You guys will get the #3 seed no matter what happens the rest of the way, but you can end up with the #2 seed or even #1 seed.
Here is my take on the situation in case you guys get the #2 seed or the #3 seed. If you get the #1 seed then this point is moot.
Two ways to view this.
1.) If you get the #3 seed this would make the 3rd time in a row playing Phoenix, but this time you have the homecourt advantage. If the Lakers were to win this series it would go a long way showing they were able to overcome that huddle. However, if the Lakers were to lose I think it could effect the teams psyche a lot because it would show that even with the better record and seed that it wasn't enough to overcome the Suns.
2.) Dallas is a good team however more than likely will end up being the 7 seed out west. It would be good to knock off the Mavs and I think you stand a better chance against them, but once again if the Lakers were to lose this series it would be considered an upset and that wouldn't sit well for the team either.
For instance,
Playoff Upsets
No. 7 beating No. 2
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New York def. Miami, 3-2, 1998 Eastern Conference first round
Golden State def. San Antonio, 3-1, 1991 Western Conference first round
Golden State def. Utah, 3-0, 1989 Western Conference first round
Seattle def. Dallas, 3-1, 1987 Western Conference first round
A #7 beating a #2 has happened 4 times in a 5 game series since 1984, however it has yet to happen in a 7 game series.
Personally I think the best matchup of these two teams would be the one that would propel the team the most and that would be Phoenix even though Dallas would be the better matchup overall.
I always have felt that the team you want to beat the most is the team that has beaten you in the past few seasons.
— Mags
