerge as the Phoenix Suns of these playoffs. Time will tell.

Not sure how the "best offensive display" truncated into a loss. And whilst their spread of effort is excellent, in the playoffs most teams shorten their rotations anyway.
I like Denver... but I don't see them getting out of the first round.

Don't think you'd be too happy post today's beat-down...

Yeah they made me look silly. I watched most of it and for some reason they were just awful through it all. Maybe these are the situations where a top notch player like Durant helps. Nobody on that team of 10-11 seemed to follow any semblance of a plan.

But I still think they can make it interesting in Denver. Esp. if Afflalo is back.

Meanwhile Memphis looked good again. But couldn't control the Manu. Good tough series that one.

I like the Mavs to win it all.

I'm convinced it'll be Lakers vs. Heat in the finals.

I'd put it like this though:

Lakers 55%
Spurs 30%
Thunder 15%

Miami 45%
Celtics 25%
Chicago 25%
Magic 5%

That's just for getting to the finals.
Sure, Chicago's a great team, but they aren't really playoff ready yet imo. They just don't have that experience and their energy and effort in the season won't be as big of an advantage in the playoffs when all teams are giving it their all. So why do I have Miami going to the finals if they don't have experience? Because they DO have the experience, just not together. Lebron and Wade both have a LOT of experience in playoffs and Bosh has a good deal too (though, I don't think he ever advanced out of the first round). That's enough for me. Their team chemistry has also been great lately and I really like the Heat's defense lately.

Lakers and Spurs both seem to be a bit off lately, unlike the Thunder who have been great lately. When it comes down to put it back "on" though, I think the veteran lakers and spurs will be able to show their true strength. I do think the Spurs will have a harder time taking on the Thunder than the Lakers will have taking on Dallas though, so that's why I gave the Spurs less of a fighting chance to win it all. I also still believe the Lakers could take the Spurs in a 7 game series.

While the Heats' lack of a big man doesn't really hurt them in the East, if they go against the Lakers they will have trouble. With both Gasol and Bynum (hopefully they can both be on by the Finals), the Heat will have a hard time stopping those guys (hell, any team would have a hard time stopping the Lakers bigs, but especially Miami). If it comes down to a Lakers vs. Miami finals, I'd give it to the Lakers in 5-6 games.

Both Chicago and the Celtics could give the Lakers a harder time in the finals than Miami in my opinion. Heck, I don't even have an opinion on who would win the series if it was Lakers vs. Chicago or Lakers vs. Celtics.

At the end of the day, if all teams are playing their top game, I think the Lakers would win the championship. The amount of talent and depth on that team is really unrivaled (not to mention team chemistry).

My opinions are probably faulty though since I've only seriously watched the NBA starting this season (the past 8 years I only followed stats, playoff games, and maybe a game a month in the regular season).

So you're saying...

Dallas 0%

Ouch!

Interesting analysis. I agree with you on almost everything, except the Grizzlies might make it tough for the Spurs. And Atlanta won't be easy for Orlando either.

If the Nuggets weren't playing against the thunder in the first round I might have rooted a bit for them as well. They're a nice team and I'll be curious to see how they do next season.

Also I think they'll win 1 game at home.

I doubt the Nuggets will be able to keep everyone they've got next season. In fact I'm really hoping they let Afflalo go and Chicago snap him up for a draft pick or two. He'd be the perfect player to fill the gaping hole in Chicago.

4 games today. Predictions?

I'm going with Chicago, Miami, Memphis and Denver.

I'm a bit late for prediction.

But Chicago lost and Miami doesn't play.

Since the Mavs are well underway I won't "predict" that one. I'm guessing SA and OKC will both win. Denver will get the 4th game.

I like the Mavs to win it all.

That's a bit delusional!

Spurs in real trouble...