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The NBA thread
- Thread starter Platinum Knight
- Start date
- Status
Doesn't matter if Carmelo can't play since he's arrested =/
The news article I read said he was released.
http://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSN1440593520080414
http://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSN1440593520080414
2 weeks for his blood testing, he could be out of playoffs by then etc etc etc
Golden State lost, that means they are out of the playoffs. It's sad considering their record, but they need to improve their defense next season if they want to get in.
Also, Ramon Sessions had 20 points and 24 assists for Milwaukee. That is just insane considering he is coming out of nowhere with these stats the last few games.
Also, Ramon Sessions had 20 points and 24 assists for Milwaukee. That is just insane considering he is coming out of nowhere with these stats the last few games.
moot, it was not just you - SEVERAL people assured me the Mavericks were playing the Spurs, and each time it confused me of 'am I really remembering the standings this poorly..?'. Also, we MAY still end up against the Lakers, it is just not likely y'all (well, mostly directed to whoever said we were facing the Hornets).
http://www.82games.com/TPSORT14.HTM
How each team has played against the top 10 teams. Think the Mavericks are really going down without a fight? ;D
http://82games.com/0708/ppairs0708.htm
I really liked this statistic. Paul Pierce+Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki+Josh Howard are the top two offensive pairings ;D
http://www.82games.com/TPSORT14.HTM
How each team has played against the top 10 teams. Think the Mavericks are really going down without a fight? ;D
http://82games.com/0708/ppairs0708.htm
I really liked this statistic. Paul Pierce+Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki+Josh Howard are the top two offensive pairings ;D
^ Those are pretty nice stats.
Would've thought Kobe + Gasol would be higher but I guess Gasol hasn't played enough games.
Did not see Nowitzki + Howard at the top though.
Edit: Man, I wanted the Hornets at first, now EVERYONE is voting Kobe as MVP.
Would've thought Kobe + Gasol would be higher but I guess Gasol hasn't played enough games.
Did not see Nowitzki + Howard at the top though.
Edit: Man, I wanted the Hornets at first, now EVERYONE is voting Kobe as MVP.
West Predictions
West Predictions!
(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs (8) Denver Nuggets
You'd think a team as talented as Denver would get a higher seed than number 8 much less have a chance to pull an upset here. Seriously, you go from raping the Sonics by like 60 points, then lose to them the next week? You just can't take a team like this seriously. Camby is going to have is hands full with Gasol and there's no one that can remotely stay up with Kobe. Odom isn't the greatest defensive player around but he does have the size and strength to not get posted up on all day by Carmelo. Looks like the Lakers will add to Iverson's playoffs miseries. I'm going to say Nuggets steal one on the road and win one at home before fading. Lakers 4-2.
(4) Utah Jazz vs (5) Houston Rockets
As much as I want to be a homer, it's just not realistic. To add insult to injury, or rather more injury to injury, Rafer will miss AT LEAST Game 1, and potentially Game 2 as well. The bright part is that Rockets will have home court advantage (pending as Jazz are down by like 30 to Spurs as I write this), and Jazz are such a shitty team on the road. In the end Jazz will prevail but I think Rockets win 2 at home and take one from Jazz on the best home court. Jazz 4-3.
(3) San Antonio Spurs vs (6) Phoenix Suns
The Spurs are limping and they're fading. Manu has been hurt for the past week or two as well, so that's not too good. Then you have all their shooters having issues, Horry with a brittle bone injury (knee), Brent Barry yet to play since pulling a Stackhouse, and Damon being inconsistent as fuck. Then, you add in the last 2 national games between these two and it just seems like Shaq fucks them up so bad. I'm saying Suns will take it in a 7 game series. Suns 4-3.
(2) New Orleans Hornets vs (7) Dallas Mavericks
Have you seen the way Dirk's been playing lately? Albeit it's embarrassing he's pulling his jersey down, instead of out, during a bad ass moment, but nonetheless. I'm guessing the Mav's underdog role for once might actually let them do what others did to them. Sadly, I do see Hornet's inexperience fucking them over, but more so their bench. I doubt Pargo is going to bomb those random 18 point games off the bench in playoffs! I'll take Mavs in 7 as well. Mavs 4-3.
Well, if everything goes as planned, we have 3 7 game series and a 6 game series, so yeah, by the time someone gets to the finals, East is going to have like a 3 week break (more like 10~ day break). But at least it's going to be one hell of a time sitting on our asses at the TV!!
