2016 Playoff Discussion Thread

clonetrooper264

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EASTERN CONFERENCE - FIRST ROUND

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Detroit Pistons
Game 1 -- Sun. April 17, Detroit at Cleveland, 3 p.m., ABC/R
Game 2 -- Wed. April 20, Detroit at Cleveland, 8 p.m., TNT
Game 3 -- Fri. April 22, Cleveland at Detroit, 7 p.m., ESPN
Game 4 -- Sun. April 24, Cleveland at Detroit, 8:30 p.m., TNT
Game 5 * Tue. April 26, Detroit at Cleveland, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Thu. April 28, Cleveland at Detroit, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sat. April 30, Detroit at Cleveland, TBD, TNT
> Series Hub | Series Preview
* * *
(2) Toronto Raptors vs. (7) Indiana Pacers
Game 1 -- Sat. April 16, Indiana at Toronto, 12:30 p.m. , ESPN
Game 2 -- Mon. April 18, Indiana at Toronto, 7 p.m., NBA TV
Game 3 -- Thu. April 21, Toronto at Indiana, 7:30 p.m., NBA TV
Game 4 -- Sat. April 23, Toronto at Indiana, 3 p.m., TNT
Game 5 * Tue. April 26 , Indiana at Toronto, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Fri. April 29, Toronto at Indiana, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sun. May 1, Indiana at Toronto, TBD, TBD
> Series Hub | Series Preview
* * *
(3) Miami Heat vs. (6) Charlotte Hornets
Game 1 -- Sun. April 17, Charlotte at Miami, 5:30 p.m., TNT
Game 2 -- Wed. April 20, Charlotte at Miami, 7 p.m., NBA TV
Game 3 -- Sat. April 23, Miami at Charlotte, 5:30 p.m., TNT
Game 4 -- Mon. April 25, Miami at Charlotte, TBD, TBD
Game 5 * Wed. April 27, Charlotte at Miami, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Fri. April 29, Miami at Charlotte, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sun. May 1, Charlotte at Miami, TBD, TBD
> Series Hub | Series Preview
* * *
(4) Atlanta Hawks vs. (5) Boston Celtics
Game 1 -- Sat. April 16, Boston at Atlanta, 7 p.m., ESPN
Game 2 -- Tue. April 19, Boston at Atlanta, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 3 -- Fri. April 22, Atlanta at Boston, 8 p.m., ESPN2
Game 4 -- Sun. April 24, Atlanta at Boston, 6 p.m., TNT
Game 5 * Tue. April 26, Boston at Atlanta, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Thu. April 28, Atlanta at Boston, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sat. April 30, Boston at Atlanta, TBD, TNT
> Series Hub | Series Preview
WESTERN CONFERENCE - FIRST ROUND

(1) Golden State Warriors vs. (8) Houston Rockets
Game 1 -- Sat. April 16, Houston at Golden State, 3:30 p.m., ABC/R
Game 2 -- Mon. April 18, Houston at Golden State, 10:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3 -- Thu. April 21, Golden State at Houston, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 4 -- Sun. April 24, Golden State at Houston, 3:30 p.m., ABC/R
Game 5 * Wed. April 27, Houston at Golden State, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Fri. April 29, Golden State at Houston, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sun. May 1, Houston at Golden State, TBD, TBD
> Series Hub | Series Preview
* * *
(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (7) Memphis Grizzlies
Game 1 -- Sun. April 17, Memphis at San Antonio, 8 p.m., TNT
Game 2 -- Tue. April 19, Memphis at San Antonio, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3 -- Fri. April 22, San Antonio at Memphis, 9:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 4 -- Sun. April 24, San Antonio at Memphis, 1 p.m., ABC
Game 5 * Tue. April 26, Memphis at San Antonio, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Thu. April 28, San Antonio at Memphis, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sat. April 30, Memphis at San Antonio, TBD, TNT
> Series Hub | Series Preview
* * *
(3) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (6) Dallas Mavericks
Game 1 -- Sat. April 16, Dallas at Oklahoma City, 9:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 2 -- Mon. April 18, Dallas at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m., TNT
Game 3 -- Thu. April 21, Oklahoma City at Dallas, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 4 -- Sat. April 23, Oklahoma City at Dallas, 8 p.m., ESPN/R
Game 5 * Mon. April 25, Dallas at Oklahoma City, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Thu. April 28, Oklahoma City at Dallas, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sat. April 30, Dallas at Oklahoma City, TBD, TNT
> Series Hub | Series Preview
* * *
(4) L.A. Clippers vs. (5) Portland Trail Blazers
Game 1 -- Sun. April 17, Portland at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m., TNT
Game 2 -- Wed. April 20, Portland at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3 -- Sat. April 23, L.A. Clippers at Portland, 10:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 4 -- Mon. April 25, L.A. Clippers at Portland, 10:30 p.m., TNT
Game 5 * Wed. April 27, Portland at L.A. Clippers, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Fri. April 29, L.A. Clippers at Portland, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sun. May 1, Portland at L.A. Clippers, TBD, TBD
> Series Hub | Series Preview
 
