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Sure looks like it will be the Clips or the Nugs in round 1 this year. Clips down one championship-winning coach. Nugs down one all-starish point guard. Who do you prefer? And why? 

The Denver matchup looks better to me, but 4 games at altitude. I don’t know.

The coaching mismatch could be a real factor against LA, where Lue seems to let the inmates run the asylum. But does anybody really want to bet against playoff Kawhi?

Very interested in your takes.

I know Jokic is AMAZING, but the absence of Murray weakens Denver, I think, and they just don't seem capable of the extra defensive gear needed to win in the playoffs (just my impression, no data). 

And, even though Jokic is the MVP this season, I can't shake the feeling that Leonard is the more dangerous threat in games that matter. I just live in constant fear of that guy. 

I would prefer facing Denver, but I give the Mavs a fair chance in either series, which is an improvement. I would've bet my LIFE on the Clippers going into last season's playoffs.

(05-13-2021, 11:16 AM)Jommybone Wrote: [ -> ]Very interested in your takes.

For the Mavs' first-round opponent, I definitely prefer the Nuggets over the Clippers.


Next question ...

Who do the Nuggets prefer  for their first-round opponent, Portland or Dallas?

The Nuggets have a lot of control over their first-round match-up, especially if Portland beats Phoenix tonight.

The Nuggets being without Murray is definitely in our favor, but Gordon has shown to be one of the best defenders on Luka.  

For the Clips, PG13 seems like he's gotten his act together, but in the playoffs, who knows?  Leonard is always a threat, but like has been mentioned they have a lesser coach and lost Harrell who gave us some trouble inside.

If it's the Nuggets then the key is slowing down MPJ and making him work on the defensive end.  Mavs (and most every team) don't have anyone that is going to really slow the Joker down.  Not scared of AG or the others on the offensive end (unless Barton is right, he seems to kill the Mavs).  Have to find a way to keep MPJ from taking over stretches of games.

On the offensive end I like the matchup as Jokic is going to be forced to play PnR defense vs Powell/WCS or try and chase KP around the perimeter.  AG is a solid Luka defender but in a 7 game series I would hope RC can find ways to get Luka favorable matchups.

If it's the Clips then it's all about if "playoff p" crumbles again and not letting Zubac murder us on the offensive boards.  KP is a tough matchup for them as he was proving before having his playoffs cut short.  Kawhi is scary as hell for sure.  But Mavs won't be intimidated by the Clips after last year.  Would love to see JJR come out of nowhere with a couple of nuclear stretches from 3 against his old team.


I think Denver is the only right answer if who would you rather play is the question.  Murray was the engine during their playoff run last year and can't overstate what a loss that is for them.

MPJ is getting the shots Murray had. He's been impressive scoring the rock. Already has a few 30 pt games under his belt. His defense isn't stellar, but he's at least trying to get better. Denver still has Barton, Dozier, and Morris out with injuries. Rivers, Gordon, Green, and Campazzo have played well. Millsap rarely plays now. I don't think Denver will be any easier than the Clippers, by any stretch even without Murray. They're bench is very deep when they get those players back.

My first reaction is DEN as a preferred opponent, especially with Murray out. IF that's how it works out, I'd have the Mavs in DEN ASAP getting acclimatized. 

I don't think LAC is as big of a problem this year. Sure KL is still there, and his playoff gear has been scary good, but we have more bodies to throw at him this year.

(05-13-2021, 12:05 PM)Hooper21 Wrote: [ -> ]but Gordon has shown to be one of the best defenders on Luka.  

Excellent point. Gordon did a great job on Luka earlier this season, for sure.

Suns doing some hardcore tanking to end up 3rd. They are just scared of the Lakers.

Just watch

(05-13-2021, 03:35 PM)sefant Wrote: [ -> ]Suns doing some hardcore tanking to end up 3rd. They are just scared of the Lakers.

Just watch

Not really sure whether the Suns or the Clippers are a less-favorable matchup for us. My inclination is to say that our chances are better against the Clippers than the Suns. I would rather have the Murray-less Nugz than either of those two teams any day. 

When you aren't good enough to make it to the top half of the bracket, you get to face a team that should be a second round matchup in the first round instead. Ick.

My preference is to play a team in the playoffs, not play ins!

Honestly, we’ve done pretty well against LAC this year, I get that it was reg season. I like the thought of playing a Murray-less Den team.

Just bring anyone who wants us! We’ll give them a (Luka) magic show with a unicorn!

(05-13-2021, 03:39 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: [ -> ]Not really sure whether the Suns or the Clippers are a less-favorable matchup for us. My inclination is to say that our chances are better against the Clippers than the Suns. I would rather have the Murray-less Nugz than either of those two teams any day. 

When you aren't good enough to make it to the top half of the bracket, you get to face a team that should be a second round matchup in the first round instead. Ick.

well, just said its a possibility. Suns aren't locked in yet. Ayton questionable for today. We will see how badly they try to win vs Blazers today.

Have the sneaky feeling they might have given up on the 1st, and are just scared of the 7th seed Lakers (after getting trashed by them without Lebron). They only way to avoid the Lakers is getting down to 3rd. There is a way for the Clippers to end up 2nd still. Unless the Clippers are throwing as well to avoid the Lakers early.

Suns Schedule

Portland today
Spurs
Spurs

Clippers Schedule

Charlotte
Rockets
OKC

Suns are going to shit the bed tonight aren't they

(05-13-2021, 03:58 PM)IamDougieFresh Wrote: [ -> ]Suns are going to shit the bed tonight aren't they

Portland has got hot all of a sudden, winning 5 straight and 8 of 10. Won't be a easy game for the Suns.

Don't want anything to do with the Clippers...they will be motivated to go further after choking in the 2nd round last year. PG looks more comfortable out there in year 2, Marcus Morris is a Mavs Killer, and regular Rondo hates us so I imagine that Playoff Rondo will be even worse.

The Nuggets, without Murray, are finally due for a playoff letdown after progressing each year in the Jokic Era.

(05-13-2021, 03:58 PM)IamDougieFresh Wrote: [ -> ]Suns are going to shit the bed tonight aren't they

But if they win...

---

I want the chicken Nuggets.

(05-13-2021, 03:35 PM)sefant Wrote: [ -> ]Suns doing some hardcore tanking to end up 3rd. They are just scared of the Lakers.

Just watch

My money is on Phoenix tonight.

I'm scared of the inevitable 10/10 FG shooting games from Zubac as much as I am afraid of Playoff Kawhi
But Playoff P is a thing and will definitely resurface once that first corner three hits the backboard
I'm also afraid of MPJ's possible coming out party these playoffs - he was there last year but still possibly getting his feet wet
But Murray's absence will be felt in a seven game series, and they dont have Grant anymore (Gordon is there, but still inconsistent)
All of that said I'm really torn - lets get healthy, get in a good rhythm, win all of the remaining games and let the chips fall as they may

Great contributions to this thread! I started out on the fence. Now I’m even more on it. (Oops, carried that metaphor too far.)

I just want to say I saw a different Luka the other night when he destroyed the opponent and had a pissed off look on his face...that player can beat any team in this league any night...

Then we would be discussing who the victim will be...