190 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

If Chris Paul can take the Lakers to 6 last year with that Hornets team, I would be surprised if this series doesn't at least go 7, and am calling for the Clips to win in 6 (if Paul is healthy, that is). Memphis has been awful shooting 3's this year and word is the Clips have been working on a modified zone to protect Griffin from Memphis' bigs and force them to shoot from the outside.

Also, wouldn't be surprised to see the Hawks take that series with Ray Allen's injury and his status up in the air.

Other than that, I pretty much agree with your picks, give or a take a game.

What is the latest with Al Horford? He didn't wind-up coming back for the season final against Dallas. Is he going to play in the playoffs? Hawks have talent and experience, would not be shocked if they won that series.

Clippers and the Grizzlies should be fun. I really like Memphis' front-court. Not a big fan of their guards. Mayo and Conley need to step-up. Paul does figure to have a field day. One of my favorite players to watch.

[Brobey]

Last I saw was that Horford was still questionable. With Allen not being 100% I dont see who will guard Joe Johnson for the Celts. Bradley is a great defender but he would be giving up 6 inches on Johnson and that would be too tough of an assignment for Bradley.

If Memphis is able to get the ball inside, they will take the series. If the Clips force them to shoot for outside, the Clips will take it. I hope Paul is 100% because he is my favorite player to watch in the playoffs this year.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Pierce will guard Joe Johnson.

[Brobey]

Pierce will guard Joe Johnson.

If Allen is not 100% and you have Pierce guard Johnson, that's put a lot on KG/Rondo on the offensive end since I wouldn't expect Pierce to be on the top of his game if he's guarding Johnson for 40+ minutes a game.

That being said, if Horford can't go, the series can go either way. If Horford plays, Boston will have difficulty stopping him, Johnson, and Josh Smith (who has quietly put together one of the better all around seasons in the league this year).

[BSLChrisStoner]

D. Rose having an MRI, rumors of him being out weeks. That would be a shame.

[SportsGuy]

D. Rose having an MRI, rumors of him being out weeks. That would be a shame.

If that happens, Miami/Ind winner vs Boston...Again, don't sleep on Indiana.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Rose has torn his ACL. Just horrible news for him and the Bulls.

[Brobey]

Rose has torn his ACL. Just horrible news for him and the Bulls.

Not saying they are better without Rose, because that is crazy, but they are still a good team without Rose and proved it this year. I could be mistaken, but their defensive stats were better when Rose wasnt in the lineup.

All the games they played without Rose this year will be very beneficial now.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Wow. Just terrible news.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Not saying they are better without Rose, because that is crazy, but they are still a good team without Rose and proved it this year. I could be mistaken, but their defensive stats were better when Rose wasnt in the lineup.

All the games they played without Rose this year will be very beneficial now.

Good points Brian. I'm sorry they have to deal with Rose being out, but at-least they have dealt with it during the year. They should still be a tough out, and I think I'll still take them to get to the ECF.

[SBTarheel]

Brutal. I think Miami wins the East anyway, but damn, I just love watching great players, and losing Rose is tough for the whole league.

Can't wait for the Denver/Lakers & Clips/Grizzlies series. Epic.

[BSLChrisStoner]

How bad did the Knicks look yesterday? Losing Shumpert is huge for them.

I was very surprised by the Pacers losing at home to Orlando.

[SportsGuy]

How bad did the Knicks look yesterday? Losing Shumpert is huge for them.

I was very surprised by the Pacers losing at home to Orlando.

Surprised by Indiana as well. I figured it would be a 4 or 5 game series. Could still go 5 but I tend to think 6 games now.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Lakers looked great today. Bynum with the Lakers' first playoff triple-double since Magic in the 1991 Finals.

I still think the west is completely up for grabs and if the Lakers can continue to take advantage of their size they have a solid shot to make the finals.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Watching Memphis and the Clippers. Z. Randolph picking up right where he left off in the Playoffs last year. Memphis will be a difficult out.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Nice comeback from the Clippers here, this could be a fun series.

[SBTarheel]

Reactionary Post coming up, ready?

Memphis might win the West.

[SBTarheel]

Reactionary Post coming up, ready?

Memphis might win the West.

Or not.

What a collapse. 95-71 lead in the 4th..

lose 99-98. Wow.

[Brobey]

Reactionary Post coming up, ready?

Memphis might win the West.

The one thing you have to worry about with Memphis was their outside shooting and going 1-14 to end that game will not help matters, especially now that they will have to win one in LA, where the Clippers faired pretty well.

[ravens8589]

On the note of Memphis, I won't look into their loss last night too closely (although, it's not a good sign). They are a tough out for any team in the west and they proved that last year without Rudy Gay. With him, I fully expect them to beat the Clippers. I know, last night does not show that but I am not worried about that.