West Predictions Round 2
(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs (4) Utah Jazz
It's one thing to suck on the road against mediocre teams, but a powerhouse like Lakers at Staples? Doubtful. I'm guessing Jazz will take 1 at most against the Lakers. Okur is too inconsistent and Lakers have the luxury of just sticking Odom on him or something, and let Gasol try to handle Boozer. Fisher is surprisingly strong for his size and should give Deron fits, and Kobe against Brewer and Kirlenko just doesn't seem attractive from a Utah-perspective. Lakers 4-2.
(6) Phoenix Suns vs (7) Dallas Mavericks
It's hard to tell who's going to win here. I think Dampier's bulk will actually do something to "slow down" Shaq, cause remember, 3 years ago Shaq was the #1 center while Dampier was the #2!!!! Anyways, Dirk will just provide as many mismatches as Amare does, and Kidd can defend Nash better, as well as abuse him in the post as shown earlier this season. I'm going to give Mavs this one just cause they've won against them in the past (kind of irrelevant though) and they're younger, fresher, and supposedly more determined now that Dirk has his flair back. Mavs 4-3.
Well Dallas gets back to Western Finals against the Lakers. Maybe they'll shake off the past 2 years of traumatizing events. Of course both of these can go either way, but it's just a gut feeling.
(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs (7) Dallas Mavericks
I don't think the Mavericks can handle with the Lakers this deep this time around. Kobe's too determined to get to the Finals without Shaq rather than Dirk just trying to get there again since the last one was their's to lose. I think Josh Howard is probably the 2nd most overrated defender, so Kobe's just going to demolish him, and Gasol and Dirk takes licks off each other. I'll take Lakers here as well. Lakers 4-3.
East Predictions comes when I'm bored again or get a better guarantee of how the seedings turn out!
West Predictions!
(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs (8) Denver Nuggets
You'd think a team as talented as Denver would get a higher seed than number 8 much less have a chance to pull an upset here. Seriously, you go from raping the Sonics by like 60 points, then lose to them the next week? You just can't take a team like this seriously. Camby is going to have is hands full with Gasol and there's no one that can remotely stay up with Kobe. Odom isn't the greatest defensive player around but he does have the size and strength to not get posted up on all day by Carmelo. Looks like the Lakers will add to Iverson's playoffs miseries. I'm going to say Nuggets steal one on the road and win one at home before fading. Lakers 4-2.
(4) Utah Jazz vs (5) Houston Rockets
As much as I want to be a homer, it's just not realistic. To add insult to injury, or rather more injury to injury, Rafer will miss AT LEAST Game 1, and potentially Game 2 as well. The bright part is that Rockets will have home court advantage (pending as Jazz are down by like 30 to Spurs as I write this), and Jazz are such a shitty team on the road. In the end Jazz will prevail but I think Rockets win 2 at home and take one from Jazz on the best home court. Jazz 4-3.
(3) San Antonio Spurs vs (6) Phoenix Suns
The Spurs are limping and they're fading. Manu has been hurt for the past week or two as well, so that's not too good. Then you have all their shooters having issues, Horry with a brittle bone injury (knee), Brent Barry yet to play since pulling a Stackhouse, and Damon being inconsistent as fuck. Then, you add in the last 2 national games between these two and it just seems like Shaq fucks them up so bad. I'm saying Suns will take it in a 7 game series. Suns 4-3.
(2) New Orleans Hornets vs (7) Dallas Mavericks
Have you seen the way Dirk's been playing lately? Albeit it's embarrassing he's pulling his jersey down, instead of out, during a bad ass moment, but nonetheless. I'm guessing the Mav's underdog role for once might actually let them do what others did to them. Sadly, I do see Hornet's inexperience fucking them over, but more so their bench. I doubt Pargo is going to bomb those random 18 point games off the bench in playoffs! I'll take Mavs in 7 as well. Mavs 4-3.
Well, if everything goes as planned, we have 3 7 game series and a 6 game series, so yeah, by the time someone gets to the finals, East is going to have like a 3 week break (more like 10~ day break). But at least it's going to be one hell of a time sitting on our asses at the TV!!
West Predictions Round 2
(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs (4) Utah Jazz
It's one thing to suck on the road against mediocre teams, but a powerhouse like Lakers at Staples? Doubtful. I'm guessing Jazz will take 1 at most against the Lakers. Okur is too inconsistent and Lakers have the luxury of just sticking Odom on him or something, and let Gasol try to handle Boozer. Fisher is surprisingly strong for his size and should give Deron fits, and Kobe against Brewer and Kirlenko just doesn't seem attractive from a Utah-perspective. Lakers 4-2.
