First round thoughts

divol

divol

The Spurs can suck my manhood
Don't know how much time I will have and I been watching NBA on and off the last few seasons, but will try to post some thoughts - if they will help anyone idk :)

In Denver - LAC series - in regular season home team won all 4 games, so HCA can have a meaning here.
Both teams are enigma to some point. LAC been rarely fully healthy and Denver just changed coach. I think that Denver in the end has the player that should do the difference and Harden will have to prove himself big time for LAC to have a shot here.

In Houston - GSW series, It's feels like in both cases, we look too much at the past and not the current situation. GSW struggles all season long and while Butler brought a lot, no sure if it will be enough against much much much deeper and more energetic Rockets. Feeling like the odds are way off here.

Lakers - Minny for me is easy. Minny did manage to beat Denver last season with some heroic moments, but still... Lakers off a rest should start well and we will see if Minny can deliver some punches of their own later in the series. I would look at LAL ATS here.

NYK - Detroit - didn't watch either team enough this season - will try to watch tonight's game to form some opinion.

Indiana - Milwaukee - Indiana will win Game 1, but wonder if what will be the price on the Bucks for the series after Game 1. Indiana are well coached, pretty deep and already won the Bucks in the playoffs in round 1 last year - but it's hard to see in a fight between two pretty equal teams, to see one team easily winning series two seasons in a row.


Will add later :)
 
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OKC - Memphis
Boston - Orlando

Both cases on paper should be easy wins for the favorites. Orlando finished the season (very) strong and did win Boston twice in regular season, but so hard to believe Boston will need more than 5 games to win Orlando. Will gladly be wrong, since I like Orlando and the opposite of love towards Boston ;)
No thoughts of spread either. Maybe after Game 1 we will have some indication.
Memphis are a tough team, but Morant carrying an injury won't help the Grizzlies + they lost all 4 games to the Thunder this season, all 4 by DD and Thunder are young and probably will come firing on all cylinders. Maybe Thunder ATS makes sense, but I don't remember myself betting DD spreads even when I was much more involved :)

Cavs - Heat I doubt Cavs happy with the rival, but still... Cavs are so talented and Heat just lack talent. I assume very low score, because can't see Heat trying outrun the Cavs, but regular season results (though not worth too much in the playoffs) were well above the total today.
 
Many thoughts here, but will try to be short (and maybe even on point):
Denver - Clippers

Somehow this series intrigues me even more than Lakers - Wolves, especially after the beating in Game 1 for the Lakers.
Game 1 was great and somehow I feel that it's even more confusing now, after seeing them play, than before.
Denver shot 33% behind the arc - this is a team that is second in the league behind the arc at home and they were horrible. Somehow, it's not even on RW missing - because he shot 33.3% that is about 100000% higher than his average (at least against Clips this season) :)
MPJ won't be as bad, because he just can't be... Bench probably will be better for both teams.
Clippers had the game in their hands, but it got away. Usually it can easily turn to an easy win for the home team in Game 2, especially with a team that had sow many letdowns and disappointments as the Clippers.
On the other hand, they almost won despite Kawhi having so-so game and were carried by Dunn, Zubac, Battum and Harden... If those 4 show up again, doubt they will lose - but what the chance of that? Bogdanovic on the other hand can't be as bad as he was...
Staying away, but if I had to guess, home team is 5 - 0 this season in this match up - logic says 6 - 0 makes more sense than 5 - 1 :)
I do think that Kawhi Over in props and Jocic can be smart here.

