I can't really speak for the Knicks, but as far as the Thunder, I don't think they have the bench to do it. Whether they admit it or not, I still think they miss Harden. I also don't think the Thunder are playing quite as good of defense as they were at this time last year. They just don't seem to have that same punch at times that they had last season.
I like the Heat's big 3, but they have a glaring weakness and its against teams that can rebound... luckily for them the East is incredibly weak... but Miami is going to lose a lot more games in the playoffs than people expect vs teams that can rebound...
In the championship series, Thunder, Spurs (if Healthy), Denver, and Clippers I believe would all stand a chance...
In the championship series, Thunder, Spurs (if Healthy), Denver, and Clippers I believe would all stand a chance...
It's never as easy as it appears, but the east looks like a total walkthrough
keep in mind last year the heat were going to be pick em vs bulls (with rose) and were dogs vs thunder, quite a large change in perception since then vs the actual change in team talent.
i think the heat win it all, but wouldn't lay a - number on it
keep in mind last year the heat were going to be pick em vs bulls (with rose) and were dogs vs thunder, quite a large change in perception since then vs the actual change in team talent.
i think the heat win it all, but wouldn't lay a - number on it
I could think of a few more ways than that I think. Although don't have a great feel for that series. A lot comes down to KGs health but if he is healthy I think Celts atleast be very competitive.
The Thunder obviously have the best chance though. A team with Kevin Durant would have a chance vs pretty much any team.
Took the words right out of my mouth. I think melo tries to do too much this postseason. He knows the success of the team rides solely on his shoulders. That just doesnt get the job done against top shelf teams, night in and night out. I don't think Miami even sees NYK this postseason. Miami cruises, to a degree, into the finals.
Miami got outrebounded SEVERAL times during their long winning streak, and were able to overcome that weakness. Part of the reason they are so poor at rebounding is they 1) make practically everything, it seems, and 2) they have to get back on defense and get established or else the bigs from the other team will tear them apart. They play great help defense, but 1 on 1 against the bigs is a challenge. That said, they dont crash the boards very hard, but they focus on slowing the ball down and creating turnovers.
In the end, I think it comes down to OKC and Miami again. These are the two most talented/athletic teams by a long shot and should make for a fantastic series. Hope it goes 7!!
Good luck everyone
