Wow, so the Rockets not only failed spectacularly at getting the #2 seed, but they fell all the way to #4. Couldn't have happened to a more deserving batch of clowns.
and people want to give Harden the MVP over Giannis.
Well, I still think there's a strong argument to be made for Harden. The Rockets wouldn't even be seeded this high (or make the playoffs at all) without him. And he consistently has these crazy, off the charts performances.
So...predictions, anyone? This is hard for me. I haven't followed the east much. And there are a few west matchups that I can't quite figure out.
In the west, I think the Warriors easily beat the Clippers, and the Rockets handle the Jazz. The other matchups are harder to call. Do the favorite Nuggets beat the Spurs? I
think so. But I'm not sure I'd bet on it. What about Blazers/Thunder? I think I'm going with the Thunder on that one, but could
easily see it going the other way. I guess if I have to, I'm calling Thunder. But then same issue in round 2: If the Nuggets make it, they are favored and
should win, but the Thunder could easily steal that series too. Well...I guess I have to make a decision, so...
Round 1:
Warriors vs. Clippers
Nuggets vs. Spurs
Trail Blazers vs.
ThunderRockets vs. Jazz
Round 2:
Warriors vs. Rockets
Nuggets vs.
ThunderRound 3:
Warriors vs. Thunder
East:
Round 1:
Bucks vs. Pistons
Raptors vs. Magic
76ers vs. Nets
Celtics vs.
PacersRound 2:
Bucks vs. Pacers
Raptors vs. 76ers
Round 3:
Bucks vs.
RaptorsWarriors over Raptors for the championship 3-peat.