(6) Phoenix Suns vs (7) Dallas Mavericks
It's hard to tell who's going to win here. I think Dampier's bulk will actually do something to "slow down" Shaq, cause remember, 3 years ago Shaq was the #1 center while Dampier was the #2!!!! Anyways, Dirk will just provide as many mismatches as Amare does, and Kidd can defend Nash better, as well as abuse him in the post as shown earlier this season. I'm going to give Mavs this one just cause they've won against them in the past (kind of irrelevant though) and they're younger, fresher, and supposedly more determined now that Dirk has his flair back. Mavs 4-3.
Well Dallas gets back to Western Finals against the Lakers. Maybe they'll shake off the past 2 years of traumatizing events. Of course both of these can go either way, but it's just a gut feeling.
(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs (7) Dallas Mavericks
I don't think the Mavericks can handle with the Lakers this deep this time around. Kobe's too determined to get to the Finals without Shaq rather than Dirk just trying to get there again since the last one was their's to lose. I think Josh Howard is probably the 2nd most overrated defender, so Kobe's just going to demolish him, and Gasol and Dirk takes licks off each other. I'll take Lakers here as well. Lakers 4-3.
East Predictions comes when I'm bored again or get a better guarantee of how the seedings turn out!
Excited about the playoff race out west (isn't everyone) every team has 50 wins so that means that even the first round games will be exciting. I'm probably most excited to see how Dallas and Phoenix play. They both made big trades that people have questioned at times. This is the time to see if those trades for Shaq and Kidd were really worth all the hype (I know the Lakers made a big trade for Pau, but that has had an immediate impact and has not been scrutinized like the other two have).
Out east, just waiting to see if my Pistons can slay the Celtics who have looked amazing this season. LeBron seems to have a gimpy back, so I'm not expecting any heroics from like last season (and if he does have it in him, he'll do it against the C's first). If Washington beats Cleavland in the first round, they have a shot to beat the Celtics seeing as they seemed to have their number during the regular season (I don't know the numbers I just remember the Wizards beating them on multiple occasions).
Prediction: Being a complete homer and going with Pistons over Lakers in 7 (I'm from Michigan, live in Southern California).
Out east, just waiting to see if my Pistons can slay the Celtics who have looked amazing this season. LeBron seems to have a gimpy back, so I'm not expecting any heroics from like last season (and if he does have it in him, he'll do it against the C's first). If Washington beats Cleavland in the first round, they have a shot to beat the Celtics seeing as they seemed to have their number during the regular season (I don't know the numbers I just remember the Wizards beating them on multiple occasions).
Prediction: Being a complete homer and going with Pistons over Lakers in 7 (I'm from Michigan, live in Southern California).
Predictions.
Lakers vs. Nuggets
When you have Kobe, Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom and get the one seed without having your center (Andrew Bynum) I think you can cruise through the Nuggets. Goes to six games.
Hornets vs. Mavs
Chris Paul will be the key. Yesterday's game against Dallas proved that. I think if he can stay healthy and play major minutes, they've got this. 7 games
Spurs vs. Suns
2-0 since the Shaq trade, 3-1 overall against SA, either way I'm too biased towards Phoenix to pick SA. 6 games
Jazz vs. Rockets
Too bad Utah doesn't have homecourt advantage. Tough call, but I think Utah can pull it off. 7 games
Round 2
Lakers vs. Jazz
No doubt. 5 games
Suns vs. Hornets
3-0 against them this season, I want phx to win, but I can't see it
6 games
Western Conf. finals
Lakers vs. Hornets
Kobe can do it. 7 games
Out of east, Detroit-Boston finals Boston out of seven, go on to beat Lakers out of 7.
Lakers vs. Nuggets
When you have Kobe, Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom and get the one seed without having your center (Andrew Bynum) I think you can cruise through the Nuggets. Goes to six games.
Hornets vs. Mavs
Chris Paul will be the key. Yesterday's game against Dallas proved that. I think if he can stay healthy and play major minutes, they've got this. 7 games
Spurs vs. Suns
2-0 since the Shaq trade, 3-1 overall against SA, either way I'm too biased towards Phoenix to pick SA. 6 games
Jazz vs. Rockets
Too bad Utah doesn't have homecourt advantage. Tough call, but I think Utah can pull it off. 7 games
Round 2
Lakers vs. Jazz
No doubt. 5 games
Suns vs. Hornets
3-0 against them this season, I want phx to win, but I can't see it
6 games
Western Conf. finals
Lakers vs. Hornets
Kobe can do it. 7 games
Out of east, Detroit-Boston finals Boston out of seven, go on to beat Lakers out of 7.
