Playoff Time: 1st Rounder prefer Matchup

[NBAFan]

Golden State
Memphis
Houston
Portland
LA Clippers

10 games to go in playoff. Every team playing for position winning and losing game so they don't end up playing a team they can't handle.
The worst Spurs can end up is 8th.

I think spurs will prefer Portland.

[Obstructed_View]

The Grizzlies were built to beat the Spurs a few years ago. Nobody has their number this year. I don't think it makes any difference. Just be healthy and playing well, try to get as many home games as possible.

[Robz4000]

Avoid the Dubs as long as possible, but if they can get HCA in the first round against Portland I'd go for that.

[ace3g]

Just for reference:

http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/matchups

[gameFACE]

Get the 3 or 4 seed and your guaranteed at least one HCA. History is mostly against a team winning it all on the road. Don't think this Spurs team can pull that off. And tbh, it doesn't make any sense prolonging a meet up with the Warriors. I'd rather it be sooner than later.

[SpursFan86]

Portland is far and away the easiest potential matchup. Now that they've lost Wes Matthews, they're not much of a threat at all. I'd be shocked if they took us to 6 games without him.

Unfortunately, I think we'll end up playing the Clippers or Rockets. I think we can beat both of them, but I don't see it being an easy series, especially if we don't have HCA (which we probably won't).

I'd probably rather play Memphis over those two teams tbh. We match up well with them and they've been pretty shaky over the past month or so.

[marinoman]

Get the 3 or 4 seed and your guaranteed at least one HCA. History is mostly against a team winning it all on the road. Don't think this Spurs team can pull that off. And tbh, it doesn't make any sense prolonging a meet up with the Warriors. I'd rather it be sooner than later.
I want the Warriors last, let other teams tire curry and klay out with hard screens and shit. And while hca is an advantage, I've always felt it was overrated. The reason top seeds make the finals so much is cause they've shown to be elite in a 82 game sample. Having 1 extra game at home that you don't often even get to is nice to have but overblown in terms of importance. Though I wouldn't mind having a better record than Cleveland just in case

[DAF86]

Easiest matchup for the Spurs are the Grizzlies by far.

[024]

Obviously the Blazers would be the best first round matchup since it is very unlikely for the Spurs to meet the Thunder in the first round.

The Rockets would be the worst followed by the Grizzlies/Clippers/Mavs.

[Malik Hairston]

Portland is probably an easy sweep, tbh..they aren't a playoff-caliber team without Matthews, especially in the West..

In order of preference(realistic, since Mavs/Thunder aren't getting a top 5 seed):
1. Portland
2. Memphis
3. LAC
4. Houston

[bdictjames]

I would not want the Grizzlies with Jeff Green. Although we do have Kawhi Leonard, this team still feels like it has a hard time defending long, stretch 3's. A good thing is that they don't have a consistent shooting guard who's a three-point threat.

As long as this team plays like a team, I think we're good. :)

[cd021]

Portland
Houston
Memphis

in that order

Batum has been really bad this season (he's been playing with a wrist injury that has affected his shooting) Affalo isn't as good as of a defender or shooter as Matthews. Less of an issue to put Parker on Affalo than it was for Parker to guard Matthews who posts smaller guards.

Splitter played well defensively against Aldridge an Duncan can score against Lopez. Ginobili didn't play very well last postseason against the Blazers but he got the the rim fairly easy. Belinelli played his best against the Blazers last year in the regular and postseason.


The Rockets may be without Beverly meaning Terry and Prigioni would split minutes at PG. Neither are the defender that Beverly is. Terry adds shooting and Prigioni, play-making, (even though its minimized with Harden)

Their front court is pretty deep with Howard, Montejunas, Jones and Smith after Harden that would be the biggest challenge. They have 3 stretch forwards that can draw a big out and attack off the dribble.

[cd021]

I would not want the Grizzlies with Jeff Green. Although we do have Kawhi Leonard, this team still feels like it has a hard time defending long, stretch 3's. A good thing is that they don't have a consistent shooting guard who's a three-point threat.

As long as this team plays like a team, I think we're good. :)

Jeff Green hasn't been good. They really only have 3 shooters (Conley, Lee and Carter). They rely on points in the paint and FTs. That not a good game plan against the Spurs. I'd prefer Portland but I'd feel confident the Spurs could be the Grizzlies in 5 or 6 games.

[apalisoc_9]

What do you guys think of Memphis playing GSW in the 2nd round? LA has a good chance of overtaking them...They still have to play Paul, GSW and SAS and they look so bad right now I wouldn't be surprised if the lose against NOP, WAS, UTAH.

