Potential Lakers Mavericks First Round Matchup

[Indazone]

Denver draws the Grizzlies in their last game and the Mav's draw the Hornets in their last game. If the Nuggets win and the Mav's lose (very likely scenario) then they would have identical records.

This would go to the tiebreaker in head to head matchups this season. Denver owns the better head to head record in this case 2-1 against the Mavs which means the Nuggets move up to 7 and the Mavs fall to 8.

Lakers vs Mavs first round baby!!!

[LakeShow]

Denver draws the Grizzlies in their last game and the Mav's draw the Hornets in their last game. If the Nuggets win and the Mav's lose (very likely scenario) then they would have identical records.

This would go to the tiebreaker in head to head matchups this season. Denver owns the better head to head record in this case 2-1 against the Mavs which means the Nuggets move up to 7 and the Mavs fall to 8.

Lakers vs Mavs first round baby!!!
If the lakers win tonight and the Hornets win, it will be no reason for the Hornets to play their starters against the Mavs. Dallas should win!

[Findog]

If the lakers win tonight and the Hornets win, it will be no reason for the Hornets to play their starters against the Mavs. Dallas should win!

Wait...the Lakers host the Queens and the Hornets play the Clip Show. If LA wins, do they clinch HCA throughout the West no matter what NOLA does? Or would NOLA need a win at Dallas just to hang onto the #2 seed? In which case a win against LAC gives them at least the #2?

[Indazone]

Gotta watch out for the Kings...they are playing for pride and with some pretty good basktball. Question is, will they have their starters or not?

[2Cleva]

Wait...the Lakers host the Queens and the Hornets play the Clip Show. If LA wins, do they clinch HCA throughout the West no matter what NOLA does? Or would NOLA need a win at Dallas just to hang onto the #2 seed? In which case a win against LAC gives them at least the #2?


Yes. Lakers win with a clinch regardless of anyone else.

And if the Hornets win tonight they clinch the division. Not sure about #2.

[Findog]

Yes. Lakers win with a clinch regardless of anyone else.

And Hornets clinch #2 with a win over Clippers, correct? So Lakeshow is correct, if both the Lakers and Hornets win tonight, then the Hornets would be locked in at #2 and have no incentive to play their starters against Dallas?

[ludda]

Hornets will be locked, but they have an incentive to play--they can decide whether they want to play Dallas or Denver first round by either "resting" or playing hard and beating Dallas.

[2Cleva]

And Hornets clinch #2 with a win over Clippers, correct? So Lakeshow is correct, if both the Lakers and Hornets win tonight, then the Hornets would be locked in at #2 and have no incentive to play their starters against Dallas?

Yeah - I had to check but thats correct. If the Lakers and Hornets both win, they also clinch the top two seeds in the West.

[The Nba Is Rigged]

Just reading the title of this thread gets me nervous...

[Findog]

Hornets will be locked, but they have an incentive to play--they can decide whether they want to play Dallas or Denver first round by either "resting" or playing hard and beating Dallas.

Forgot that angle, you are correct.

[Findog]

What are the chances that the Hornets play the Mavs straight up as a means to avoid them? I think it's safe to assume they and the Lakers win tonight.

[Indazone]

Spurs/Hornets with identical records and tied for second if the Hornets lose and the Spurs win.

I am not sure how the tie breaker works in this case because the Spurs and Hornets have split their games 2-2

[Indazone]

Spursfans should be the biggest Clipper fans on the planet. Cause that means a first round matchup with either the Mavs or the Nuggets.

[Findog]

I am not sure how the tie breaker works in this case because the Spurs and Hornets have split their games 2-2

Conference record when teams have the same record and split head to head.

[ludda]

Just depends on who the Hornets feel is a better matchup. Also they've kind of fallen down to earth in their last two losses, so they may also want to play hard and carry momentum into the playoffs.

But really the Mavs could have had 7th seed locked up and it wouldn't have come to the last game if they had just beaten either Portland or Seattle.

[Indazone]

What if conference record is identical because that is what it would be.

[2Cleva]

You also gotta figure that Dallas would go all out to play NO instead of having to face LA again - who they lost 3 in a row to. Win that game and they can send a message to NO and maybe get an advantage.

[Hemotivo]

dallas should win against lal

dirk is back!

