The 2014 Playoffs thread

[317]

http://www.nba.com/2014/news/05/16/serge-ibaka-out-for-season/index.html

between this and Parker's hamstring it looks like Miami gets a break in the finals either way, stupid good luck for them.

[perks-a-beast]

http://www.nba.com/2014/news/05/16/serge-ibaka-out-for-season/index.html

between this and Parker's hamstring it looks like Miami gets a break in the finals either way, stupid good luck for them.

Wow. What a shame. People overlook how important Ibaka is to that team. Outside of him, OKC's frontcourt is pretty weak. KD and Westbrook are going to have to play out of their minds if they want to have a chance to beat the Spurs. I'd say it's safe to pencil San Antonio into the finals.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

http://www.nba.com/2014/news/05/16/serge-ibaka-out-for-season/index.html

between this and Parker's hamstring it looks like Miami gets a break in the finals either way, stupid good luck for them.

Wow. What a shame. People overlook how important Ibaka is to that team. Outside of him, OKC's frontcourt is pretty weak. KD and Westbrook are going to have to play out of their minds if they want to have a chance to beat the Spurs. I'd say it's safe to pencil San Antonio into the finals.

Definitely a huge loss for them, but I wouldn't discount what Nick Collison and Steven Adams could do for them.

And yes, it does indeed look like things continue to fall into place for Miami. 

[Who]

http://www.nba.com/2014/news/05/16/serge-ibaka-out-for-season/index.html

between this and Parker's hamstring it looks like Miami gets a break in the finals either way, stupid good luck for them.

Wow. What a shame. People overlook how important Ibaka is to that team. Outside of him, OKC's frontcourt is pretty weak. KD and Westbrook are going to have to play out of their minds if they want to have a chance to beat the Spurs. I'd say it's safe to pencil San Antonio into the finals.

That sucks for OKC.

They really need a big series from Perk now. He did a good job on Duncan two years ago in WCF. Need more of the same this time around. If they get that from Perk, they might be able to manage things.

Spurs don't have much size on their bench and Splitter doesn't go one-on-one all that much. Nick Collison is one of the best backup bigs in the league. He could match Splitter. Then go small with Durant at PF. I think they'll need to do that a lot since Perk / Collison don't offer much scoring or jump-shooting. I think they'll need to sync up Duncan + Perk's minutes pretty closely. Perk will need to play 28-33mpg with Ibaka out. Collison takes center minutes when Perk isn't there and some minute alongside him. Maybe 24-28mpg. Then Durant takes most of the rest. Slide Thabo to SF. Play two PGs. Or play J.Lamb or C.Butler in lineup while someone is resting. Maybe some spot minutes for Adams.

I don't know. I think OKC still might have a shot against the Spurs. Not against Miami though. They are in dead in the water without Ibaka against Miami. Miami's small lineups and Bosh at C is too tough for them to matchup against without Ibaka ... but they might be able to pull something off against San Antonio if Perk can do a good job for them.

[SparzWizard]

Now with Serge Ibaka done for the remainder of season, Tim Duncan is going to have a field day. Tiago Splitter will shut down Kendrick Perkins like he never existed.

This changes up my prediction. Spurs in 6. Can't win without their best interior man.

Miami gets another easy walk if the old men in black and white can't stand on their grounds.

[Vox_Populi]

Indiana looking good early....

[SCeltic34]

Great 1st half by Indy.

Hibbert with the most shots on the team with 9.  He's only made 3 but that's fine.  Need him to be aggressive.

Pacers gave up only 45 points, but the Heat are still shooting 50%.  Ideally get that to 45% and below and we're talking. 

[Ogaju]

watch the referees go to work now... for Miami.

[doinky]

watch the referees go to work now... for Miami.

You know it's coming.

[Ogaju]

Why does Speolstra think Bosh is now a three point threat? ****

Only way Miami beats this Indiana team is if the refs will them to the victory.

It appears that Indiana has been waiting for this series. NBA is going to have to step up their game if they want Miami in the final.

[mgent]

watch the referees go to work now... for Miami.

You know it's coming.

It's starting.

Absolutely no point for Miami to take a jump shot right now.  Just throw a shot up in the paint and you'll go to the line.

[Mr October]

Indiana has built their team to beat Miami. I have been very critical of Indiana this post season. But if they bump off Miami or even take them to 7 games, i am going to have to eat my words.

Let's go Pacers!

[SparzWizard]

Why does half of me want Miami to win and want Indiana to lose... 

Either way, the refs will help the Heat win. Just waiting for an injury to happen.

[Mr October]

watch the referees go to work now... for Miami.

You know it's coming.

It's starting.

Absolutely no point for Miami to take a jump shot right now.  Just throw a shot up in the paint and you'll go to the line.

Likewise, the Pacers need to keep attacking the basket. The Heat have no center! Once you get into the paint, you can take it to them!

[Mr October]

Why does half of me want Miami to win and want Indiana to lose... 

Either way, the refs will help the Heat win. Just waiting for an injury to happen.

Well Indiana is brutal to watch.... 

Miami vs San Antonio or OKC will be more entertaining than Indy vs those teams.