NBA PLAYOFFS: Game 1- (8) New Orleans Pelicans @ (1) Phoenix Suns l Sunday l 6:00pm l TNT

[SunsRback4Good]

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[King4Day]

My early fuzzy predictions:

West:

Play-in:

New Orleans/Spurs: Pels take it with a big game from CJ. Over 35pts for him.
Clips/Wolves: I expect it to be a tight game where the Clips pull away late.
N.O./Wolves: Wolves win unless CJ goes nuclear

Suns/8th seed: If we play Minny, I think we can win in 5. If we face LAC, this could go 6 or 7. We may come out of it pretty beat up too.
N.O. we take in 5. Spurs, we take in 4, MAYBE 5

Warriors/Nuggets: Crazy that one of these teams will be eliminated after round 1. I wouldn't put it past Denver to get the upset. If Curry needs time to return to form, you never know. But I'm going the safe route and assuming Curry will play and say W's in 6 or 7.

Memphis/7 seed: A series against LA would feel like a slugfest. The Clippers wing heavy rotation could cause some issues for the Griz but I still think Memphis takes it. Griz in 6. If they play Minny, they'll win in 4 or 5. N.O. or Spurs and it's a sweep.

Utah/Dallas: I could see going 6 or 7. This may be the best series in the first round. I know Utah has been struggling lately but I have them winning in 6. They have more playoff experience, and I really don't trust Dallas to be able to figure out a team for 4 out of 7 games. Especially not one as seasoned as Utah.

East:

Play-in:

Charlotte/Atlanta: This screams 'high scoring game' (in the 120's or 130's without Overtime). Whichever team is hotter will win this one. I really hope Charlotte takes it. I have Atlanta by around 7-10pts
Nets/Cleveland: If Allen doesn't play, the Nets win little resistance.
Hawks/Cavs: This will be close but Hawks turn it into a blowout in the 4th. Again, it depends on Allen's availability.


Heat/8th seed: I think the Hawks and Hornets can give them a scare, but they'd win in 5 or 6 each. The Cavs I don't see any problems with. Maybe 5 at worst. They won't beat the Nets, even without Simmons but it's likely they will have dodged that bullet until/if the ECF.

Boston/7th seed: More or less the same with the Heat. I think they can get away with not having Williams in the middle for these games. Atlanta and the Nets would give them the biggest problems. I think the Nets win this in 6, but if they don't, C's in 7.

Milwaukee/Bulls: Bucks in 5. Maybe 6 if DeRozan goes nuts. Since Chicago has floundered and has been injured so much, this might be a dud of a series. 4 months ago we would have been salivating for this matchup.

Philly/Toronto: If Thybulle was playing every game, I'd pick Philly. I know Toronto is the sexy pick here but I believe Philly is going to turn it on for this one. Embiid will average in the 30's and Harden will have an OK series to compliment him.
But with him missing 3 games, that's a big defensive gap they are losing, and it may cost them against a seasoned coach. Going Toronto in 6.

[bwgood77]

My early fuzzy predictions:

West:

Play-in:

New Orleans/Spurs: Pels take it with a big game from CJ. Over 35pts for him.
Clips/Wolves: I expect it to be a tight game where the Clips pull away late.
N.O./Wolves: Wolves win unless CJ goes nuclear

Suns/8th seed: If we play Minny, I think we can win in 5. If we face LAC, this could go 6 or 7. We may come out of it pretty beat up too.
N.O. we take in 5. Spurs, we take in 4, MAYBE 5

Warriors/Nuggets: Crazy that one of these teams will be eliminated after round 1. I wouldn't put it past Denver to get the upset. If Curry needs time to return to form, you never know. But I'm going the safe route and assuming Curry will play and say W's in 6 or 7.

Memphis/7 seed: A series against LA would feel like a slugfest. The Clippers wing heavy rotation could cause some issues for the Griz but I still think Memphis takes it. Griz in 6. If they play Minny, they'll win in 4 or 5. N.O. or Spurs and it's a sweep.

Utah/Dallas: I could see going 6 or 7. This may be the best series in the first round. I know Utah has been struggling lately but I have them winning in 6. They have more playoff experience, and I really don't trust Dallas to be able to figure out a team for 4 out of 7 games. Especially not one as seasoned as Utah.

East:

Play-in:

Charlotte/Atlanta: This screams 'high scoring game' (in the 120's or 130's without Overtime). Whichever team is hotter will win this one. I really hope Charlotte takes it. I have Atlanta by around 7-10pts
Nets/Cleveland: If Allen doesn't play, the Nets win little resistance.
Hawks/Cavs: This will be close but Hawks turn it into a blowout in the 4th. Again, it depends on Allen's availability.


Heat/8th seed: I think the Hawks and Hornets can give them a scare, but they'd win in 5 or 6 each. The Cavs I don't see any problems with. Maybe 5 at worst. They won't beat the Nets, even without Simmons but it's likely they will have dodged that bullet until/if the ECF.