[Findog]

I guess we need to be Laker and Hornet fans tonight. I can't see Byron Scott playing full tilt trying to avoid the Mavericks. They'll be on the 2nd of a b2b and on the road. If you play hard and lose, you still get the Mavs and there's a psychological component at play now.

I wouldn't say we'd be favored to beat the Hornets, far from it, but we have a better shot against them than the Lakers, against whom we have no shot.

[Findog]

What if conference record is identical because that is what it would be.

Gosh, I have no idea. I think the Spurs are two behind in the loss column in conference play to the Hornets as of now.

[Xylus]

Dallas-LA would be a dream matchup for everyone but Dallas and LA. :lol It'll be a travesty if the Lakers end up with a 1st-round date with the Nuggets, while everyone else has to play their asses off just to make it to the 2nd round.

Everyone's underestimating the Mavs right now, and I don't think that's a very smart thing to do.

[Indazone]

Well if the Spurs are two behind in the loss column, then the Spurs would be number 3 and the Hornets number 2. Spurs would draw the sixth seed which again, is the Suns. Unless I am missing something here.

I looked it up, something is not right. The Spurs win and tie the Hornets than the conference records would be 33-17 Hornets and 33-18 Spurs. That's not fair based on the fact that the Hornets played one less game.

Except that I forgot the Hornets have two more games to play. The Clippers and the Mavs. IF and this is a big IF

Hornets lose to Clippers and lose to the Mavs then they will have identical conference records but would lose flat out to the Spurs based on the Spurs having a better overall record.

So the Hornets lose one game and Beat the Mavs, and the Spurs beat the Jazz they will be tied with the Spurs in all likelyhood with identical records of 56-26. The conference record would then be Hornets favor and the Hornets would get Number 2 and the Spurs 3.

[Indazone]

I guess we need to be Laker and Hornet fans tonight. I can't see Byron Scott playing full tilt trying to avoid the Mavericks. They'll be on the 2nd of a b2b and on the road. If you play hard and lose, you still get the Mavs and there's a psychological component at play now.

I wouldn't say we'd be favored to beat the Hornets, far from it, but we have a better shot against them than the Lakers, against whom we have no shot.

I dunno, but I don't think any of these guys will tank a game with the playoffs the way it is now. Can you seriously say that Pop has ever tanked a game before? Byron Scott? Well maybe he'd do it but I don't think Pop would ever do it.

[Findog]

I dunno, but I don't think any of these guys will tank a game with the playoffs the way it is now. Can you seriously say that Pop has ever tanked a game before? Byron Scott? Well maybe he'd do it but I don't think Pop would ever do it.

If they're locked into their seed, and if they are truly are better than Dallas, then why should they be afraid of them and bust their asses off and risk injury to key playes in a game just to avoid them?

[Findog]

On the other hand, what business do we have worrying about seeds and potential opponents when we can't beat the Sonics?

[Indazone]

If the Hornets lose to the Clippers, then all bets are off. They will play as hard as they possibly can against the Mavericks to keep their number 2 seed.

[stretch]

Dallas-LA would be a dream matchup for everyone but Dallas and LA. :lol It'll be a travesty if the Lakers end up with a 1st-round date with the Nuggets, while everyone else has to play their asses off just to make it to the 2nd round.

Everyone's underestimating the Mavs right now, and I don't think that's a very smart thing to do.
I know quite a few Laker fans that know they dont wanna see the Mavericks at all in the first round.

Mavs shock the world in 6, maybe 5.

[Findog]

I think if we had a better coach we should beat the Lakers.

[RonMexico]

I think if we had a better coach we should beat the Lakers.

Del Harris!

[Allanon]

If the Hornets beat the Clippers, it's done, they can't go lower than #2 no matter what. The Hornets really have no reason to play all out... IN DALLAS. And the more important this is, the MAVS prefer to have the Hornets rather than the Lakers.

Lakers would Prefer the Nugz ... that should be a pretty easy series...especially with Crymelo not in his full mind after the DUI charges.

[Findog]

Del Harris!

People here on this board don't respect him, I don't know why. He's better than Avery. Maybe Lakers fans can shed some light, but basically they won 55+ games every year with Shaq and lost to an equally good Utah team and Shaq basically decided he didn't like Del and wouldn't listen to him?

[ludda]

Lakers prefer Nuggets, though Mavs are not a bad matchup for them either.
Hornets prefer ?
Mavs prefer Hornets.

