Lawson, Gallo, Manu, and Parker out. Wow, Golden and Houston lucked out if OKC can grab the 1st seed.
OKC is really the only team we have no chnace to beat in a series. Beyond that, all the other teams are beatable, although we would obviously be underdogs. Even without Galinari, I think Denver is a bad matchup for us, and they are just so dominant at home that winning a series would be tough. I never want to play San Antonio because they have the best coach in the league and can out-execute anyone...but they are looking vulnerable, and I think we have the decent shot against them even at full strength. That obvioulsy improves with each additional injury they incur (Ginobili, Parker). The Clippers and Memphis are a paradox. We routed the Clippers on Saturday, but in general, they can match up with our speed and Chris Paul trumps all. Memphis offers a contrast in styles that I think we could take advantage of to win some games, but they have owned us most of this season. In the end, I think all we can hope for is that the Rockets play to the best of their abilities and it should be a fun ride!
Don't forget POP subbed out Parker early in the loss last night too. SA bodies might completlely betray them again. Our chances just went up with both teams.
An ideal scenario is for whatever seed we finish to upset Denver or San Antonio and then have Golden State upset the other team to set up a Houston vs Golden State conference semi-final match up with the team that has the 6th seed with home court advantage, I think we could win that series and get to the conference finals before finally losing to OKC.
Confirmed Gallo out for the season. http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/9138831/danilo-gallinari-denver-nuggets-season-torn-acl
With those injuries Denver isn't making it to the 2nd round. We have to do w.e is possible to be their opponent as the 6th seed.
If Parsons and Delfino were playing, and Lawson and Gallinari were not, then I think Denver might be ripe for the picking.
Hey guys, not to be a debbie downer, don't set your expectations so high in the playoffs. Usually teams get into another gear when they play. I don't know whether we have another gear. Just consider the playoff games valuable learning time for our youngsters, okay?
I haven't watched the game yet, but the box score seems to indicate that Iguodala won again... no three's, 2/10 shooting with few assists and 3 to's. Kind of annoying, but I guess even James is still developing! Sometimes I forget that the guy is only 23 years old! It would be so nice if James could find the key to beating Iguodala types... and quickly!
pretty sure the teams that are ripe for the picking are the gsw, lal/uta, and our rox. all first round exists.