Boston/7th seed: More or less the same with the Heat. I think they can get away with not having Williams in the middle for these games. Atlanta and the Nets would give them the biggest problems. I think the Nets win this in 6, but if they don't, C's in 7.

Milwaukee/Bulls: Bucks in 5. Maybe 6 if DeRozan goes nuts. Since Chicago has floundered and has been injured so much, this might be a dud of a series. 4 months ago we would have been salivating for this matchup.

Philly/Toronto: If Thybulle was playing every game, I'd pick Philly. I know Toronto is the sexy pick here but I believe Philly is going to turn it on for this one. Embiid will average in the 30's and Harden will have an OK series to compliment him.
But with him missing 3 games, that's a big defensive gap they are losing, and it may cost them against a seasoned coach. Going Toronto in 6.

I think Miami or Boston (if healthy) can beat the Nets. They are two of the better defensive teams and have depth. Oladipo as a 6th man now is pretty crazy. Tucker maybe on Durant, Lowry on Kyrie, Butler possibly guarding either if needed, Bam can guard KD. I think the only reason Miami would lose is if guys like Robinson, Herro, Oladipo and Lowry are all cold from 3. And Tucker.

Boston..depends on RWIII, but they have had the best defense and can swarm AD while Smart checks Kyrie and gives him fits. KD and Kyrie can light it up and will pull out 2-3 games, but I think either can beat the Nets. Bucks too. I think the Nets would beat anyone else. Philly doesn't have enough.

[spanishninja]

was planning to go to this game like I did last year with game 1 of the Laker series, but since the genius Silver decided to schedule this on Easter, I will have to wait until game 5 or the next round. Sucks living in SoCal.

[insomniac00]

My early fuzzy predictions:

West:

Play-in:

New Orleans/Spurs: Pels take it with a big game from CJ. Over 35pts for him.
Clips/Wolves: I expect it to be a tight game where the Clips pull away late.
N.O./Wolves: Wolves win unless CJ goes nuclear

Suns/8th seed: If we play Minny, I think we can win in 5. If we face LAC, this could go 6 or 7. We may come out of it pretty beat up too.
N.O. we take in 5. Spurs, we take in 4, MAYBE 5

Warriors/Nuggets: Crazy that one of these teams will be eliminated after round 1. I wouldn't put it past Denver to get the upset. If Curry needs time to return to form, you never know. But I'm going the safe route and assuming Curry will play and say W's in 6 or 7.

Memphis/7 seed: A series against LA would feel like a slugfest. The Clippers wing heavy rotation could cause some issues for the Griz but I still think Memphis takes it. Griz in 6. If they play Minny, they'll win in 4 or 5. N.O. or Spurs and it's a sweep.

Utah/Dallas: I could see going 6 or 7. This may be the best series in the first round. I know Utah has been struggling lately but I have them winning in 6. They have more playoff experience, and I really don't trust Dallas to be able to figure out a team for 4 out of 7 games. Especially not one as seasoned as Utah.

East:

Play-in:

Charlotte/Atlanta: This screams 'high scoring game' (in the 120's or 130's without Overtime). Whichever team is hotter will win this one. I really hope Charlotte takes it. I have Atlanta by around 7-10pts
Nets/Cleveland: If Allen doesn't play, the Nets win little resistance.
Hawks/Cavs: This will be close but Hawks turn it into a blowout in the 4th. Again, it depends on Allen's availability.


Heat/8th seed: I think the Hawks and Hornets can give them a scare, but they'd win in 5 or 6 each. The Cavs I don't see any problems with. Maybe 5 at worst. They won't beat the Nets, even without Simmons but it's likely they will have dodged that bullet until/if the ECF.

Boston/7th seed: More or less the same with the Heat. I think they can get away with not having Williams in the middle for these games. Atlanta and the Nets would give them the biggest problems. I think the Nets win this in 6, but if they don't, C's in 7.

Milwaukee/Bulls: Bucks in 5. Maybe 6 if DeRozan goes nuts. Since Chicago has floundered and has been injured so much, this might be a dud of a series. 4 months ago we would have been salivating for this matchup.

Philly/Toronto: If Thybulle was playing every game, I'd pick Philly. I know Toronto is the sexy pick here but I believe Philly is going to turn it on for this one. Embiid will average in the 30's and Harden will have an OK series to compliment him.
But with him missing 3 games, that's a big defensive gap they are losing, and it may cost them against a seasoned coach. Going Toronto in 6.

The No. 2 seeds play the winner of the 7/8 game in the play-in. You list possible matchups against the 9/10 teams but that is impossible as I understand it. The Grizzlies will play either LA or Minnesota. Not NO or San Antonio.

[RaisingArizona]

[SunsRback4Good]

[suns12345]

I don't think I can do this again, no one warned me last year that if your team does well in the playoff is such a long slog of anxiety and stress. bring back <20 wins

[sunskerr]

I missed the play in tournament last year and I regretted it massively. Just gonna sit back and watch some do or die basketball tomorrow.