All those teams would be happy if the Mavs had just beaten the Sonics.
Maybe Kings will play spoiler tonight :smokin

[Indazone]

If the Hornets beat the Clippers, it's done, they can't go lower than #2 no matter what.

Lakers would Prefer the Nugz ... that should be a pretty easy series...especially with Melo not in his full mind after the DUI charges.

It would be done from the point of view that the you're assuming that New Orleans would tank their game after that to the Mavs. Which is why all Spurs fans should be rooting for the Clippers to pull off the upset

[Findog]

Even though the Lakers would beat the Mavs, they probably understand a series against Dallas would be more of a grind and the Nugz are preferable.

[ludda]

If the Hornets beat the Clippers, it's done, they can't go lower than #2 no matter what. The Hornets really have no reason to play all out... IN DALLAS. And the more important this is, the MAVS prefer to have the Hornets rather than the Lakers.

Lakers would Prefer the Nugz ... that should be a pretty easy series...especially with Crymelo not in his full mind after the DUI charges.

Hornets may prefer the Nuggets and would thus play all out against the Mavs. It's not out of the realm.

[monosylab1k]

I think if we had a better coach we should beat the Lakers.
We would beat them for sure.

I'm sorry, but the Lakers simply do not impress me one bit. The Mavs choked away all 3 games they lost to them this year, they should have won them all. And coaching was a huge part of why they lost all 3.

[Indazone]

Hornets may prefer the Nuggets and would thus play all out against the Mavs. It's not out of the realm.

Hornets would definately prefer the Nuggets. I forgot about this angle.

[Allanon]

Oh yeah, a Laker Nugz series with CryMelo having legal issues will end in 4-5 games. A Dallas series would be hard fought but HCA will get the win.

Sacto ain't playing spoiler tonight.... Artest decided he's going to have surgery on his thumb on Thursday so he's done for the season. Brad Miller Out, and K-Mart probably out as well. Should be a snoozefest in Staples Center.

[Findog]

We would beat them for sure.

I'm sorry, but the Lakers simply do not impress me one bit. The Mavs choked away all 3 games they lost to them this year, they should have won them all. And coaching was a huge part of why they lost all 3.

The Lakers are very good, but I agree, the Mavs have the talent to deal with them.

[Gino]

The Lakers are very good, but I agree, the Mavs have the talent to deal with them.

Yep, I could DEFINATELY see it going seven games.

[Findog]

Yep, I could DEFINATELY see it going seven games.

It would be a great series, but I can't see the Mavs even stretching it to six.

Here's how it would shake out:

Lakers get the first two in LA, one blowout and one close to the wire.

Each team wins a close one in Dallas.

Lakers close the Mavs out in G5 back in LA. It won't be a blowout, but it wouldn't be a last possession type of game either. Lakers by 8-11 to win the series.

[sribb43]

LA wins tonight...NOH wins tonight....DAL wins tomorrow night...B-Scott wont over extend his players on the 2nd night of a B2B and what if NOH tries its hardest to beat the Mavs and falls short. That would leave some doubt in the players mind. I say NOH plays it starters on wednesday but very limited minutes

Mavs Hornets
Lakers Nuggets

BOOK IT!!!!

[Findog]

The Mavs achilles heel all year long has been their inability to consistently beat good teams on the road and execute in the crunch. And we're going to beat the Lakers when they have Jackzen and Kobe?

[Gino]

It would be a great series, but I can't see the Mavs even stretching it to six.

Here's how it would shake out:

Lakers get the first two in LA, one blowout and one close to the wire.

Each team wins a close one in Dallas.

Lakers close the Mavs out in G5 back in LA. It won't be a blowout, but it wouldn't be a last possession type of game either. Lakers by 8-11 to win the series.

Nope, I think the Lakers blowout game one. But then slack off and the Mavs come back to win game 2. If the Mavs can get a lead in the series, the Lakers will be in real trouble...they don't have an inside presence and will need to shoot a lot of jump shots.

The key is how the Mavs do containing Lamar Odom. Odom is the key.

[Gino]

The Mavs achilles heel all year long has been their inability to consistently beat good teams on the road and execute in the crunch. And we're going to beat the Lakers when they have Jackzen and Kobe?

The Lakers have had Jackson and Kobe the last two years and they couldn't get out of the first round.

Stay posetive!!!