I might start another playoff prediction thing. Last year I had one but smogon was down for almost the entire playoffs thus people couldn't make predictions.
I dunno if I should start a new thread seeing as how people are already posting predictions in here (although only west it seems, well the east sucks anyway). so might as well keep it in here.
You get 1 point for correctly picking the winner of a series, and 2 additional points if you pick the correct number of games AND the winner.
the pairings are:
East
1. Boston Celtics vs. 8. Atlanta Hawks
4. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 5. Washington Wizards (third year in a row)
3. Orlando Magic vs. 6. Toronto Raptors
2. Detroit Pistons vs. 7. Philadelphia 76ers
West
1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 8. Denver Nuggets
4. Utah Jazz vs. 5. Houston Rockets (another reoccurring matchup)
3. San Antonio Spurs vs. 6. Phoenix Suns (agggh why is this a first round matchup)
2. New Orleans Hornets vs. 7. Dallas Mavericks
my predictions:
Celtics in 4
Cavs in 5
Magic in 5
Pistons in 4
Lakers in 6
Rockets in 7
Spurs in 7
Mavs in 6
I dunno if I should start a new thread seeing as how people are already posting predictions in here (although only west it seems, well the east sucks anyway). so might as well keep it in here.
You get 1 point for correctly picking the winner of a series, and 2 additional points if you pick the correct number of games AND the winner.
the pairings are:
East
1. Boston Celtics vs. 8. Atlanta Hawks
4. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 5. Washington Wizards (third year in a row)
3. Orlando Magic vs. 6. Toronto Raptors
2. Detroit Pistons vs. 7. Philadelphia 76ers
West
1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 8. Denver Nuggets
4. Utah Jazz vs. 5. Houston Rockets (another reoccurring matchup)
3. San Antonio Spurs vs. 6. Phoenix Suns (agggh why is this a first round matchup)
2. New Orleans Hornets vs. 7. Dallas Mavericks
my predictions:
Celtics in 4
Cavs in 5
Magic in 5
Pistons in 4
Lakers in 6
Rockets in 7
Spurs in 7
Mavs in 6
Pistons vs Suns in Finals, that's all there is to it.
Playoff seedings as they should be
#1 Boston Celtics versus #16 Atlanta Hawks
#2 Detroit Pistons versus #15 Philadelphia 76ers
#3 Los Angeles Lakers versus #14 Toronto Raptors
#4 New Orleans Hornets versus #13 Washington Wizards
#5 San Antonio Spurs versus #12 Cleveland Cavaliers
#6 Houston Rockets versus #11 Denver Nuggets
#7 Utah Jazz versus #10 Dallas Mavericks
#8 Phoenix Suns versus #9 Orlando Magic
As for 'reality'
Lakers over Nuggets
Mavericks over Hornets
Suns over Spurs
Jazz over Rockets
Jazz over Lakers
Mavericks over Suns
Jazz over Mavericks
Celtics over Jazz
Celtics over Pistons
Celtics over Cavaliers
Pistons over Magic
Celtics over Hawks
Pistons over 76ers
Magic over Raptors
Cavaliers over Wizards
Raptors and Magic might have a shot at pulling some upsets, but no one else in the East (including Cavaliers) are going to do anything.
IF the Hornets beat the Mavericks, they are my pick to make the finals and lose to the Celtics.
#1 Boston Celtics versus #16 Atlanta Hawks
#2 Detroit Pistons versus #15 Philadelphia 76ers
#3 Los Angeles Lakers versus #14 Toronto Raptors
#4 New Orleans Hornets versus #13 Washington Wizards
#5 San Antonio Spurs versus #12 Cleveland Cavaliers
#6 Houston Rockets versus #11 Denver Nuggets
#7 Utah Jazz versus #10 Dallas Mavericks
#8 Phoenix Suns versus #9 Orlando Magic
As for 'reality'
Lakers over Nuggets
Mavericks over Hornets
Suns over Spurs
Jazz over Rockets
Jazz over Lakers
Mavericks over Suns
Jazz over Mavericks
Celtics over Jazz
Celtics over Pistons
Celtics over Cavaliers
Pistons over Magic
Celtics over Hawks
Pistons over 76ers
Magic over Raptors
Cavaliers over Wizards
Raptors and Magic might have a shot at pulling some upsets, but no one else in the East (including Cavaliers) are going to do anything.