[Calvin Klein]

I don't think I can do this again, no one warned me last year that if your team does well in the playoff is such a long slog of anxiety and stress. bring back <20 wins

I'm not looking forward to those nights after a close game when I can't fall asleep because my heart is going insane.

[handsome salary]

I don't think I can do this again, no one warned me last year that if your team does well in the playoff is such a long slog of anxiety and stress. bring back <20 wins

I'm not looking forward to those nights after a close game when I can't fall asleep because my heart is going insane.

I've already had a dream they lost Game 7 of the Finals by one point. Let the stress begin.

[King4Day]

My early fuzzy predictions:

West:

Play-in:

New Orleans/Spurs: Pels take it with a big game from CJ. Over 35pts for him.
Clips/Wolves: I expect it to be a tight game where the Clips pull away late.
N.O./Wolves: Wolves win unless CJ goes nuclear

Suns/8th seed: If we play Minny, I think we can win in 5. If we face LAC, this could go 6 or 7. We may come out of it pretty beat up too.
N.O. we take in 5. Spurs, we take in 4, MAYBE 5

Warriors/Nuggets: Crazy that one of these teams will be eliminated after round 1. I wouldn't put it past Denver to get the upset. If Curry needs time to return to form, you never know. But I'm going the safe route and assuming Curry will play and say W's in 6 or 7.

Memphis/7 seed: A series against LA would feel like a slugfest. The Clippers wing heavy rotation could cause some issues for the Griz but I still think Memphis takes it. Griz in 6. If they play Minny, they'll win in 4 or 5. N.O. or Spurs and it's a sweep.

Utah/Dallas: I could see going 6 or 7. This may be the best series in the first round. I know Utah has been struggling lately but I have them winning in 6. They have more playoff experience, and I really don't trust Dallas to be able to figure out a team for 4 out of 7 games. Especially not one as seasoned as Utah.

East:

Play-in:

Charlotte/Atlanta: This screams 'high scoring game' (in the 120's or 130's without Overtime). Whichever team is hotter will win this one. I really hope Charlotte takes it. I have Atlanta by around 7-10pts
Nets/Cleveland: If Allen doesn't play, the Nets win little resistance.
Hawks/Cavs: This will be close but Hawks turn it into a blowout in the 4th. Again, it depends on Allen's availability.


Heat/8th seed: I think the Hawks and Hornets can give them a scare, but they'd win in 5 or 6 each. The Cavs I don't see any problems with. Maybe 5 at worst. They won't beat the Nets, even without Simmons but it's likely they will have dodged that bullet until/if the ECF.

Boston/7th seed: More or less the same with the Heat. I think they can get away with not having Williams in the middle for these games. Atlanta and the Nets would give them the biggest problems. I think the Nets win this in 6, but if they don't, C's in 7.

Milwaukee/Bulls: Bucks in 5. Maybe 6 if DeRozan goes nuts. Since Chicago has floundered and has been injured so much, this might be a dud of a series. 4 months ago we would have been salivating for this matchup.

Philly/Toronto: If Thybulle was playing every game, I'd pick Philly. I know Toronto is the sexy pick here but I believe Philly is going to turn it on for this one. Embiid will average in the 30's and Harden will have an OK series to compliment him.
But with him missing 3 games, that's a big defensive gap they are losing, and it may cost them against a seasoned coach. Going Toronto in 6.

The No. 2 seeds play the winner of the 7/8 game in the play-in. You list possible matchups against the 9/10 teams but that is impossible as I understand it. The Grizzlies will play either LA or Minnesota. Not NO or San Antonio.

Shoot, that's right!
Oh well, too late now to change it

[King4Day]

I don't think I can do this again, no one warned me last year that if your team does well in the playoff is such a long slog of anxiety and stress. bring back <20 wins

I'm not looking forward to those nights after a close game when I can't fall asleep because my heart is going insane.

I've already had a dream they lost Game 7 of the Finals by one point. Let the stress begin.

I had one last week that we got knocked off in 5 in round 1. I think with how we played the last two weeks (circumstances aside), got in my head.

[SunsRback4Good]

I had a dream that one day the Phoenix Suns would host up the larry o'Brien trophy. I had a dream....

[kwsqd]

Is it Sunday yet?! COME ON

[handsome salary]

Booker has been with this franchise for it's absolute lows and highs (losing/win streaks,season record). That's a weird career.

[King4Day]

I had a dream that one day the Phoenix Suns would host up the larry o'Brien trophy. I had a dream....

Part one is complete. Got through 82 games relatively unscathed.
Next up is to get the team chemistry back on track in round 1.

[Slim Charless]

Booker has been with this franchise for it's absolute lows and highs (losing/win streaks,season record). That's a weird career.

In basically 2 years too. The range of emotions he must have lol.

[lilfishi22]

Clippers has something similar to the Suns, poise.

[King4Day]

Minny is basically passing along the perimeter after getting nothing inside. They better fix that, or pray they can get super hot from 3, or else this will be a blowout the Clippers way.