[Findog]

The key is how the Mavs do containing Lamar Odom. Odom is the key.

He's been playing well for them and really stepped it up in Bynum's absence. And Dirk does not have good lateral movement on D with that high ankle sprain, Odom exposed him in the last Lakers-Mavs game. I think that's the biggest issue right there, is that Odom has the potential to get back anything they give up to Dirk. For some reason a lot of people doubt Odom and think he's not very clutch, but he doesn't need to be their crunch time go to guy to beat Dallas.

[Findog]

The Lakers have had Jackson and Kobe the last two years and they couldn't get out of the first round.

Stay posetive!!!

The Mavs have the potential to make a deep playoff run, the talent is there and Dirk is playing some really inspired ball. But the rest of the team is so inconsistent.

[RonMexico]

People here on this board don't respect him, I don't know why. He's better than Avery. Maybe Lakers fans can shed some light, but basically they won 55+ games every year with Shaq and lost to an equally good Utah team and Shaq basically decided he didn't like Del and wouldn't listen to him?

Getting swept 4-0 by the Spurs in '99 sealed his fate.

I'm just saying it would be funny if he moved into the head coaching spot v. Lakers. Funnier if he said he was inspired by "Aspire Higher."

[sribb43]

if mavs play lakers season is over w/ no if ands or buts...however with NOH the door is open

mavs biggest problem is perimeter D especially against quick/atheltics SG...NOH only has Paul on the perimeter to worry about penitrating the lane. Mo Pete is a spot up shooter and you dont have to worry about Peja beating you off the dribble....LA poses a slue of problems both on the perimeter and in the post with Gasol and Kobe. David West is a great player but we all know he plays 12-18ft from the basket

[DazedAndConfused]

Nope, I think the Lakers blowout game one. But then slack off and the Mavs come back to win game 2. If the Mavs can get a lead in the series, the Lakers will be in real trouble...they don't have an inside presence and will need to shoot a lot of jump shots.

The key is how the Mavs do containing Lamar Odom. Odom is the key.

Don't have an inside presence? Who the fuck do you think Pau Gasol is you dumbshit? Seriously stop talking, you don't know shit about the Lakers.

The Lakers have two players in the starting 5 shooting well over 50% from the field. They certainly aren't taking jumpshots you dumbass.

[td4mvp21]

I would laugh my ass off if Dallas beat New Orleans in the first round.

I don't think they could beat L.A though.

[Findog]

Well, they say be careful what you wish for, in the case of the Hornets. They're not the same team that Dallas beat like 26 straight times.

[DazedAndConfused]

We'll know on Wed. how the Mavs would do against NOH in that matchup. My gut tells me the Mavs would beat NOH in a 7 gamer, but with Dirk being such a wildcard you never know.

[td4mvp21]

Well, they say be careful what you wish for, in the case of the Hornets. They're not the same team that Dallas beat like 26 straight times.

Yeah but the Mavs know what playoff intensity is like, as a whole team. The Hornets have literally 2 or 3 guys on that entire team that have played in the playoffs. And you know Peja is a choker so there goes their number 1 three point threat. I could definitely see the Mavs upsetting the Hornets. The Mavs would have a field day with their porous defense.

[Findog]

We'll know on Wed. how the Mavs would do against NOH in that matchup. My gut tells me the Mavs would beat NOH in a 7 gamer, but with Dirk being such a wildcard you never know.

If Dirk is healthy, 2006 is more of the norm as opposed to 2007. If the Hornets are locked in at #2, then my guess is the starters see a little bit of time but not much. What kind of message do you send to your team that you have to play balls out to avoid the Mavericks? Shouldnt the message Scott should be sending to his young team is that they're pretty fucking good and it doesnt matter whether they play Denver or Dallas, they'll TCB?

[sribb43]

If Dirk is healthy, 2006 is more of the norm as opposed to 2007. If the Hornets are locked in at #2, then my guess is the starters see a little bit of time but not much. What kind of message do you send to your team that you have to play balls out to avoid the Mavericks? Shouldnt the message Scott should be sending to his young team is that they're pretty fucking good and it doesnt matter whether they play Denver or Dallas, they'll TCB?