1. Warriors
2. LA
3. Houston
4. Portland
5. Memphis
6. SA
7. Dallas.

tough 1st and 2nd round, but you get memphis playing GSW...

[timtonymanu]

Portland
Memphis
LA
Houston

Don't get the fear for Memphis. They haven't matched up well with the Spurs since 2011. I don't want to take Houston lightly. I feel like they will expose our weak perimeter defenders.

[gameFACE]

I want the Warriors last, let other teams tire curry and klay out with hard screens and shit. And while hca is an advantage, I've always felt it was overrated. The reason top seeds make the finals so much is cause they've shown to be elite in a 82 game sample. Having 1 extra game at home that you don't often even get to is nice to have but overblown in terms of importance. Though I wouldn't mind having a better record than Cleveland just in case

Well there you go - HCA is an advantage. The only people who really say it's not important are teams that are 5th through 8th seed. Having one extra game at home means if you screw up at home you have a better chance of recovering.

[Horse]

Portland
Memphis
LA
Houston

Don't get the fear for Memphis. They haven't matched up well with the Spurs since 2011. I don't want to take Houston lightly. I feel like they will expose our weak perimeter defenders.
They weren't shit in '11 either, manu was hurt and Pop wouldn't play splitter. The whole reason we match up so well with them is cause we're one of the few teams that can match them inside. And they can't keep up with our shooting.

[marinoman]

Well maybe Im not articuling what I want to, 1 extra game at home is a slight advantage, not a big one. Of course it's better to have it than not, but nothing great imo.

[timtonymanu]

:lol People that are scared of Memphis

[ElNono]

I would prefer the Lakers, tbh

[Robz4000]

Memphis is really starting to fade; Spurs beat them Saturday they'll have a real shot to pass them. Hopefully Houston cools off soon.

[ace3g]

WESTERN
W (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/wins)
L (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/losses)
PCT (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/winPercent)
GB (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/gamesBehind)
HOME (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/homeWinPercent)
ROAD (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/roadWinPercent)
DIV (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/divisionWinPercent)
CONF (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/leagueWinPercent)
PF (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgPointsFor)
PA (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/avgPointsAgainst/order/false)
DIFF
STRK (http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/sort/streak)
L10


1
y - Golden State (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/gs/golden-state-warriors)
59
13
.819
-
34-2
25-11
11-3
35-8
109.8
98.9
+10.9
Won 8
9-1


2
x - Memphis (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mem/memphis-grizzlies)
50
23
.685
9 ½
27-9
23-14
8-6
31-14
98.7
95.6
+3.2
Lost 2
5-5


3
x - Houston (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/hou/houston-rockets)
49
23
.681
10
27-10
22-13
6-6
28-17
103.5
100.2
+3.2
Won 3
7-3


4
Portland (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/por/portland-trail-blazers)
45
25
.643
13
28-7
17-18
9-3
25-16
102.5
98.1
+4.4
Won 1
4-6


5
x - LA Clippers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/lac/los-angeles-clippers)
48
25
.658
11 ½
27-10
21-15
9-3
30-14
106.4
100.2
+6.2
Won 6
8-2


6
San Antonio (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs)
46
26
.639
13
28-8
18-18
5-7
25-19
102.7
97.5
+5.2
Won 2
7-3


7
Dallas (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/dal/dallas-mavericks)
45
28
.616
14 ½
25-12
20-16
7-8
24-20
104.2
100.9
+3.3
Lost 1
5-5


8
Oklahoma City (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder)
41
31
.569
18
27-9
14-22
8-5
21-22
103.4
101.0
+2.4
Lost 1
7-3


http://espn.go.com/i/blackdot.gif



New Orleans (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/no/new-orleans-pelicans)
38
34
.528
21
24-13
14-21
7-6
22-20
99.2
98.8
+0.5
Won 1
5-5



Phoenix (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/phx/phoenix-suns)
38
34
.528
21
21-16
17-18
6-8
20-23
104.2
103.6
+0.5
Lost 1
6-4

[Johnny RIngo]

Memphis is really starting to fade; Spurs beat them Saturday they'll have a real shot to pass them. Hopefully Houston cools off soon.

We can make up some ground with the two games we have against 'em in April. Doubt we win both though. This team is far too inconsistent on the road

[Robz4000]

We can make up some ground with the two games we have against 'em in April. Doubt we win both though. This team is far too inconsistent on the road

Fully expect a split tbh. Need to check their schedule; looks like they have a fairly road-heavy finish.