Knicks - Pistons
Hoping to get to watch at least part of Game 1 in the Garden before saying enough about Game 2
 
Just caught the second half of the Knicks vs. Pistons game—great game!
I haven’t watched much of the Pistons this season, but I’m really impressed with their play. They’ve got talent, energy, and solid teamwork. That said, I’m not sold on their coach, JB. I’ve never quite understood the hype around him, to be honest.
The Knicks, on the other hand, I’ve seen a few times this year, and I think Towns has found the perfect home. He’s getting the respect he deserves, but Brunson remains the face of the team. Towns seems to thrive on both ends of the floor when he’s surrounded by blue-collar grinders, which this Knicks roster has in loads. The Pistons are young and play well together, but the Knicks just grind harder. Plus, New York has more experience, while Detroit still lacks that go-to player who can carry them in the postseason.
I think Brunson wasn't expect to be that guy either—until he joined the Knicks and transformed into a star. Nobody saw that coming! I think Cade Cunningham has the potential to be that player for Detroit, but he needs postseason experience to get there.
This series could go either way. I can see the Knicks sweeping, but with four tight games, or it stretching to Game 6 or 7. I’d be shocked if the Knicks win too many games by double digits—Detroit’s too young and scrappy to roll over. Every minute they get on the floor in the playoffs is going to help them grow. If the line was 8 or higher, I’d lean toward the Pistons, but 6.5 feels too tight for me to call.
One thing for Detroit: Tobias Harris needs to step up as the veteran in clutch moments, not just in the first three quarters. Also, I’d take Dennis Schröder over THJ any day—especially in the playoffs. Schröder led Germany to Olympic gold; he’s tough as nails and could be a great example for this young Pistons squad.
 
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Cade most definitely is that player.

He's the best player in this series. He carried this team in many 4th quarters. I wouldn't take G1 performance to the heart too much. He absolutely torched NY in the regular season. They concentrated on him Heavily in G1.

Now, New York is certainly a grinding team but they waited till the last 9 mins. That can't happy anymore of Detroit will give them a scare.

I absolutely LOVE JB as a coach -- with a caveat. This guy transformation of a 14 win team to mid 40s makes him the coach of year IMO. No homer slant there. This isn't your normal NBA team. They play hard and together almost every night.

My caveat there is I don't think he's a championship coach. He reminds me of a Doug Collins -- a coach that will help build your team and make them work hard before that wears on the players.

Cleveland success this year shows what he helped build.

I hope he's here for two more years before they find their champ coach.
 
B.A.R. said:
Cade most definitely is that player.

He's the best player in this series. He carried this team in many 4th quarters. I wouldn't take G1 performance to the heart too much. He absolutely torched NY in the regular season. They concentrated on him Heavily in G1.

Now, New York is certainly a grinding team but they waited till the last 9 mins. That can't happy anymore of Detroit will give them a scare.

I absolutely LOVE JB as a coach -- with a caveat. This guy transformation of a 14 win team to mid 40s makes him the coach of year IMO. No homer slant there. This isn't your normal NBA team. They play hard and together almost every night.

My caveat there is I don't think he's a championship coach. He reminds me of a Doug Collins -- a coach that will help build your team and make them work hard before that wears on the players.

Cleveland success this year shows what he helped build.

I hope he's here for two more years before they find their champ coach.
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Obviously you know Pistons way better than me. Just watching 4th quarter, when Knicks pressed on the D, both players and HC in Detroit seemed lost... I would think that maybe veteran coach would have handled it better. But I do remember how Pop cost Spurs the title against the Heat and many great ones made mistake - so who knows...
Schroder still better than THJ ;)
 
2/2 road wins on a playoff evening is something you don't see too often - yesterday was such.
Tonight we have 3 games - Lakers need to find answers. Can they? Yes. Will they? I don't know. I like the extra day rest to work on the problems, but don't like the line. Doubt it will go to Minny 0 - 2, but I remember last season's series of Wolves against Denver, so with them it's hard to rule anything out :)
Lillard is crucial obviously, but will he come back and in what form, no one knows - easy skip.
As for Thunder - Grizzlies - this series is Thunder or nothing in all games till it's over like I said before Game 1. Not touching DDs so again easy skip, but they are young, hungry and I don't see them put the foot on the breaks if Grizzlies won't force them...
 