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Scoot26

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So as you may or may not know, I'm a big advocate of the Top 10 Off and Def to win a championship. Now most people will simply say GSW is going to win and they wouldn't be wrong in saying that. This year is probably a year where these ratings don't matter, because GSW meets the criteria and is expected to blow everyone out of the water.
2015-2016
EastRecOff RatDef RatWestRecOff RatDef Rat
1Cavs57-253101Warriors73-916
2Raptors56-265112Spurs67-1541
3Heat48-341393Thunder55-27213
4Hawks48-342124Clippers53-2975
5Celtics48-341045Blazers44-38620
6Hornets48-34986Mavericks42-401117
7Pacers45-372437Grizzlies42-401919
8Pistons44-3814128Rockets41-41821


So here's the chart stating how each team finished.

East
Cavs - Cavs were a top 5 offense and defense until firing Blatt at which time their offense stepped up but the defense started falling. They finished 3rd in O and 10th in D, still making this list. Its an improvement over last year where the defense was 18th in the league. Just about everyone expects the Cavs to be in the Finals again.

Raptors - Raptors were a Top 10 O and D most of the year but fell off on D towards the end and finish just outside the Top 10 in defense. They have a Top 5 offense though. Thing is, they have no deep playoff experience and have yet to win a series as a group. That could finally change this year, but its hard to say if they have a deep run in them or not.

Heat - The Heat had one of the worst offenses earlier in the year but towards the end, they stepped up on offense while their defense slipped. They sit at 13 and 9, while not gaudy, they do have the tools to win. If Bosh were around, I'd probably shoe them in for a ECF appearance, but its hard for me to judge this team.

Hawks - Hawks have a bad offense and a good defense. Last year this team was the #1 seed and sat at 6th in both categories. They've come back down to earth now. I don't expect much from this squad unless they play complete lock down defense. GIven their first round opponent can play both, I don't see them advancing.

Celtics - Slipped towards the end of the year. They barely qualify for Top 10 in offense. Their defense sits at 4th. I give them a first round series before bowing out to LeBron as they lack the star power to advance.

Hornets - Top 10 in both, so they're a qualifier, but who the hell is even on this team? They lack star power and depth and will struggle to beat Miami.

Pacers - Same old Pacers. They were suppose to play more up tempo this year. Instead you're seeing a good defense that is completely lacking on offense.

Pistons - New this year, but nothing impressive. They have the potential to get better in the future, but for now they're just happy to be here.

West
Warriors - King of all. They set an NBA record for wins and have a historically great team. Pretty much expected to win. Their defense did slip this year from last year as they were #1 last year but their offense has been out of this world (Though not the best Off Rating in history by any means. Many teams have them beat on that). The will only have trouble with San Antonio who can match the offense and defense (though they certainly can't make shots like Curry). Assuming its GSW vs SAS in the Conference Finals, that may be the real NBA Finals this year.

Spurs - Pretty much covered above. They have one of the best defensive ratings in NBA history and sit 4th in offense. They margin is larger than GSW's. On paper, SAS has the tools to beat GSW. We'll see what happens though. Fun fact: The #1 defense in the league that also had a Top 10 offense has lost only three times since the ABA merger. The Spurs teams are two of those three (2006 and 2001 teams, they both lost to #1 and #2 rated offenses). The 1993 Knicks were 5th and 1st and lost to the Bulls.