[RD2191]

feels like we aren't making up any ground. like we are stuck at 6.:lol

[Robz4000]

The entire SW division could be on one side of the bracket :wow...

[Malik Hairston]

As Ringo said, winning both against Houston would be massive for the Spurs, those are essentially playoff-caliber games IMO(although I doubt the team will feel the same way:lol)..they'll probably split, but let's hope they win both, it's their only shot at the 3 seed IMO, unless Memphis continues to collapse..

The Clippers have an extremely easy schedule, as I've been saying..I'd be absolutely shocked if they don't finish ahead of the Spurs and Rockets, tbh..

[RD2191]

The entire SW division could be on one side of the bracket :wow...
I was seeing that the other day.:lol

[wildchild]

Portland
LAC
Memphis
Houston

I'd prefer if we can avoid the Warriors until the WCF, the Spurs need get playoffs' rhythm to beat them on the road.


Fully expect a split tbh. Need to check their schedule; looks like they have a fairly road-heavy finish.
http://i.imgur.com/CO8g80wl.jpg

[Robz4000]

Portland
LAC
Memphis
Houston

I'd prefer if we can avoid the Warriors until the WCF, the Spurs need get playoffs' rhythm to beat them on the road.


http://i.imgur.com/CO8g80wl.jpg

Only 3 potential losses outside those Spurs games. Spurs need to win both games against them to give themselves a realistic chance.

[SpurSwag]

Yeah I'd wanna play memphis mainly because I personally feel like we should avoid the golden state bracket, which means staying in 6th and I'd rather see memphis than houston. Though Houston is likely to choke in the playoffs, they tend to go off on us and I'd rather avoid that.

[Malik Hairston]

Even ignoring the matchups and analysis, and even overlooking Houston's choking history, I'd just rather avoid dealing with a series full of Harden officiating, tbh..fuck that..

[Johnny RIngo]

Even ignoring the matchups and analysis, and even overlooking Houston's choking history, I'd just rather avoid dealing with a series full of Harden officiating, tbh..fuck that..

Agreed. Harden's annoying as fuck and adding Dwight into the picture makes things even more dificult. He's still a monster rebounder and his presence in the paint seems to frustrate Parker. TP's numbers against Houston the last four times he's played them with Dwight in the lineup:

9.7 ppg 2.2 rpg 2.5 apg 2 TOs
41 TS%

And these are regular season numbers. Don't want to imagine how poorly playoff Parker will play against the Rockets.

If there was a way to play Portland and Memphis in the first two rounds, that would be ideal imo

[sananspursfan21]

Easiest matchup for the Spurs are the Grizzlies by far.

This 100%. The Grizzlies are the only team right now that really plays at a slow pace that won't tire out San Antonio but also that they can exceed and dispose quickly

[jag]

I want no part of Houston. That city/team has a massive hard on for the Spurs. A series with Houston would be their Super Bowl. It's not that I don't think the Spurs would win, I just think a 7 game series with Houston would take a lot out of them. And it would probably go 7 games.

[Old School 44]

OkC, Portland or Memphis. That's who I would prefer, but Okcs not realistic since they're most likely to face the Warriors.

[DAF86]

Easiest matchup for the Spurs are the Grizzlies by far.

This, tbh. And we didn't even need the three tonight, Grizzlies aren't specially good at defending that either.

[z0sa]

From the most likely MUs... Portland, Grizzlies, Clippers in that order.

[DAF86]

It wouldn't bother me at all for the standings to end like they are right now, tbh.

[vander]

don't care who, just don't want to see GS until conference finals. so don't get stuck in 4 or 5 seed Spurs!

[ace3g]

http://www.nbaplayoffsbracket.com/2015/index.php

Current look at the bracket

[Jimmy Cobaine]

Dallas could easily lose their next three games and tie OKC for the 8th seed

[spurraider21]

http://www.nbaplayoffsbracket.com/2015/index.php

Current look at the bracket
if dallas does the lord's work, WCF should be a near lock

[BatManu20]

This is where all those 1 or 2-point losses really start to hurt you. We could easily be #2 in the West if not for a couple bad bounces and/or a missed FT here and there. The back to back Triple-OT losses earlier in the season, the 2-point home loss to the Lakers, the 1-point loss to the Pelicans, the Knicks catastrophe, the Kyrie game, etc. We have a pretty tough stretch to end the season, doubtful we can catch Memphis or Houston at this point. The #4 spot is a possibility, but even that will be tough with our schedule. As long as we enter the playoffs healthy, I'm content. It's going to be an uphill battle either way. But If I had to choose, Portland, Memphis, then Houston. Avoid GWS as long as possible.