Last night's games:
The Wolves absorbed the punches the Lakers delivered and still managed to lose by single digits— this team is solid. On the other hand, the Lakers' win was never in question, despite Bron, Reaves, and Doncic combining for only 3 of 19 shots from beyond the arc.
During the game, I heard plenty of jokes about Gobert’s contract and defense, but he had the best plus-minus rating among the starting five and didn’t go 0-5 like Conley.
I’m obviously rooting for the Lakers, and they should win the series. However, every time I mention the Wolves in the playoffs, it’s hard not to recall last season’s series—almost impossible to predict. They did lose to Doncic in the Western Conference Finals, though. ;)

I still think the Bucks are better than their performance in the first two games. It feels like if the series ends in a sweep or even a 1-4 loss, Giannis might leave (he might leave regardless). The Bucks are in a terrible spot right now. Trading Middleton was the right move, but what they needed was a pre-injury Middleton, not Kuzma, who needs the ball, struggles on defense, and loves to jack up threes. I like Kuzma, but what does he bring that the Bucks didn’t already have in Portis? The 3-and-D role isn’t his strength, and that’s what Giannis needs around him most.

As for Thunder vs. Grizzlies, there’s nothing new to add. The Thunder are legit, and it’s them or nothing until the series ends.
 
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TBH, tonight's game I don't have too much to say. I feel that the line in Cleveland is too high, but it's mostly because of my respect to Riley and Spoelstra than the players on the floor and they are the ones that actually need to play. Heat will be fine, but probably not before summer and few moves by Riley to improve the roster.
Wiggins role in Miami is something I really curious about. He is solid and had amazing celling, but somehow never lived up to the hype/ potential. Wonder if under Heat coaching staff he can take the extra step - but it probably won't happen this series...

Boston - Orlando don't have a read there. Tatum is probably out, but Boston are deep enough for it to not matter. On the other hand, Orlando one trick pony, but they are pretty good at it. Gut feeling Boston ATS, but nothing I would want to put my money on (Tatum out can actually make Boston players more focused and the line is close to single digits)...

Houston - GSW - have small bet on the Rockets to win the series after Game 1, but just because I thought it has some value. GSW obviously good team, but they are where they are for a reason and not sure that behind Butler and Curry, Kerr has someone to rely on - so he needs both players each game till the end of the playoffs to bring their A game for them to have a shot.
Houston deep and talented, but experience might be the extra factor here. Don't see any reason to bet here, but will be rooting for the Rockets ;)
 
Not much to say about last night's games. If Jimmy is out for the series, I think GSW will have their work cut out for them...
Heat play Cleveland's game and if they continue to do so, it will be an easy sweep that I didn't expect. Heat need to slow the pace...
Boston - Orlando nothing to say - pretty much as expected and now the question who will play for Boston in Game 3.
 
I think Game 2 pace and score is much more suited for the type of series between Knicks and Pistons than Game 1 score. Line in my eyes implies Knicks, but I never used it as an indicator. Not sure HCA plays much weight here. Not feeling teams pulses enough to bet on a side, but do think that Knicks should find a way to win the series, but it can easily be tough 7 games series, just like 5 games as well :)
Under would be my bet here if I had to take one.

Line is crazy high in Memphis, but till Memphis shows something, it's still Thunder or nothing - here it's easy nothing for me :)

Game 3 in LA probably the one that the most intriguing and I think that line is too high here. I think that Clippers was the better team in the first 2 games, but overall both games could have gone both ways and Denver can show up, like they did in Minny last season. I think that Denver was built too thin and need at least 1 more player that can ball... Rooting for Denver, but sitting this one out - will probably take the loser of Game 3 in Game 4. If line will go to 6-6.5 points, maybe will take Denver, but prefer to see the game... This is series where HCA should matter.
 
Had few hectic days, but now have some time :)
Quick thoughts on last 3 nights of games:
Thursday - Knicks scratched that win, but regardless of how the series ends, young Detroit earn respect and experience you can't buy. If they keep their core and add needed pieces, they can aim to much higher places in the years to come.
Thunder shown great resilience and while Morant injury was huge and put the air out of Grizzlies (no, it wasn't intentional) - still the comeback was amazing, especially since they could have given Grizzlies gentleman's sweep and let them have one win.
Clippers were the better team in first two games and finally it fully came in to the scoreboard in Game 3. I wanted to take Game 3 loser in Game 4, but after the game, told myself it's not a good idea and stayed away on obviously good spot on paper (yeah, in hindsight it was a mistake not to take).

