2023 NBA Playoffs thread - Page 2

ballhawkdawk · 04-05-2023, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan5990

Philly, the team they always smash in the playoffs?

Fair point. I guess if you're Boston you don't want any parts of Cleveland since that hasn't gone so well this season.

daeve · 04-05-2023, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcardstore

Those 3 are +18.2 with a 123.7 offensive rating when on the floor together, I think their offense is just fine.

How many games is that? It's true, they will go as far as the whistle allows them, because it damn sure won't be their shooting. Who knows, Silver may bow to the tv/corporate $$ pressure again and let them waltz to another Finals like he did in the bubble. Then the real question becomes how long can AD/Bron withstand the bruises they'll be taking on all these elite FT-deriving attacks to the rim.

jcardstore · 04-05-2023, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daeve

How many games is that? It's true, they will go as far as the whistle allows them, because it damn sure won't be their shooting. Who knows, Silver may bow to the tv/corporate $$ pressure again and let them waltz to another Finals like he did in the bubble. Then the real question becomes how long can AD/Bron withstand the bruises they'll be taking on all these elite FT-deriving attacks to the rim.

215 possessions, so minimal. I still think that trio is absolutely elite defensively.

Dame · 04-05-2023, 12:08 PM

With both Wiggins and GP2 back, how does everyone feel about the Warriors chances?

Bosoxfan5990 · 04-05-2023, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ballhawkdawk

Fair point. I guess if you're Boston you don't want any parts of Cleveland since that hasn't gone so well this season.

Boston is the team to beat this Postseason.

daeve · 04-05-2023, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dame

With both Wiggins and GP2 back, how does everyone feel about the Warriors chances?

need to see how Wiggy looks... did a real reason for his sabbatical ever get disclosed? If so, I didn't see it. If he looks locked in and ready then they could make some noise. If he doesn't then they don't have a chance. Klay just doesn't have the legs that he used to, and they'll need at least 1 elite wing player.

jcardstore · 04-05-2023, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dame

With both Wiggins and GP2 back, how does everyone feel about the Warriors chances?

Not counting them out until they're out.

Bosoxfan5990 · 04-05-2023, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daeve

need to see how Wiggy looks... did a real reason for his sabbatical ever get disclosed? If so, I didn't see it. If he looks locked in and ready then they could make some noise. If he doesn't then they don't have a chance. Klay just doesn't have the legs that he used to, and they'll need at least 1 elite wing player.

Father’s serious health issue.

ballhawkdawk · 04-05-2023, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan5990

Boston is the team to beat this Postseason.

I have yet to find odds that have it as any team other than Milwaukee. But if it makes you feel better, sure... Boston is the best team.

mcgee2134 · 04-05-2023, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daeve

It is so wild that a 73-win team didn't even get their best player until the next season.

KD stans really like to ignore this one.

mcgee2134 · 04-05-2023, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daeve

need to see how Wiggy looks... did a real reason for his sabbatical ever get disclosed? If so, I didn't see it. If he looks locked in and ready then they could make some noise. If he doesn't then they don't have a chance. Klay just doesn't have the legs that he used to, and they'll need at least 1 elite wing player.

They said it was a family health issue but wouldn't elaborate at all.

BlueXtreme · 04-05-2023, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daeve

But idk, I guess if that 2-point OT victory over the Kelly Olynyk-led C-squad Jazz last night inspired a bunch of confidence in this Lakers team, then by all means.

This. It can happen, but I doubt it. I have the Bucks, Warriors and Suns as the top 3 teams to beat. Lakers and Boston are intriguing. I just don’t see it.
I had hopes for Memphis to break through this year

Bosoxfan5990 · 04-05-2023, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ballhawkdawk

I have yet to find odds that have it as any team other than Milwaukee. But if it makes you feel better, sure... Boston is the best team.

You realize future odds don’t always equate to the best team, correct?

Dame · 04-05-2023, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daeve

need to see how Wiggy looks... did a real reason for his sabbatical ever get disclosed? If so, I didn't see it. If he looks locked in and ready then they could make some noise. If he doesn't then they don't have a chance. Klay just doesn't have the legs that he used to, and they'll need at least 1 elite wing player.

No faith in Poole, Wiggs, Kuminga and Moody to fill in the gap for Klay?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcardstore

Not counting them out until they're out.

Some 94-95 Rockets vibes brewing on that team for sure. Just concerned about their durability- seems like their wear and tear are showing at the worst possible time.

jcardstore · 04-05-2023, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgee2134

KD stans really like to ignore this one.

How does that take away from his talent and what he adds to the Phoenix Suns?

Oh right.... it doesn't

daeve · 04-05-2023, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dame

No faith in Poole, Wiggs, Kuminga and Moody to fill in the gap for Klay?

Some 94-95 Rockets vibes brewing on that team for sure. Just concerned about their durability- seems like their wear and tear are showing at the worst possible time.