Great point and I dont think he is the kind of coach that would tell his team make sure you beat the Mavs so we dont have to play him...I highly doubt he will stretch his starters on wednesday

[mavs>spurs2]

I think I'd rather play New Orleans, then San Antonio, but I really hope we don't play the Lakers first round because that would be suicide. Even if we win, we will be worn out in the 2nd round in a stacked Western Conference.

[LakeShow]

I don't think Scott would be that dumb to go all out on a game to determine who they play. If someone got hurt, he would be ran out of town, justifiably so. N.O plays their starters in the first quarter and gives them the rest of the game off, if he even plays them all. Its the wise thing to do!

[ThomasGranger]

Mavs are a more dangerous team than the Nuggets and have a better (albeit outside) chance of upsetting the Lakers, but if I were a Lakers fan I'm not sure who I would want my team to play in the first round. The Nuggets are a much more physical team in the post than the Mavs, especially if Nene comes back, and even though LA should win a series against Denver in 5 or 6 games, they will have the bruises to show for it.

[Indazone]

No it depends on how bad the Hornets would want to play either the Mavs or the Nuggets. If I'm Scott, I try to beat the Mavs just so I can make sure I get the Nuggets.

[LakeShow]

Why would the hornets fear the mavs? They've beaten them 2 out of 3 this season just like they have the Nuggets. I think they have confidence that they could beat them again. I would! If they clinch tonight, i would be willing to bet that they rest their players. Paul is tired and might not even play that last game. IMO

Btw, the Lakers want the best record, who they play is no concern to them. Bring it!

[td4mvp21]

The Lakers look the most motivated, that's for sure. I wouldn't expect any less with Jackson as their coach.

[Jack Sommersset]

The Hornets will do everything they can do to win against Dallas tommorrow night. That way If Denver wins against Memphis, Hornets play Nuggets in first round. Better match up for Hornets or any team in West.

The Mavericks rested there players against GS last year so that they could play GS in 1st round and everyone knows what happen then. If Hornets and mavericks meet in 1st round that could mean 8 straight games against one team. Oh yea.(sarcastic)

[mavsfan1000]

Mavs will lose to whoever they play. As long as Jason Kidd is their starter, they will lose. :D

[monosylab1k]

Mavs will lose to whoever they play. As long as Jason Kidd is their starter, they will lose. :D
Hi Bulls fan.

[ludda]

I don't see the Hornets resting their starters

[mavsfan1000]

Hi Bulls fan.
I stopped rooting for the bulls after Jordan left. I'm a mavs fans now. :clap

[Gino]

I think its still possible the Hornets can drop to the third seed if they lose enough.

[Findog]

I stopped rooting for the bulls after Jordan left. I'm a mavs fans now. :clap

No, you're a Devin Harris fan, just like you were a Michael Jordan fan.

[Findog]

Hi Bulls fan.

Those against the Kidd trade don't want to acknowledge that Dirk's play has shot up, way up, since Kidd came here, and that's from a combination of what's going on out on the court and being emotionally recharged.

[Allanon]

Mavs have all the motivation to play the Hornets and will win the final game so they draw the Hornets.. Playing at home in Dallas in the Final game of the season, I don't think the Mavs will break a sweat putting away the bees.

And yup, I see a first round "upset" if you can call it that...Mavs over Hornets.

2nd Round (if Spurs and Suns collide)
Lakers versus Jazz
Suns versus Mavs

2nd Round (if Spurs/Suns don't collide)
Lakers versus Spurs/Suns
Suns/Spurs versus Mavs

[mavsfan1000]

Those against the Kidd trade don't want to acknowledge that Dirk's play has shot up, way up, since Kidd came here, and that's from a combination of what's going on out on the court and being emotionally recharged.
What's pathetic is despite Dirk being inspired, the Mavs team has still gotten worse. An inspired Dirk with Harris and Diop equals 67 wins and possibly a championship

[RonMexico]

What's pathetic is despite Dirk being inspired, the Mavs team has still gotten worse. An inspired Dirk with Harris and Diop equals 67 wins and possibly a championship

Actually, we already know that 67 doesn't equal a championship.

[mavsfan1000]

Actually, we already know that 67 doesn't equal a championship.
True. An injured Dirk and Dampier against a bad matchup will definietely not lead to a championship.

[Findog]

What's pathetic is despite Dirk being inspired, the Mavs team has still gotten worse. An inspired Dirk with Harris and Diop equals 67 wins and possibly a championship

There's always going to be a major adjustment when you change starting PGs and attempt to dramatically alter your offense in the middle of the season. A real coach could've integrated Kidd by now. D'Antoni for all of his faults altered his precious offense for Shaq, and the Suns are more of a threat because of it.