Friday - Didn't watch the game in Orlando, but happy for the Magic. I think they didn't deserve to get swept. They outperformed big time this season and got rewarded with at least 1 playoff win. Last season they managed to drag Cleveland to 7 games. Sooner or later, they will go past 1st round (pretty sure not this season though)...
Bucks finally got their win in a spot that was must win for them. Still, Lillard is not there and looks very rusted. If he won't get back to at least 80% of his regular play, most likely it will be the only win of the Bucks in the postseason...
If I didn't watch the game, I would have said that Doncic sickness ruined amazing night for Bron, but it wasn't on Doncic (though his defense was basically 5 on 4 offense every possession he was on the court on defense). The turnovers were on level that even I, that watched way too many hours of basketball is something I never seen. Dumb, unwarranted and somehow in the most important moments of the game. Every time Lakers gained any momentum in 2nd half, turnover that can't be explained ruined it.
Already will write Sunday thoughts on the game - Now with the early hour, Lakers have less time to get ready, for Bron and Doncic less time to rest and Minny now behind the wheel for the series... Hope we see Doncic on the level of last year's series against the Wolves - that probably only chance for the Lakers in Game 4, unless Bron has enough left in him to repeat his Game 3 level of play.

Saturday - Didn't see the game in Memphis, but had zero doubts Thunder finish the job after Game 3. Surprised it was as close, thoughts it would be a blowout, but Memphis fought for their pride or what was left of it.
Didn't see the game in Miami, but assume score speaks for itself. Had sweep written on it from day 1, but thought that if anyone can pull a rabbit out of the hat is Spoelstra (and Riley) but even he can't do magic with this roster.
Nuggets won Game 4 and I think that even Denver players didn't think they will win it. They lack depth and had two injuries on top of it. MPJ managed to give great game, RW was out (and maybe that helped the win as well). Gordon's tip in was good and I don't get all the millions close ups on Twitter proving it with headline - it shouldn't have counted. Too many people should get glasses ;)
Was itching to take Rockets in Game 3, glad I passed. Still don't get how they managed to lose this one. I guess that's the problem with teams that don't have that 1 absolute star that in late game can take the ball and go to work. GSW surely proved they still have that champion's mentality, but let's see Butler's status...
 
As for today:
In Detroit I have no doubt that both teams believe they will win Game 4. I think that Knicks are better coached and have better experience, but Detroit young, tough and scratchy. I have no doubt who wins, but I do think total is way too high. Won't be surprised to see at least one team score below 100 points mark and doubt we will see another night of both teams scoring 110+ points. I understand that the total can't go lower after easy Over on paper in Game 3, but I do think we will see a battle here, since a loss here for Detroit will most likely end their season in MSG in Game 5.
Wrote my thoughts on game in Minny in the post above. Would love to see the Lakers win, but it will take big game from Doncic (and he can deliver). Value is with Minny, but will easily skip this one and root for the Lakers
Good chances Boston wins Game 3 easily, but haven't watched even one game of Orlando this season and won't be on a game where I don't feel I know the teams well enough. Boston or nothing in my eyes anyway...
Bucks still with their back to the wall and hard to believe Trent is able to repeat his game, though he is a scorer... Lillard is the key here and his condition. Surprised we see the same line in Game 4 as in Game 3. Expected -3.5... Pacers probably has advantage here, especially ATS, but will skip it. If there is a coach that deserves to be fired and go home is Doc and I think it can be said on any job he will get in the future from Day 1 :)
 
Knicks fan so feel biased but I agree with your take on that. Knicks are too much and the fact the two teams clearly don't like each other doesn't help out with Detroit being able to somehow wiggle their way to a game 7. Knicks will end it in 5 or 6 imo.

What are your thoughts on Clippers series after game 4? I was telling a friend yesterday how crazy it was where literally everyone was all over LAC as far as being way better than Denver, already talking about how they're going to beat OKC, etc...yet they were only -415 to win the series (think it crept up to -475 by gametime). Free money is never offered at -415. Just everything pointing one way and Clippers feeling like free money made me think Denver was gonna win somehow so I stayed away from game 4. But even after seeing it I still think the Nuggets have no chance. I don't even know if I like their chances to get to game 7.
 
