These are the teams (aside from the Spurs) who I consider most likely to attain a top five spot and play the Spurs. Yes, someone might else (T-Wolves, Pelicans, Clippers, Nuggets) could sneak in, but I'm considering it unlikely.
1. Jazz - They're younger, deeper, hotter; and they are great at both ends of the court.
2. Rockets - Yea, we beat them last year; but this is a different year.
3. Warriors - I think the Spurs have a handle on how to play these guys, honestly. Obviously this team has a lot of firepower, and Kawhi would need to be back and significantly contributing if not anchoring this team.
4. Thunder - Thunder refs would play a big part in a series like this, tbh.
5. Blazers - Formidable; but a team very much built for the regular season.
1-Warriors.
Curry/Durant/Klay will return in just a few weeks
2-Rockets
This Houston team has improved in many ways. Three good perimetral defenders now, other playmaker, more shooters....
3-Thunder
Adams is just one of the few guys that can bother LMA but without Roberson defense...IDK.
Just three teams. The rest is very winnable.
I also want Blazers in first round, they're the best matchup for the Spurs.
Last edited by YGWHI; 03-19-2018 at 07:55 AM.
Pretty much this. I might flip Warriors and Rockets as I don't think this Dubs team is as good as in the recent past and if we could catch them early when their guys are still coming off the injuries maybe (key word maybe) we'd have a better chance than beating them in later rounds.
If Kawhi is back, we match up better with the Warriors, imo. KA has figured out how to guard Durant, so the smaller Green can stay on Curry or Thompson, and Kawhi can go wherever. Also, LMA and Kawhi can take turns on Durant, too. I think that's why we have a better chance against the Warriors than anyone; we are able to throw a lot at Durant and keep him off balance more.
Also, Jazz are deeper and hotter and more in sync than the Thunder. I get that the Thunder will get the star treatment from the refs, but I would say the Jazz scare me a lot more. I definitely see them as a dark horse to make the conference finals.
None of them. Hopefully this team is in the lottery.
I'm betting on Kawhi being back for the playoffs, tbh. If he's not, then I'll admit that he quit on the team.
I wish I could share your optimism.
Aldridge would terrorize his old team. Hope that happens
Man, I hope we get the Blazers...
It's more a matter of pragmatism. If Kawhi sat out the playoffs and then skipped town it'd tarnish his reputation.
1- OKC - because I want them to knock out GSW or Houston
2- Jazz - they may be lacking experience but they truly could run over this Spurs team
Last edited by Brunodf; 03-19-2018 at 11:10 PM.
It's Minnesota or bust.
1. Houston..not only for the talent disparity and style mismatch, but Harden will never forget that game 6 again, they will never play less than 100% against SA(their announcers even admitted this)
2. GS..obvious reasons, stacked roster and superior coach, but it wouldn't be as embarrassing as Houston, as Golden State tends to coast against the Spurs..
3. OKC..they're dysfunctional and have many weak points to attack, but they just match up well against the Spurs..
4. Utah..they have matched up well against SA, but they're beatable and may have peaked too early..
5. Portland..it would be a low-scoring, defensive series, which would at least give the Spurs a chance they wouldn't have against the explosive teams..
Without Kawhi this team's prospects against any team are not very good.
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