NBA PLAYOFFS: Game 1: Phoenix Suns @ Minnesota T-Wolves l Saturday l 12:30pm l ESPN

[Qwigglez]

I don’t expect the Suns to far in the playoffs and I’d have them losing if the series was against Denver, LAC or Dallas.

But losing the series to Minnesota would be a new low even for me. What a way for this “super duper” team to go out in.

That said, I don’t think we’ll lose this series. But it won’t be easy. They likely will win at least 2.

My prediction as of now for this series is

Game 1: suns lose
Game 2: suns win
Game 3: suns win
Game 4: suns win
Game 5: suns lose
Game 6: suns win

Minny is the team that severely overpaid to get Gobert and that led to the Suns being forced to overpay to get KD. One team will be bounced in round one and have big questions this offseason.

Would be hilarious if Minnesota gets fed up with Rudy/Conley and decides to trade them back to Utah.

Not funny at all, they could probably get Lauri for Gobert or something else (maybe Jaden McDaniels) and a ton of picks. The Jazz aren't going anywhere anytime soon, and they should try to capitalize on getting assets back. Lauri is a solid all-star player, but he isn't going to lead the Jazz to even a playoff berth, the Jazz need a lot more help IMO.

It would be fun to watch the TWolves with Ant, KAT, and Markkanen though.

[Saberestar]

Minny is the team that severely overpaid to get Gobert and that led to the Suns being forced to overpay to get KD. One team will be bounced in round one and have big questions this offseason.

Would be hilarious if Minnesota gets fed up with Rudy/Conley and decides to trade them back to Utah.

Not funny at all, they could probably get Lauri for Gobert or something else (maybe Jaden McDaniels) and a ton of picks. The Jazz aren't going anywhere anytime soon, and they should try to capitalize on getting assets back. Lauri is a solid all-star player, but he isn't going to lead the Jazz to even a playoff berth, the Jazz need a lot more help IMO.

It would be fun to watch the TWolves with Ant, KAT, and Markkanen though.

No way the Jazz trade Markannen for Gobert.

The Jazz are making Markannen their franchise player and he is not even in his prime yet. Five years younger and already a better player than Gobert.

[Qwigglez]

No way the Jazz trade Markannen for Gobert.

The Jazz are making Markannen their franchise player and he is not even in his prime yet. Five years younger and already a better player than Gobert.

Oh yeah it was mostly a joke... well about the trading of Gobert for Markknanen. I think he'd be better as the 2nd guy, but probably more of the third banana.

Gobert isn't that bad IMO either. He's been really durable throughout his entire career, and this past season averaged 14 points, 13 rebounds, with 2 blocks. Additionally he averaged about 5 FTA's per game. I know Gobert is 31, but his output on games shouldn't dramatically change in the next 3 years or so.

[Saberestar]

No way the Jazz trade Markannen for Gobert.

The Jazz are making Markannen their franchise player and he is not even in his prime yet. Five years younger and already a better player than Gobert.

Oh yeah it was mostly a joke... well about the trading of Gobert for Markknanen. I think he'd be better as the 2nd guy, but probably more of the third banana.

Gobert isn't that bad IMO either. He's been really durable throughout his entire career, and this past season averaged 14 points, 13 rebounds, with 2 blocks. Additionally he averaged about 5 FTA's per game. I know Gobert is 31, but his output on games shouldn't dramatically change in the next 3 years or so.

Ok, I didn't get that it was a joke lol.

Well, Gobert will be 32 in a couple months so he will lose most of his athletic ability and mobility and his lack of skills (passing, shooting, ball handling, perimeter defense, overall awareness, basketball IQ...) will not help him to extend successfully his career. Similar to Deandre Jordan IMO.

[bwgood77]

Jazz fans would revolt if they traded Markkanen for Gobert. Gobert has led Minny to the #1 defense and a top seed. I know he's not their best player but maybe their most impactful.

[Fifii]

The West is really wide open. I don't see any team beating Boston though. They have a cakewalk to the finals.

For us to have a crack against the Celtics, we need 4 games where our offense is on fire and we outgun them. Unlikely but if we get that far, there's a reason.

I don’t agree with you. Jayson every PO choked and Jaylen Brown dribble left hand so … but these are two pieces of good staff like Kristaps and Jrue so that would be difficult , but not realistic.

But in first I would be focus to make WCF , this is us minimum achievement on this PO

[Fifii]

zero expectations for this team so whatever happens is cool

I have one. WCF , if we fall down early I would be very disappointed

[bwgood77]

Good series photo preview from Suns instragram...

[bwgood77]

ESPN roundtable picks.

[bwgood77]

Lowe Post - 26 minute mark the Suns/Wolves...

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-round-deep-dive-with-coach-david-thorpe/id986595124?i=1000652929770

[garrick]

We've been pretty fortunate this season all things considered in that we don't see OKC, The Mavs or Clippers in the first round.

This team is so bipolar so I have zero expectations of them even making it to the WCF but because we won't face OKC, the Mavs or Clippers until the WCF we have a good shot of making it to the finals. As always health is the most important thing with this team as you never know when one of the starting players might just accidentally sprain their ankle or something in practice.

[Mulhollanddrive]

There just seems to be too many things that can go wrong over 7 games.

iso offense
4th quarters
bench
defense

[Stix]

Time is now to really find out if this team was "built for the playoffs".

[WeekapaugGroove]

I started a new job a while back and haven't had time to post or watch as many games. I was an optimist about this team but man are they a frustrating group. But with all that they are still in a pretty good spot right now all things considered. Maybe they got a run in them but I certainly wouldn't bet any hard earned cash on this team.

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[RaisingArizona]

Ez game ahead

[Iceman36]

European friendly tipoff. Really looking forward to the game.

[sunsbg]

Let's goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...

[Revived]

If Eubanks sucks again like he did in the last Wolves matchup, how long will the leash be before he plays Thad Young again instead? I think that will be important to watch in this.

[sunsbg]

If Eubanks sucks again like he did in the last Wolves matchup, how long will the leash be before he plays Thad Young again instead? I think that will be important to watch in this.

Just enjoy the game. Seems like we beat Wolves despite Eubanks sucking in the game.

[SkyBill40]

Game starts in two hours and already 60 posts. Where's this output on game threads?

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