Also with you on avoiding the Lakers game and just rooting for the Lakers. Like I said I'm a Knicks fan, so been pretty much just rooting for Lebron for the last 20 years in the playoffs as I didn't have a team there. But even if I didn't want to avoid it for sake of rooting for LeBron, I honestly have no idea how that's gonna play out. Feel like it's one of those series that when it's done it'll just be confirmation bias from those pretending to know what's gonna happen and the result will make sense in hindsight...but I think the reality is that nobody really knows what the hell is gonna happen. I think if both teams play to the absolute best of their ability, the Lakers win for sure...but the Lakers have been beating themselves this series already and there's no real reason to think they won't keep doing so. They have LeBron, sure. If it were a later round I'd like their chances of coming back and finishing off the series more, but don't really see how anyone can have an opinion on how that's gonna play out. Every individual game is just a total wild card imo.
 
bmifsud said:
Knicks fan so feel biased but I agree with your take on that. Knicks are too much and the fact the two teams clearly don't like each other doesn't help out with Detroit being able to somehow wiggle their way to a game 7. Knicks will end it in 5 or 6 imo.

What are your thoughts on Clippers series after game 4? I was telling a friend yesterday how crazy it was where literally everyone was all over LAC as far as being way better than Denver, already talking about how they're going to beat OKC, etc...yet they were only -415 to win the series (think it crept up to -475 by gametime). Free money is never offered at -415. Just everything pointing one way and Clippers feeling like free money made me think Denver was gonna win somehow so I stayed away from game 4. But even after seeing it I still think the Nuggets have no chance. I don't even know if I like their chances to get to game 7.
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I honestly don't know about Denver - LAC series. Clippers are losers till proven otherwise. I don't get the faith people have in this team. If there is a way to lose a series, this team will find it for sure - but it's their series to lose...
 
Somehow yesterday was a rare day when all thoughts were +- spot on
Score in Detroit was one of the more obvious this postseason I think. Great game, really enjoyed it and liked the way refs managed the game. I know they didn't call tons of fouls, but I prefer that type of officiating and allowing players to play, then to have endless stops of the game. It's playoffs and teams should be aggressive... Detroit lost two super close home games and good chance will end their season in MSG in the next game, but I think they earned respect and only crazy heroics from KAT and Brunson prevented teams from going to Game 5 tied.
I do have to say that something in Detroit's game in 2nd half felt off. I again think they have terrible coach and while I can't pin point it - most of their possessions were chaotic and I didn't see plays and system. I know that Knicks basically played ISO ball with Brunson - but that's their style late in the games. Everyone in the league knows it. Cade isn't there yet (imho).
Didn't see the other games, but devastating loss for the Lakers. I don't know if it was fatigue or something else (I think playing the same 5 players without even one sub the whole 2nd half was a huge mistake!), but that last quarter collapse was brutal. Looking at scoreboard, it looks like a game Lakers should have won (minus the bench). The trio was solid, with Doncic playing at his top level (again - stats looking only). The bench obviously killed the Lakers. With almost the same amount of minutes played, Lakers bench scored 6 points and Minny scored 25. Lakers bench isn't amazing, but much better than the scoreboard shows. I expect the series to probably return to Minny, but there is still time to think.
Boston won easily and again, looking at scoreboard, it feels that the win was never in question. Probably finish the job in Game 5.
Game in Milwaukee ended on minute 6 with Lillard injury. If it's achilles and it looked that way or something else just as bad, it can be the end of Lillard as NBA star and can be the end of Giannis in Milwaukee... Big summer ahead of the Bucks on all aspects (fire Rivers...)
 