They need Wiggs for defensive versatility... I don't think Kuminga is there yet. Is Moody big enough to hold it down vs playoff-level 4's?

ballhawkdawk · 04-05-2023, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan5990

You realize future odds don’t always equate to the best team, correct?

Which criteria shall we use? Team record?

I really don't care. The playoffs start in ten days. Until then, you can keep repeating to yourself that "Boston is the best! I know it to be true!"

yiguiri2002 · 04-05-2023, 01:28 PM

If the West standings end where they are right now, I wouldn't be shocked if any of those teams make the Finals.

I can't remember if this has happened before.

eastbayak · 04-05-2023, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dame

With both Wiggins and GP2 back, how does everyone feel about the Warriors chances?

You already know.

People underestimated the Warriors last year and we all know what happened then.

This year, it'll be even more challenging because other teams improved whereas the Warriors essentially maintained the same roster (with a couple unique circumstances such as GP2 returning late and Wiggins being out for so many games).

It's a little more open in the West but I still think the Dubs have a good chance to come out. I took a 12:1 bet, not strictly because I'm a die-hard Dubs fan (because I don't like to throw away money either), but because I truly they have a legitimate shot at repeating.

Bosoxfan5990 · 04-05-2023, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ballhawkdawk

Which criteria shall we use? Team record?

I really don't care. The playoffs start in ten days. Until then, you can keep repeating to yourself that "Boston is the best! I know it to be true!"

3-1 against Philly, 2-1 against Milwaukee.

Better starting 5 than both teams, better bench than both teams.

Above the Rim · 04-05-2023, 01:33 PM

I love my Lakers, but in reality I would be surprised if LeBron & AD can hold it together physically for the strenuous playoffs. Last night they gave big effort and it tagged both of them with their minor injuries. It would be a miracle if they can play every game in playoffs at a high level and not have the injury bug bite.

eastbayak · 04-05-2023, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dame

No faith in Poole, Wiggs, Kuminga and Moody to fill in the gap for Klay?

Some 94-95 Rockets vibes brewing on that team for sure. Just concerned about their durability- seems like their wear and tear are showing at the worst possible time.

daeve doesn't even watch Warriors games. Klay might not be the exact same player he was years ago but he's been balling since the A-S break. Remember, this is his first full season since 2018-19.

Compare his splits to another person you're high on (Garland) and I'd worry more about the latter.

yiguiri2002 · 04-05-2023, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan5990

3-1 against Philly, 2-1 against Milwaukee.

Better starting 5 than both teams, better bench than both teams.

The projected starting 5 from the Celtics has a negative point differential this season.

And that's assuming Timelord will be fully healthy for the playoffs.

daeve · 04-05-2023, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eastbayak

daeve doesn't even watch Warriors games. Klay might not be the exact same player he was years ago but he's been balling since the A-S break. Remember, this is his first full season since 2018-19.

Compare his splits to another person you're high on (Garland) and I'd worry more about the latter.

They're 9-30 on the road... 9 and 30. The only other western teams with sub 10 road wins this year are the Spurs and Rockets. And they aren't going to have home court in the playoffs vs anybody. They need Wiggins badly. I'm still a Klay fan and yeah it takes a minute to come back from a big break and to get your legs back, but they don't look like contenders at all unless Wiggins is back to playoff mode immediately and Steph and Klay shoot lights out. Not impossible, but like the Lakers, I don't think it's close to a given.

I would love for them to upset the Suns in round 1 though, and I think that's most possible. But how many series can they go?

Bosoxfan5990 · 04-05-2023, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yiguiri2002

The projected starting 5 from the Celtics has a negative point differential this season.

And that's assuming Timelord will be fully healthy for the playoffs.

Al Horford will be taking the opening tip of Game 1 of the playoffs.
Timelord will be coming off the bench for 20-25 mins/game.

04-05-2023, 01:28 PM	#43
yiguiri2002 Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 12,567 afigueroaquevedo2002 yiguiri2002	If the West standings end where they are right now, I wouldn't be shocked if any of those teams make the Finals. I can't remember if this has happened before. __________________ Basketball Sets: Threads Century Greats Jerseys - Innovation Stat Line Jerseys Soccer Sets: 2018 World Cup Prizm Peru Parallels - 2015 Select Soccer Peru Parallels Players: Red Bulls Parallels, 17-18 Thibs Prizms, Soccer Legends Autos

04-05-2023, 12:08 PM	#29
Dame Banned Join Date: Aug 2020 Posts: 3,482	With both Wiggins and GP2 back, how does everyone feel about the Warriors chances?

04-05-2023, 01:33 PM	#46
Above the Rim Member Join Date: Sep 2020 Posts: 756	I love my Lakers, but in reality I would be surprised if LeBron & AD can hold it together physically for the strenuous playoffs. Last night they gave big effort and it tagged both of them with their minor injuries. It would be a miracle if they can play every game in playoffs at a high level and not have the injury bug bite.