[Findog]

Why would the hornets fear the mavs? They've beaten them 2 out of 3 this season just like they have the Nuggets.

It's a new season and a new Hornets team, but before December, the Hornets hadn't beaten the Mavs since 1999. They'll have HCA, but is there really a huge gap between the two teams? I would probably pick the Hornets to win in 7, but I think Dallas has a great shot at the "upset." Meanwhile, they would be on the other side of the bracket away from the Lakers. We just can't beat LA. Kobe treats the Mavs like that girl in Colorado, and Jackzen will run circles around Avery.

[Findog]

Also, there have been plenty of examples of where one team dominated another in the regular season, only for it to reverse in the postseason.

[td4mvp21]

It's a new season and a new Hornets team, but before December, the Hornets hadn't beaten the Mavs since 1999. They'll have HCA, but is there really a huge gap between the two teams? I would probably pick the Hornets to win in 7, but I think Dallas has a great shot at the "upset." Meanwhile, they would be on the other side of the bracket away from the Lakers. We just can't beat LA. Kobe treats the Mavs like that girl in Colorado, and Jackzen will run circles around Avery.

Looks like the Hornets and Mavs will face each other in the first round now. Mavs in 7.

[Findog]

Looks like the Hornets and Mavs will face each other in the first round now. Mavs in 7.

Assuming the Lake Show takes care of the Queens and Scott decides not to play his starters heavy minutes. I think it would send a bad psychological message to his team to go all out on the 2nd night of a b2b to try and beat Dallas on the road in order to avoid them. Their attitude needs to be more of "Bring 'em on."

[td4mvp21]

Assuming the Lake Show takes care of the Queens and Scott decides not to play his starters heavy minutes. I think it would send a bad psychological message to his team to go all out on the 2nd night of a b2b to try and beat Dallas on the road in order to avoid them. Their attitude needs to be more of "Bring 'em on."
True.

[mavs>spurs2]

Hornets should do what's best for their team and rest the players. Going all out in a meaningless game in order to avoid a team is pussy. If you can't beat any other team on a given night, then you have no business contending.

[DazedAndConfused]

^The only legitimate reasoning for that is if your team is not 100% healthy and you are waiting on key players to return or shake off rust. None of that applies to NOH.

[Indazone]

I look forward to a well played contest between the Hornets and Mavs.

[dallaskd]

Just reading the title of this thread gets me nervous...

pussy

[mavsfan1000]

Hornets should do what's best for their team and rest the players. Going all out in a meaningless game in order to avoid a team is pussy. If you can't beat any other team on a given night, then you have no business contending.
Especially since the Nuggets would be the tougher team after the Kidd trade.

[Findog]

Especially since the Nuggets would be the tougher team after the Kidd trade.

Wow, you've really veered into troll territory. You're more obsessed than DaDakota.

I guarantee you the Hornets would much prefer the Thuggets.

[mavsfan1000]

Wow, you've really veered into troll territory. You're more obsessed than DaDakota.

I guarantee you the Hornets would much prefer the Thuggets.
Alright man I take that back. I get sick of the comments on this site by other mavs fans. I definitely have been trolling lately. We'll see how things go.

[Findog]

Alright man I take that back. I get sick of the comments on this site by other mavs fans. I definitely have been trolling lately. We'll see how things go.


I think there are times we'll miss Devin and Diop, but not so much to not do the deal. At a certain point, you have to stop throwing your team under the bus and cheer them regardless. In three weeks we'll be bumping the offseason speculation thread if things go to shit.

[Indazone]

Next year when we get Yao and Francis back, look out!

[Findog]

Yao would be a formidable addition to the Rockets. Francis is done.

[Indazone]

Yao would be a formidable addition to the Rockets. Francis is done.

Francis was playing earlier with a 75% torn pateller tendon. Either he was an idiot playing with all that pain or he's tough as nails. His pateller tendon is now repaired and I predict the return of the former player known as

"The Franchise" :D

[Findog]

Francis was playing earlier with a 75% torn pateller tendon. Either he was an idiot playing with all that pain or he's tough as nails. His pateller tendon is now repaired and I predict the return of the former player known as

"The Franchise" :D

Even in his heyday he wasn't all that great. He did nothing impressive in Orlando or New York. Seriously, all Houston needs to do is fix Yao's feet so he doesn't end up like Bill Walton.

