I hope the seeding stays the same out West.

[wdleehi]

If so, it looks like the Lakers would have to face Tim Duncan in the 1st round.  That would have to be one of the hardest 1st round opponents ever for a number 1 seed (with the current playoff set up)

[housecall]

As i see it would be equally as tough in the east if Cleveland meets the Bobcats in the first...i hope it happens for both.

[wdleehi]

As i see it would be equally as tough in the east if Cleveland meets the Bobcats in the first...i hope it happens for both.

Not even close.  Can't compare them to a team with Duncan in the playoffs.

[housecall]

As i see it would be equally as tough in the east if Cleveland meets the Bobcats in the first...i hope it happens for both.

Not even close.  Can't compare them to a team with Duncan in the playoffs.

Im thinking more in terms of the Bobcats have had the Cavs number for a couple seasons.If any lower seed team is going to give them trouble it will be the Bobcats.
 
Also,from a defensive standpoint between Wallace&Jackson,they have been the only tandom in the east that makes Lebron work the hardest.

[Who]

As i see it would be equally as tough in the east if Cleveland meets the Bobcats in the first...i hope it happens for both.

Not even close.  Can't compare them to a team with Duncan in the playoffs.

Im thinking more in terms of the Bobcats have had the Cavs number for a couple seasons.If any lower seed team is going to give them trouble it will be the Bobcats.
 
Also,from a defensive standpoint between Wallace&Jackson,they have been the only tandom in the east that makes Lebron work the hardest.

Agreed -- I think the Bobcats have a much better chance at knocking off the Cavs than the Spurs do with the Lakers.

[Who]

I think Oklahoma are going to be most difficult team to play out of the lower seeds in the West.

They are going to be a very uncomfortable team to play against.

[housecall]

I think Oklahoma are going to be most difficult team to play out of the lower seeds in the West.

They are going to be a very uncomfortable team to play against.

OKC is playing consistent ball this season...they have figured out how to win on the road this season which makes them more dangerous.The Spurs have been a little jekell&hyde most of this season. 

[misha]

It won't be easy but I doubt Spurs can defeat them in a series. The problems is, if it stays like that, Dallas and Denver will meet in the second round, and I really want Lakers to face them both.

[PosImpos]

I'm hoping that somehow a Dallas vs Denver WCF will be possible

[Who]

Hardest route to Finals -- Oklahoma + Denver + Dallas

Easiest route to Finals -- Phoenix + Utah + Denver

[j_fran]

Hardest route to Finals -- Oklahoma + Denver + Dallas

Easiest route to Finals -- Phoenix + Utah + Denver

Easiest route to Finals -- Eastern Conference

[wdleehi]

As i see it would be equally as tough in the east if Cleveland meets the Bobcats in the first...i hope it happens for both.

I mean despite all the hype, they are a sub 500 team.

[PLamb]

A matchup I think could lead to an upset could be the Milwaukee-Orlando series, if it happens

If there is a center other than Kendrick Perkins that can play Dwight Howard to a stand still in a seven game series, it's Andrew Bogut

The Salmons, Delfino, Mbah a Moute triple wing offense is interesting and matches up well defensively against the Lewis, Carter, Barnes combo

And I like the Ilyasova, Ridnour, Bell, Stacksouse bench

[Who]

If there is a center other than Kendrick Perkins that can play Dwight Howard to a stand still in a seven game series, it's Andrew Bogut

I think Bogut struggles against centers with great athleticism.

Also, most of his defensive impact comes from his team defense rather than his one-on-one defense. I consider him a good one-on-one defender but not an exceptional one. Not a stopper.

I think Orlando would get a lot of joy from that matchup.

[Who]

A matchup I think could lead to an upset could be the Milwaukee-Orlando series, if it happens

If there is a center other than Kendrick Perkins that can play Dwight Howard to a stand still in a seven game series, it's Andrew Bogut

The Salmons, Delfino, Mbah a Moute triple wing offense is interesting and matches up well defensively against the Lewis, Carter, Barnes combo

And I like the Ilyasova, Ridnour, Bell, Stacksouse bench

That matchup that I really like for Milwaukee is the Mbah a Moute vs Rashard Lewis matchup at power forward.

Mbah a Moute can neutralize Lewis. His ability to defend Lewis at a high level out on the perimeter and defend the pick and roll at a high level takes away a weapon for Orlando that usually causes teams a lot of problems.