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Obvious win by Cleveland. The way Heat lost the series, was really bad and its NBA record for biggest margin series was ever won, so can't imagine how Riley and Spoelstra are feeling... Tough summer for the Heat as they will try to land a star that fits Heat culture (and I doubt Durant is the one btw).
Game in SF was in the air due to Butler's ? mark and he played eventually and won the game and was a beast.
Watched the game and several times wanted to bet live and each time decided to wait, but it was a great game to watch!
One question to Udoka - he challenged a call he didn't have a chance to win and as a result he didn't have a timeout to call when needed the most... He knows that it's ok not to challenge or thought it's mandatory?!
FTs by Rockets is another story...
 
As for tonight's games:
I think Bucks want this season to be over. We seen heroics from injured teams before and Giannis can always win any game, but I think blowout is more probable here, so value with Pacers imo
I also think that Knicks close the series tonight, but with such line, in series that been very very tight, can't see any advantage ATS wise (maybe even very very very small on Pistons). I can easily see Knicks win again in the final seconds and I doubt Pistons will roll over. Don't have any angle here, not even total...
Easy skip in Boston. Boston wins, but besides that it's anyone's guess (especially given Jalen's status)....
I realize status of RW and MPJ is ? but Clippers shouldn't be favorites on a road playoffs game. Can't bet on Clips as road favorites, can't bet on Denver the way they played this series so far... Good chance the team that wins Game 5, will close series in Game 6, no matter who wins tonight...
 
Amazing batch of games last night, but not enough time to write my thoughts about them. Hopefully tomorrow.
As for tonight, we got two road teams trying to close the series and home teams getting plenty respect from the books.
We saw last night how crazy this playoff can be and for me to take any home team ATS seems like a very risky bet.
I think Lakers with extra day of rest is always a decent spot and I think that it's a toss up in Houston, but GSW can on paper quit early if things don't go their way, knowing they can close the series at home.
Lakers ML live maybe, if there is a mix of good odds on them + I like what I see on the floor, but otherwise, just enjoying amazing playoff so far (last season was much less interesting)!
 
Going back to Tuesday night:
Horrible loss by the Bucks. They came to the game in terrible situation and had amazing night and should have won in regulation and then in OT, but it just wasn't their game to win I guess... Watched only highlights + last 6 mins (1 in regulation and 5 in OT), so can't say with big confidence, but Jannis looked like fatigued or something. Missed few shots, few bad plays on defense...
Trent must feel terrible after two TO in the final minute, after amazing OT performance for the first 4 mins....
Long summer for the Bucks.
Pacers deep, athletic, don't give up and Tyrese is their Alpha in a pack of almost even players... Teams like that rarely win the title, but many times most fun to watch and root for...

Denver - Clippers - Obviously RW and Murray played great game, but overall, Clippers put up the worst collective defensive effort I have seen this postseason from any team so far. The amount of open looks, the amount of plays Denver had 3 on 1 or easy lay ups due to lack of communication... Harden I get, but it was basically the entire team that forgot all fundamentals on defense...

Game in Boston didn't see - nothing surprising, Boston get it done in 5 games...

Knicks - Pistons was great game, love the way box score looked for the Knicks how the points evenly distributed between 6 players - loved less Brunson percentage. As for playing without Hart and Brunson in the final minute - I think they should have fouled. No reason to waste a TO, but foul to give is exactly for such situations... Pistons managed to start strong, survive several comeback attempts (and lead changes) - that shows maturity and good sign for the young team.
 
Lakers last night... 🤢
Redick I guess thought it was preseason games, so decided to check some ideas like not making any sub in Game 4 or playing entire 48 mins without true Center on the floor in Game 5... Really hope he gets fired.
I understand that you need to try different things and subbing Bogut for Iggy in starting 5 won GSW the title - but it was clear it's not working.
In the end, I know that he could claim that unless Doncic sickness and terrible turnovers by Bron in Game 3 and 4, things would have been different - but it was terrible coaching...
Wolves played great series on defense. Funny that the only game Lakers won was the one they scored the least. Lakers scored 113 points during regular season and were stopped on 100 points in the series...
 
As for tonight's games:
Knicks - Pistons series is clearly a road team series. I know that it makes sense for this trend to stop, but good chance it will continue for 1 more game, with Knicks winning another close game in what seems a great series. Line is set correctly, so don't see too much value - maybe live bet is the way to go here. Under 213.5 points looks like the way to go here - should be easy win again on paper...

