Definitely would love to play the Blazers. I do agree that I would rather play the Spurs than the Thunder. The Clips? Not really. I think if we're playoff engaged, the Clips will get a lot fewer easy baskets. Would definitely like our chances against the Clips better than against the Spurs.
What makes you think they are better equipped this year than last? Like you said they added Bellinelli to their squad last year, but among the Western Powers they were the ones who added a knife while everyone else added guns, tanks and drones. OKC is still OKC, and KD entered a new level. Clipps added a bench and Granger. Houston added the best C in the league. Even Portland and GSW got in the act, sporting their own mini 3 with LMA/Batum/Lilliard and Steph/Iggy/Bogut. Compare that to last year when Spurs only had to worry about OKC and maybe the Mavs, and while in general I think the Spurs have improved, I think their road to the finals has become harder. Well if you compare Miami's road to the finals last year vs their road to the finals this year I think everyone can safely say they should have an easier time this year, unless Brooklyn suddenly plays a spoiler role. While they do have a worse record this year than last year, let's also remember that with their current pace Miami is still on track to win 50+ games this year, so I personally don't think it's a big deal. Last year Indiana definitely caught them by surprise, but this year Indiana is definitely worse, PG is in a funk and the "reinforcements" Bird turned out to be duds. We don't really know what Miami's mental state this year would be, however if you look at their odds, the chances are definitely higher Miami will reach the finals this year than last year, while the Spurs have a lower chance of reaching the finals this year than last year.
Oops sorry I misread your post and didnt realise you wanted to play the clips rather than the spurs (which i agree)....then we better pray that we win 13 out of last 14 games
Heat same time last year was generally around 2/3 to win it all now they are currently at 11/5 to win it this year Spurs same time last year was generally around 10/1, now they are currently 5/1 to win it this year Don't blame me, blame the bookmakers...what do they know?
4 of last 14 opponents have been top opponents so this 14 game streak is not surprising. Still showing they have talent to make a run in playoffs but not Western conference champions
Book makers don't have to know much. All they do is even out the bets so that they cover each so they can make money on the vig. The odds are a reflection of aggregate better's sentiment.
What always impresses me when I see a Spurs game is their execution. They are such a disciplined squad. I know OKC is amazing but they also seem a bit high strung as a team to me. Especially since Harden left. And reintegrating Westbrook is a big deal, and they are also now relying on.a number of young kids, like Lamb and Adams. I am curious to see how they do in the playoffs this year.
Spurs are consistent, but I can't see them beating OKC/Houston/Clippers in a 7 game series. They execute, but athletically are no where near these three teams.
Spurs own the Clippers, there is no doubt in mind they beat the Clippers. OKC and Houston is another story.
The only question about the Spurs is Parker's health. He broke down physically at the end of the Miami series and was ineffective.
The answer to that problem is Patty Mills. Patty Mills is going to be a problem in the playoffs. No team has a backup point guard that can keep up with him when Parker sits.
Exactly my point. To think that the Spurs are not in better position now compared to the same time last year to get in the finals and beat the Heat is a contradiction to common sense.
I would rather play the clips than the Spurs. Playoffs is a different ball game, forget about the regular season matchups. Spurs have a wealth of experience in the playoffs and they would just be mentally tougher and more disciplined than the Rockets. Only team in the West I can see that will have a chance against them are the OKC. Our best chance is to meet them in the WCF, Rockets to have some momentum going into that series and Spurs being banged up.
I'm not even a Spurs fan, but they could easily end up in the Finals, again. Most trouble would come from OKC, but they could definitely win a 7 game series against the Thunder, even as a road team. I honestly think the Spurs would be the favorites against any other team, out West, especially with home court advantage. I can't see the Clippers or Rockets winning enough games in San Antonio to really beat them in games. For the last several years, the Spurs have been able to go into that extra gear in the playoffs, mostly because they aren't going full-speed in the regular season and constantly resting players. It also helps that they have well-discipline team, deep rosters, and about the most supremely coached team in the land. Which is why it will take a Heat or Thunder type team to beat them with talent and execution.
