OKC vs LA can they upset?

[thedawg]

I have feeling that one of the four, Lakers, Boston, Cleveland and Orlando, will not go through the first round. If I had to make a guess then Lakers or Boston.

[incoherent]

Seeing as the Lakers won it last year I think they will get the same disrespect we got from the refs in the playoffs last year after we had won it.

I dont think they will go to the finals, would be awesome if KD knocked them off it would help set up Stern's pockets for years to come with his new superstar, Kobe is old.

[blake]

I'm an unabashed homer in its truest form, but if:

]Kobe continues to not be 100%
Bynum is out
the Der catch fire


they have a chance.  As everyone has stated, Westbrooke can abuse the aging Fish and Thabo can keep Kobe at or below his averages.

The interesting piece will be the rest of the matchups. 
Will Artest be able to contain Durant?
Will Krstic be able to drag Pau out of the lane enough to create some space for Westbrooke.
Will Krstic be able to contain Pau.
Will Green's athleticism get to Odom.



Truthfully, what I would like to see is if Serge can get physical with softy Pau and take his mind out of the game.

All in all, this should be a fun series.

[PosImpos]

I have feeling that one of the four, Lakers, Boston, Cleveland and Orlando, will not go through the first round. If I had to make a guess then Lakers or Boston.

Well, there's no chance the Cavs or Orlando lose in the first round.  I have a hard time seeing the Lakers lose, and the Celtics would really have to fall apart to lose 4 games to the Heat or the Bucks.

In the second round though?  Sure, definitely a solid chance at least one of those teams loses.

[Who]

Love the Thunder, but I think the Lakers will probably find a way to shut out Durant.  Once Durant is shut out... I'm not sure what else the Thunder can do.

This'll be the first real test of Durant's career - Artest is gonna do anything and everything he can to get under his skin.

Artest doesn't do that good of a job on Durant. Durant is long enough to get a shot over him and too quick for him. Unless the officials let Artest just beat him to death Durant will win it solidly.

Agreed -- Durant is able to abuse Artest. Too long to contest his shots and too good coming off of screens = Lot of good looks at the rim.

[Who]

The Lakers are slight favourites given their current form. If they play intelligently they will become overwhelming favourites but they've consistently failed to that throughout the season so it's an unlikely but not impossible scenario.

The Thunder are the underdog but they are capable of beating LA. They cause the Lakers huge problems with Durant, Westbrook and in transition. They also defend Kobe Bryant very well. That gives them a real shot at knocking off the Lakers.

[fairweatherfan]

Love the Thunder, but I think the Lakers will probably find a way to shut out Durant.  Once Durant is shut out... I'm not sure what else the Thunder can do.

This'll be the first real test of Durant's career - Artest is gonna do anything and everything he can to get under his skin.

Artest doesn't do that good of a job on Durant. Durant is long enough to get a shot over him and too quick for him. Unless the officials let Artest just beat him to death Durant will win it solidly.

I agree, but Artest isn't trying to win the matchup, he's trying to make Durant frustrated and inefficient.  Durant has so far seemed very level-headed in big moments, but Artest will put that to the test.  And there's a decent chance the refs will split the difference and just let Artest beat him half to death 

[Fafnir]

The Lakers are slight favourites given their current form. If they play intelligently they will become overwhelming favourites but they've consistently failed to that throughout the season so it's an unlikely but not impossible scenario.

The Thunder are the underdog but they are capable of beating LA. They cause the Lakers huge problems with Durant, Westbrook and in transition. They also defend Kobe Bryant very well. That gives them a real shot at knocking off the Lakers.

Pau Gasol and Bynum should be taking 30+ shots combined at least each game.

[MMacOH]

I love the reasoning that a Lakers-Cavs finals would occur is because the NBA wants it.  It could never be because they are the better teams

[angryguy77]

I love the reasoning that a Lakers-Cavs finals would occur is because the NBA wants it.  It could never be because they are the better teams

Right and the NBA is above the fans questioning the integrity of the league after the TD scandle. Not saying there is a conspiracy, but you can't fault people for wondering.

[Trifecta]

LA will crumble on the road against OKC, That building is going to explode. Golden State x2.

TP. That's an excellent point, that place get's rockin' on a regular basis. The playoffs will only up that ante.

I do honestly believe the Thunder have a chance, and I really like their current squad, but realistically I don't see them getting past the Lakers. I will be ecstatic if they do though.

[2short]

I personally would not want to face OKC in the first round, lakers or celtics.  Durant can take over quarters and they have a nice all around team game.  Artest unless  he's going to mug Durant can't stop him.  Derek Fisher, love him but he is no longer and nba starter and has lots of weakness.  Can OKC handle Gasol is probably the biggest thing to me.

[Fred Roberts]

I saw one game where this guy Serge Ibaka was all over the place. Athletic, shot blocking run the floor center. Could be a nice key to defending Gasol & Odom.

My 2 cents.

[j804]

Good points guys, like I and others said Westbrook will have his way especially now that Farmar might miss some time who else do they have to gaurd him? Sasha? ****

Should be a good series and I think OKC can upset...Phil Jackson already said he doesnt like there speed and sees that a challenge theyre young and fast, and pesky on D. They did humiliate them just a few weeks back w/ Kobe playing.

[Fafnir]

Good points guys, like I and others said Westbrook will have his way especially now that Farmar might miss some time who else do they have to gaurd him? Sasha? ****

Should be a good series and I think OKC can upset...Phil Jackson already said he doesnt like there speed and sees that a challenge theyre young and fast, and pesky on D. They did humiliate them just a few weeks back w/ Kobe playing.

Shannon Brown will be in and guard Westbrook for most of the series.