[Indazone]

Even in his heyday he wasn't all that great. He did nothing impressive in Orlando or New York. Seriously, all Houston needs to do is fix Yao's feet so he doesn't end up like Bill Walton.

Yao will be fine, the technology in Walton's time didn't exist. In fact had Walton played in today's league, he would have had a long and distiguished career. Yao's injury is the same as Waltons and so was big Z's. But they just put a pin in it like rebar and the bone heals around it so that it's stronger than it ever could have been before. That's why Yao opted for surgery. That foot will likely never have a problem again. It's the other one that I'm concerned about.

[Findog]

I thought Yao opted for surgery so he'd be ready for Beijing in August, but either way, I hope he makes it back at 100%.

[Indazone]

Hopefully so, as to the Mav's good luck with whoever you end up playing. Personally I'd rather see the Lakers play the Mavs just because there's some history there and the two teams just don't like each other. It would be pretty entertaining.

[Roxsfan]

entertaining for sure^

God I wish we had Yao right now.

[AZSportsFan]

This thread is somewhat hypocritical. So NOH should rest their players and not worry about a matchup with the Mavs, while the Mavs should play hard so as to avoid a matchup with the Lakers? As a Suns fan I would love to see a Mavs-Lakers first round - as would the rest of the West - as it takes out a strong team. Although Mavs-Hornets takes out a good team as well. The Hornets just aren't playoff experienced at all, except for Peja.

[Allanon]

The rest of the West sure would love to see the Mavs play the Lakers in the first round. You basically knock out one of the championship contenders in the first round.

The other knock-out series is Spurs/Suns.
Rockets have no chance without Yao
CP3 is starting to look tired
Nuggets might get swept
Jazz actually have a chance, it depends on who they get to matchup with but those road woes are hard to overcome.

Mavs/Lakers/Spurs/Suns...your WCF champion is in there somewhere.

[Hemotivo]

Carmelo and the State of Colorado vs. Kobe and the Lakers!

[Allanon]

Heheh, good one. It's odd but Colorado doesn't hate Kobe anymore, I suppose people's memories are short or they figured the girl was a gold digger. Kobe's had a good number of MVP chants in Denver. On top of that, in the ESPN voting, half of Colorado voted Kobe as the MVP.

Also read on ESPN

New Orleans at Dallas (ESPN, 7 ET) -- The Hornets come into this one with nothing to gain or lose, having locked up the No. 2 seed the night before. Look for major Ryan Bowen action and extended Hilton Armstrong face-time. The Hornets starters can rest up.

If you believe Dallas would rather face the Hornets than the Lakers, then the Mavs have a big incentive to win. If Dallas loses and Denver wins, then the Mavs would fall to the eight seed because the Nuggets hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. That would mean a first-round playoff series with Kobe Bryant for Dallas.

[Indazone]

If I'm the Hornets, I play really hard to knock Dallas down cause I would not want to face the Dallas in round 1. Hornets are going to want the Nuggets really really bad.

[Findog]

If I'm the Hornets, I play really hard to knock Dallas down cause I would not want to face the Dallas in round 1. Hornets are going to want the Nuggets really really bad.

Play all out on the road to beat a 7 seed you don't want to face? Dallas should be dreading playing the Hornets, not the other way around.

[Indazone]

They are both gonna be playing hard cause Dallas does not want to face the Lakers.

[Findog]

They are both gonna be playing hard cause Dallas does not want to face the Lakers.

I'd be surprised if the Hornets play to avoid Dallas. They could still lose, being the 2nd night of a b2b on the road, and before December, they hadn't beaten us since 1999. Dallas potentially has a psychological edge on NOLA. You go all out and still lose and now you dredge that all up again. And by letting Dallas get an easy win against Ryan Bowen and Hilton Armstrong, they can't take anything away from a W tonight.

[Tradition]

I know quite a few Laker fans that know they dont wanna see the Mavericks at all in the first round.

Mavs shock the world in 6, maybe 5.


:rollin :rollin stop it! Oh God my stomach is hurting from all this laughing!!

