Playoffs/finals officiating

[Summers]

Does anyone know how the refs are chosen at this time of year?

I was thinking about how a lot of people say the refs are likely to be more lenient toward the superstars and allow a lot more physicality. But the opposite could be true, couldn't it? For example, we joke (sort of) about Jack Nies really having it in for Tim. Do the teams get to pick a ref or two they specifically don't want calling their games in the playoffs?

[grjr]

For example, we joke (sort of) about Jack Nies really having it in for Tim.

That is not a joke. It is very real unfortunately. Luckily Nies reffed the Detroit game today so we won't see him tomorrow.