OKC - Good offense, but they fell apart on defense from past years. They're not even in the Top 10, I see the Spurs getting through them in 6 in the second round. Dallas can give them some trouble too.

LA Clippers - Clippers will once again sit in the Top 10 in both, but likely once again don't have a prayer in these playoffs. They'll meet GSW in the second round assuming they beat Portland.

Blazers - Shot up towards the end, Have the 5th seed at a 44-38 record, one of the lowest in recent history for the west at this seed. Portland has a good offense, but lackluster defense. I expect them to be gone quickly.

Mavericks - Not Top 10 in either category. They have experience and can give OKC a good fight. But I don't expect them to advance.

Grizzlies - They're uh, just kinda happy to be here this year. Decimated by injuries, they'll be lucky to even win a game in the playoffs.

Rockets - Same as the Grizzlies, they'll be lucky to win a game. They do have a good offense, but terrible defense. GSW should run circles around them.
 
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RoseMVP1

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Paul George looking like a superstar in the 2nd half ?
 

clonetrooper264

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Warriors games are almost boring with how they blow teams out
 

Benchmob757

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They can just end that GS/Houston series now and save everyone the trouble. Game wasn't worth watching past halftime.


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RoseMVP1

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We really could have used this Deng back in 2011...
 

Benchmob757

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James Harden is absolute trash. I would never want him in Chicago.


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SilenceS

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I love James Harden. I called him being a superstar when he was drafted. But, he is thoroughly disappointing on the defensive end. He gives no fucks to guard someone. I don't know if that is an overall team mentality because Howard isn't much better. But, he gives little effort and thats a shame for a player of his caliber. Seems like an unhappy situation in Houston. No one looks like they care and they know GS is going to destroy them.
 

SilenceS

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James Harden is absolute trash. I would never want him in Chicago.


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Lulz. You can motivate a player to play defense. You cant teach scoring like James Harden.
 

Benchmob757

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Lulz. You can motivate a player to play defense. You cant teach scoring like James Harden.

Iso ball and him running into people and throwing his arms in the air. He kills the offense the same way Kobe and Melo do. And I'm not so sure you can motivate him to play defense, on the biggest stage in the word he looks like he's intentionally trying to lose the game out there. Looks like he could give two shits about defense, sets a good standard for the rest of the team.

I can't stand him, I'd hate to have him as a teammate and I'd hate to be a rockets fan.
 

SilenceS

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Boy, Boston may be missing some players but they are a completely below the rim team. Atlanta is just dominating them athletically and thats not saying much.
 

knoxville7

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I love James Harden. I called him being a superstar when he was drafted. But, he is thoroughly disappointing on the defensive end. He gives no fucks to guard someone. I don't know if that is an overall team mentality because Howard isn't much better. But, he gives little effort and thats a shame for a player of his caliber. Seems like an unhappy situation in Houston. No one looks like they care and they know GS is going to destroy them.

well, we are still waiting on him to become a superstar so id hold off on the praise. you cant be a superstar when youre that atrocious on defense IMO
 

clonetrooper264

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[video=streamable;jwel]https://streamable.com/jwel[/video]
 

SilenceS

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well, we are still waiting on him to become a superstar so id hold off on the praise. you cant be a superstar when youre that atrocious on defense IMO

James Harden isn't a superstar? LOL Yea, I guess those MVP considerations means he is just average.
 

SilenceS

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Harden is def. not a superstar. Jimmy Buckets would have ate his lunch
 

Axl Rose

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if Harden is a superstar, hes a disgrace to them
 

RoseMVP1

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Warriors won't win a title...even without Curry they shouldn't drop a game to a bum like Harden.


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RoseMVP1

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And talk about disfunction...the only teammate that was happy when Harden hit that game winner was Clint Capela. The rest of them actually looked pissed.
 

clonetrooper264

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And talk about distinction...the only teammate that was happy when Harden hit that game winner was Clint Capela. The rest of them actually looked pissed.
[video=streamable;6c2x]https://streamable.com/6c2x[/video]

DMo with the low key fist pump
 

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