Clippers - Denver is easy for me. Said that will take the winner in Game 5 to win Game 6 - so Denver it is. Series that really hard to understand for me, but can keep it simple - Clippers are losers till proven otherwise. Each time we forget it, they remind us...
 
Game in Detroit was wild and fun! Missed on the total, Knicks got the job done. I think it all came down to experience. Brunson took 10 shots in the final 5 mins, hitting 3 and making 8 points. Cade took only 3 shots, making none and scoring 0 points. Still, I think Detroit should be proud of the way they handled this series and have much to look forward to in the years to come. Series that was owned by road teams - similar to what we saw last year between Denver and Minny, with road team winning the first 4 road games...
Jrue on Brunson should be fun to watch when Knicks play Boston...

In LA it was great defensive effort by the Clippers, that closed the paint and allowed Denver to shoot three pointers. Somehow, it was a game that Denver lead in many minutes and was close almost the entire game, but if you didn't have the score, you would think Clips easily won and lead the entire game :)
Great Game 7 ahead of us and I'll be rooting for the Nugs...
 
GSW - Houston

I like Houston, but just like last night in Detroit, experience probably will make the difference. I do think the line is a bit too high and if it was one more point, I would have probably backed the Rockets here.
I do like the Over 25.5 for Curry tonight. Two weak games in a row seems like the limit for Steph. You know he is about to explode and this is elimination game and in front of his fans, I think he will prove why he is still Batman and Jimmie is Robin. He won't force it, but I think it can easily be 30+ points for him. On top of it, if it will be close game and Rockets will be sending Warrior player to the line - you know who will do everything to make sure he gets the ball...
Props always risky, but I like it.
 
Great game by the Rockets. I don't know who I credit GSW low scoring - to Rockets great defense or to Dubs missing way too many free three pointers - but the result is the same. Starters not named Curry, shot 4 out of 18! That's crazy low, especially when you have great shooter as Hield going 0 from 4, some absolutely great looks - it's almost impossible to win.
Curry prop hit, but I thought he would give a show to the fans, win or lose, but he was just not as bad as others, nothing fancy with very mediocre game.
Game 7 will be great, still have no idea who to back...
 
divol said:
Great game by the Rockets. I don't know who I credit GSW low scoring - to Rockets great defense or to Dubs missing way too many free three pointers - but the result is the same. Starters not named Curry, shot 4 out of 18! That's crazy low, especially when you have great shooter as Hield going 0 from 4, some absolutely great looks - it's almost impossible to win.
Curry prop hit, but I thought he would give a show to the fans, win or lose, but he was just not as bad as others, nothing fancy with very mediocre game.
Game 7 will be great, still have no idea who to back...
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Pretty excited we have a G7 here.

Such an interesting series.
 
B.A.R. said:
Pretty excited we have a G7 here.

Such an interesting series.
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Yeah, this series reminds all the problems GSW had in the past in WC facing good Centers... Adams and Collison made them sweat playing for the Thunder, Cappella's presence helped Rockets a lot as well. Somehow, this team that relays so much on three point shooting (especially in Splash Brothers era) really struggles when the paint is clogged... You would think that it will effect them less, not more... When Adams on the floor, at least in Games 4&6 that I watched (didn't see Game 5), really changed Dubs offense...
 
Not much thoughts here... Last year, Denver managed to lose Game 7 at home against Minny, so it's not like Denver can't lose Game 7 at home. On the other side, two Game 7 to lose at home...
Bottom line, Nuggets are at least 1 player short in my opinion to be a contender. But Clippers are losers in my opinion, though they played great D in Game 6 and brought great spirit. Teams fighting for the right to lose to the Thunder...
For me it's Nugs or nothing, but I have no problem waiting and take Denver Live with better odds at some point.
Like Joker and Kawhi props - Game 7, heavy guns should show up...
Something like 107 - 101 in Denver favor makes sense +- (maybe 103 - 97) - expecting Denver to score 110 - 100 points and Clips 95 - 105 points...
 
