NBA Playoffs...

[R13]

They start in a few weeks, can't wait, with the way the West is...it's going to be a great one. If they start today, it'd be...

1) Lakers
2) Dallas - 5 GB
3) Utah - 5.5 GB
4) PHX - 6.5 GB
5) Denver - 6.5 GB
6) OKC - 9 GB
7) Portland - 9 GB
8) SA - 9 1/2 GB



- Lakers and Spurs - 1/8
- Dallas and Portland - 2/7
- Utah and OKC - 3/6
- Phoenix and Denver - 4/5


Of course with the 4 games separating 2 through 8, those are going to switch around probably, but I honestly can't say what I think it would shake out as with any amount of certainty ...even with that amount of games left, it's hard.

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LA is going to stay at the top and SA(8), Portland(7th) and OKC(6) are just 1/2 game apart...but I really think SA will end up with in that last spot, only because of a terrible schedule - (@LAL, @Phoenix, @Dallas and @Denver, home against Orlando too) and players just not 100% going into these final games.

So I say the Lakers and San Antonio for the 1/8 series is what we'll get.

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Now to the 2/7 match-up, that one is harder. I think Dallas may end up with the 2 spot, but Utah is 1/2 game back and both of their remaining schedules are about the same. But I give it to Dallas because of Dirk. Now for the 7th spot, a toss-up between OKC and Portland. Looking at their schedule..

- OKC has a TOUGH schedule remaining against playoff teams - (@Orlando, @Dallas, @Utah and @ Portland..then home games against Denver and Phoenix)

- Whereas Portlands games against the playoff teams isn't the easiest, but easier - (@Denver and @LAL, then home against Phoenix and Dallas)

I wanted to give the 6th spot to OKC because Durant is just dominating, but I'm going to give it to Portland, knocking them down to the 7th. So I have a Mavericks and Portland match-up for the 2/7 series.

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Now for the 3/6 match-up, since I have OKC staying at the 6th, it's on to trying to straighten out that 3,4 and 5 mess that's separated by one game. Looking at their schedules... -

- Utah - only 3 of the remaining are 7 are playoff teams, with two of those being at home(OKC, PHX)
- PHX and Denver have equally difficult schedules

It's just a guess based on SOS, so I will go with Utah getting the 3rd. Leaving us with Utah facing off with OKC for the 3/6 series.

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Now for the last one, the 4/5 match-up, which really shouldn't be that hard considering PHX and Denver are all that's left. These two teams are tied at 6.5 games back, with their schedules being about the same

- Denver playing 5 playoff teams out of their last 7(Home against Portland, LAL and SA, and two @OKC AND @Phoenix)
- PHX playing 5 playoff teams(@MIL, @OKC and @Utah, then SA and Denver at [b]home[b])

If it indeed comes down to these two teams, home-court will probably decided the outcome. Phoenix who is 29-9 at home so far and Denver who is 30-6, I don't see either team fairing too well without home-court. It's a toss-up, but I'll give it to Denver simply because their home-court dominance and their remaining games that stay in Denver except for two, one of them being @ PHX which could is very crucial and the Suns could take that 4th spot...

...but for now Phoenix at Denver for the 4/5 series.

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Now these could change all up and completely **** what I just worked on, ah well, but I think that's how it's going to shake out in the West - but not the least bit certain, just going be remaining schedules basically. There's going to be some great, meaningful games the next few weeks, esp. with the 3 through 6 teams, excited!


But what do you all think?

[gcdevil22]

I love the NBA playoffs, and I love that they start right after the NCAA is over...I get 2 months of quality basketball and now that I'm not in school I have the time to sit and watch all of them...it's been great

[burton2019]

NBA and quality basketball should never be used in the same sentence.

[R13]

When I looked at the standings and then worked it out, I didn't think they would be the same, but after looking at the schedules and everything...IMO that's pretty much what we'll end up with, though there will be some switching around, it should fall back into place like it is now.

[UTVols2]

Magic vs Lakers in NBA Finals after 2 months worth of NBA Playoffs

[R13]

Don't know about Orlando, I don't see Cleveland collapsing like they did last year, and I don't see Orlando having that good of a series like they did against them last year...esp. since they've pretty much dismantled that team. Plus the addition of Shaq for that very purpose, then you have a Boston team and an Atlanta team out East that are pretty good. Lakers are the best team in the West, but the West isn't as down like they were last year, it won't be a cakewalk getting out of there this time.

[Biggin]

the spurs have an insane schedule left, but dont count them out of te 7th spot.

the loss last night was terrible, that may be the game that sends them to LA instead of Denver or Dallas.

[R13]

Really a loss here and a win there with a few teams can move a team a few spots easily, with Ginobili having problems and Parker too, then the schedule...that's my guess, but really the West is too crazy. This next few week of West Con. games will be insane.

[Biggin]

ok state hasnt been in a serious playoff push like this, san antonio and portland have.

thats why i think okc ends up 8th, sa 7,portland 6.

[UTVols2]

Don't know about Orlando, I don't see Cleveland collapsing like they did last year, and I don't see Orlando having that good of a series like they did against them last year...esp. since they've pretty much dismantled that team. Plus the addition of Shaq for that very purpose, then you have a Boston team and an Atlanta team out East that are pretty good. Lakers are the best team in the West, but the West isn't as down like they were last year, it won't be a cakewalk getting out of there this time.

Magic are 3-1 vs Atlanta this year with the wins being by 17, 18, and 32.
Magic are 3-1 vs Boston this year as well.
Cavs have taken 2 of 3 against Orlando this year but have another game on Apr 11th.

IMO the Magic are the deepest team in the league and that will take you far come playoff time. The Cavs are the only real threat to Orlando this year and should make for a heckuva Eastern Conference Final.