A team that is much more weaker mentally is going to beat the Lakers in a 7 game series? A team with shitty perimeter defense is going to find a way to contain Kobe? Avery is actually going to out duel Phil Jackson? I personally would be fine with playing Allas if it came to that. The Mavs dont scare me. Josh Howard doesnt show up in crunch time and JET/Stack are easy to fuck with. Lakers have the better superstar, bench, and head coach. I also highly doubt Mav fans are salavating at the chance at seeing Kobe and company in a 7 game series. Seeing how Wade and Baron raped your D, Kobe would top both of those players. :)

[21_Blessings]

Mavs don't have a prayer. They are a jumpshooting team with a mentally weak 'superstar'.

Lakers in 5

[Findog]

Mavs don't have a prayer. They are a jumpshooting team with a mentally weak 'superstar'.

Lakers in 5

Lakers would definitely win, but....

21 Blessings is a cock-smoking faggot (http://theassociation.blogs.com/the_association/2008/04/the-return-of-d.html)

America, eatin' my lunch from a single bowl in my parents basement, where I'm livin'. Happy Birthday, I'm forty-three.

Don't want to waste those precious calories...chewin'. Jesus come move my jaw for me, help me get my sloppy food down my throat.

[Hemotivo]

Heheh, good one. It's odd but Colorado doesn't hate Kobe anymore, I suppose people's memories are short or they figured the girl was a gold digger. Kobe's had a good number of MVP chants in Denver. On top of that, in the ESPN voting, half of Colorado voted Kobe as the MVP.

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/5148/katelynfaberglobe1wk6.jpg

[stretch]

The Hornets come into this one with nothing to gain or lose, having locked up the No. 2 seed the night before. Look for major Ryan Bowen action and extended Hilton Armstrong face-time. The Hornets starters can rest up.

Oh fuck, we are doomed. Prepare for a Mavs/Lakers series, as "The Germinator" is paying us a little visit.

[Shank]

:rollin :rollin stop it! Oh God my stomach is hurting from all this laughing!!

A team that is much more weaker mentally is going to beat the Lakers in a 7 game series? A team with shitty perimeter defense is going to find a way to contain Kobe? Avery is actually going to out duel Phil Jackson? I personally would be fine with playing Allas if it came to that. The Mavs dont scare me. Josh Howard doesnt show up in crunch time and JET/Stack are easy to fuck with. Lakers have the better superstar, bench, and head coach. I also highly doubt Mav fans are salavating at the chance at seeing Kobe and company in a 7 game series. Seeing how Wade and Baron raped your D, Kobe would top both of those players. :)

Oh Jesus...out of the woodwork they come. Is there another fanbase that has as many front-runners as the Lakers? He even did the cute little 'Allas' thing that's so wildly popular. Why all the shit-talk for something that's not even likely to happen?

[Findog]

You know, I'm of the opinion that the Lakers would beat the Mavs, but it's not so far-fetched that Dallas could beat LA if Avery ever pulled his head out of his ass. It's not like the Lakers won those 3 games by 25 points, they all went to the wire. Talent-wise the teams are pretty much even. It's not even so much Kobe vs Dirk that is a huge mismatch but Jackzen vs Avery.

[Findog]

And btw, "Allas" is fifth in the league in defensive efficiency.

[dirk4mvp]

And btw, "Allas" is fifth in the league in defensive efficiency.


If the faggot that said Allas was going to used something like that doesn't hold any water any more, he could have least done it right and said _allas.

[mavsfan1000]

Fuck the lakers and Stephen A. Smith. I hope they both lose. Stephen A. I am convinced is a racist.

[Tradition]

And btw, "Allas" is fifth in the league in defensive efficiency.


Not when they face the Lakers. :) As nice as that defensive stat is, their perimeter d is not very good.

[Tradition]

If the faggot that said Allas was going to used something like that doesn't hold any water any more, he could have least done it right and said _allas.

In the postseason none of those stats matter. Their D in the playoffs gets worse rather than better hence for them being called Allas.

Yours truly,

the 2006 Miami Heat, 2007 Golden State Warriors, and possibly the 2008 Lakers or Hornets.

[Dirk Nowitzki]

In the postseason none of those stats matter. Their D in the playoffs gets worse rather than better hence for them being called Allas.

Yours truly,

the 2006 Miami Heat, 2007 Golden State Warriors, and possibly the 2008 Lakers or Hornets.


:rolleyes :rolleyes