Last night's game was strange. I had few scenarios in mind, but not this one. I fully expected Clippers to choke. I think it's the safest bet in the book. But seeing Denver leading scorers at HT Braun, Westbrook and Gordon and have Denver lead by (almost) DD - didn't expect that. Didn't expect Denver to start the games with 3 three point shots in a row (missing all), while Clippers drove to the rim. Didn't expect to see Clippers failing attacking Zone defense - which is European defense and they have Zubac, Batum and Bogdanovic that should know this defense since they are toddlers...
It was strange game. Before the huge run in the third quarter, Denver slowly established their lead, without even feeling like it. They played pretty evenly, yet the score was slowly in Nuggets favor. Clippers actually led after first quarter and just suddenly stopped playing. That 3rd quarter was just very strange on defense by the Clippers. They just gave up on that end. All of a sudden, without any reason, they stopped defending and even grabbing boards on defense... very strange...
Denver still short, still 1-2 guys short from being contender, but got the honor of losing to Thunder instead of the Clippers and they deserve it.
RW coming to Oklahoma in playoffs playing for another team, I think it hasn't happened yet - right?
 
Game 7 tonight in Texas so hard to figure out for me. I think Rockets simply better team. Deeper, have more talent and nice balance between veterans and young blood.
On the other side, you got three players with huge hearts that anyone of them can't power his will on the game - Green, Curry and Butler.
Talent vs. experience... HCA here doesn't matter if you ask me. Houston can struggle in Game 7, where many players struggle and crumble under the pressure.
If Curry's bet was a miss last game, would have taken him tonight, but twice in a row... well maybe...
I like Green Over 8.5 points for the Dubs. If they want to win, they need him...
Under 205.5 also good option after 3 Over results in a row in this series...
Wonder if Kuminga plays after Kerr's hint or not. I don't get why he didn't play so far this postseason...
Brooks can be x-factor tonight for Houston. Assuming VanVleet doesn't go for 30 again tonight and Adams probably won't post such numbers again, Brooks can be x-factor, but Houston has so many names that can surprise...
 
divol said:
Game 7 tonight in Texas so hard to figure out for me. I think Rockets simply better team. Deeper, have more talent and nice balance between veterans and young blood.
On the other side, you got three players with huge hearts that anyone of them can't power his will on the game - Green, Curry and Butler.
Talent vs. experience... HCA here doesn't matter if you ask me. Houston can struggle in Game 7, where many players struggle and crumble under the pressure.
If Curry's bet was a miss last game, would have taken him tonight, but twice in a row... well maybe...
I like Green Over 8.5 points for the Dubs. If they want to win, they need him...
Under 205.5 also good option after 3 Over results in a row in this series...
Wonder if Kuminga plays after Kerr's hint or not. I don't get why he didn't play so far this postseason...
Brooks can be x-factor tonight for Houston. Assuming VanVleet doesn't go for 30 again tonight and Adams probably won't post such numbers again, Brooks can be x-factor, but Houston has so many names that can surprise...
Click to expand...
Kuminga played very well vs Houston in the regular season. It seems that GS would benefit from his ability to take guys off the dribble. Not sure how his lack of playing time makes sense unless something happened beyond the scenes?

Memphis probably didn‘t expect Brooks to develop into a 3 and D guy
 
VirginiaCavs said:
Kuminga played very well vs Houston in the regular season. It seems that GS would benefit from his ability to take guys off the dribble. Not sure how his lack of playing time makes sense unless something happened beyond the scenes?

Memphis probably didn‘t expect Brooks to develop into a 3 and D guy
Click to expand...
I think Brooks is typical 3 and D guy - the only question is where his head at and the fact that he has too many games where he can go off and on... You can't rely on him being solid for whole series and that's huge minus for a team that wants to go deep in the playoffs...
 
Amazing that somehow in such low scoring game, Green of all players managed to get his total in points before even halftime.
 
Game 7 you could clearly see the difference in experience and that was basically the game. Rockets had their playoff experience and Game 7 experience and probably next time they won't play as poorly.
Hield and Green put up a show no doubt...
 
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