IF the Hornets beat the Mavericks, they are my pick to make the finals and lose to the Celtics.
k lets break it down
(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs (8) Denver Nuggets
The easiest pick in the west, every other series could go either way except maybe Utah-Houston but I would be shocked if LA lost this. The Lakers are pretty much better in everything: half-court offense, half-court defense, transition, rebounding. Denver will probably take at least one game where AI and/or Melo and/or JR Smith get hot.
Lakers in 5
(4) Utah Jazz vs (5) Houston Rockets
Everybody likes the Jazz here but I think Houston can pull this off. You figure TMac has to get out of the first round eventually right?? Anyways I think Houston matches up pretty well. They have plenty of undersized PF's + Dikembe to throw at Boozer to wear him down. They have Battier to throw on Deron Williams to slow him down. Williams thrives on overpowering smaller guards but can't do that with Battier on him. Losing Alston hurts kind of but Bobby Jackson is solid and has good playoff experience. Plus Utah is horrible on the road, I think Houston can definitely hold court at home and win in 7.
Rockets in 7
(3) San Antonio Spurs vs (6) Phoenix Suns
The best first round series ever. I mean you have three first ballot hall of famers plus Amare, Ginobili, Parker and Grant Hill. And that's not even mentioning last year's bloodbath of a series which created a legitimate rivalry between them. Everyone thinks the Spurs are a little too old, a little to banged up this year but I think they still have one more run in them. I know the Suns are 3-1 in the regular season but the playoffs are a different beast, especially against a savvy, physical team like San Antonio. Ginobili is gonna be the key for this series, he struggled against the Suns in the regular season but he always seems to step it up in the playoffs. Either way this is gonna be an amazing series.
Spurs in 7
(2) New Orleans Hornets vs (7) Dallas Mavericks
This might be the only 2 v 7 match up ever where the 7 has more pressure on them than the 2. If Dallas loses again in the first round, you better believe heads are gonna roll with Cuban at the helm. That said, I think Dallas should take care of business here. I really like the Hornets but their big three (Paul, West, Chandler) has pretty much 0 playoff experience. Plus Dirk finally has his mojo back and Kidd looks pretty comfortable now.
Dallas in 6
(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs (8) Denver Nuggets
The easiest pick in the west, every other series could go either way except maybe Utah-Houston but I would be shocked if LA lost this. The Lakers are pretty much better in everything: half-court offense, half-court defense, transition, rebounding. Denver will probably take at least one game where AI and/or Melo and/or JR Smith get hot.
Lakers in 5
(4) Utah Jazz vs (5) Houston Rockets
Everybody likes the Jazz here but I think Houston can pull this off. You figure TMac has to get out of the first round eventually right?? Anyways I think Houston matches up pretty well. They have plenty of undersized PF's + Dikembe to throw at Boozer to wear him down. They have Battier to throw on Deron Williams to slow him down. Williams thrives on overpowering smaller guards but can't do that with Battier on him. Losing Alston hurts kind of but Bobby Jackson is solid and has good playoff experience. Plus Utah is horrible on the road, I think Houston can definitely hold court at home and win in 7.
Rockets in 7
(3) San Antonio Spurs vs (6) Phoenix Suns
The best first round series ever. I mean you have three first ballot hall of famers plus Amare, Ginobili, Parker and Grant Hill. And that's not even mentioning last year's bloodbath of a series which created a legitimate rivalry between them. Everyone thinks the Spurs are a little too old, a little to banged up this year but I think they still have one more run in them. I know the Suns are 3-1 in the regular season but the playoffs are a different beast, especially against a savvy, physical team like San Antonio. Ginobili is gonna be the key for this series, he struggled against the Suns in the regular season but he always seems to step it up in the playoffs. Either way this is gonna be an amazing series.
Spurs in 7
(2) New Orleans Hornets vs (7) Dallas Mavericks
This might be the only 2 v 7 match up ever where the 7 has more pressure on them than the 2. If Dallas loses again in the first round, you better believe heads are gonna roll with Cuban at the helm. That said, I think Dallas should take care of business here. I really like the Hornets but their big three (Paul, West, Chandler) has pretty much 0 playoff experience. Plus Dirk finally has his mojo back and Kidd looks pretty comfortable now.
Dallas in 6
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