True, but the outside chance that we could beat a team in the first round and get to play up to 4 more postseason games would be even more priceless. The best chance of that happening is by playing Denver or the Clippers in round 1.
Here's my best guess: 1) OKC - I believe OKC holds the tiebreaker over SA, and their schedule seems easier. 2) SA - Fall to 2nd 3) Denver - Easier schedule than Memphis, who they are competing with for this spot. 4) LA Clippers - Somehwhat locked in here. They trail Denver by 2, but are guarenteed a top 4 spot for winning the Pacific Division. 5) Memphis - Last 4 games against teams all in the playoff hunt. 6) Houston - Easier schedule than Warriors, and hold the tiebreaker. 7) Warriors - Tough schedule. 8) Utah - Hold tiebreaker over the Lakers, and play two vs. Minnesota and one vs Memphis (who will probably sit starters). OKC vs. UTA > OKC SAS vs. GSW > SA LAC vs. MEM > MEM HOU vs. DEN > DEN OKC vs. MEM > OKC SA vs. DEN > SA OKC vs. SA > OKC
I think the Spurs are somewhat more vulnerable because of their age and injuries. The Rockets was able to win one game against them and had one close game when Harden was out. In addition, the players could also earn good playoff experience playing against an experienced western conference finals team. OKC and Denver are bad matchups because they have youth and athleticism. Furthermore, it will be an emotional game for Harden to play against his former team in the playoffs, and that could be bad.
:grin: Go for it! Give me the Clippers! Screw the Nuggets and Thunder or whoever else you have in mind.
http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NBA/Western.html almost certain we will face one of these three teams in round 1 (small chance we get Memphis) most likely matchup is 3v6 vs Denver
The odds of reaching the second round are low any way, but the Spurs offer the best odds of the bunch.
The Spurs are the least physical of those three teams. They're older and recently haven't played as well due to injuries. We match up better against them than OKC or the Nuggets, and I think more people are starting to realize it.
Not true if they collapse like everybody is expecting. All we need is one away game. And it won't be under the circumstances of a back2back and missing out 2nd scorer and 6th man.
THe other consideration is the Nuggets will sleep on us. They have been high energy because they feel they are undermanned. After escaping this season with the sweep they will sleep the same way the lakers did in 09 and we can steal one away game. Its the perfect storm.
I voted the Spurs but it doesn't matter. All three are real contenders. We will see what the Rockets is made of against these elite teams. We will gain precious experiences regardless the outcome. I would be pissed if we had to play a pretending team like the Knicks and lost.
Easier said than done. Focusing on scoring more points than our opponents, we will win the Championship. Easy enough?
I don't expect us to make it out of the first round (although it'd be great if we did). With that said, I'd rather go up against OKC. Even with injuries, the Spurs are a well oiled machine and they have Pop. They're a much smarter basketball team than we are. In regards to Denver, Iguodala is a TERRIBLE match up for Harden. Hardens worst statistical games have been against Iguodala. We need Harden to play well, so i'd rather not play against them. Also, they're a much better, faster version of us. As for OKC, there's a great story behind it, Harden VS team that dumped him. Next, they're not the smartest team out of the top 3 teams, especially with WB running it (yes, i know how athletically gifted he is). Their dumb mistakes have cost them some games. Hopefully we coukd use that to our advantage. Finally, they don't have Karl or Pop.
In playoffs teams play 7 to 8 man rotations dont worry about teams with depth look for worst 7 man rotations spurs only have parker and old man duncan
Regular Season ------> NOT Playoff basketball. Different animal. Gimme Denver without Gallinari and an unrecovered Lawson on a 7 game series, over OKC and SAS. Any time. Denver is the only team we can realistically beat.
