[t-wizzle]

The Warriors are a flawed team but their ceiling is sky high. The West isn't as strong as it was 3-4 years ago but it's still better than the East in terms of playoff teams.

Let's consider the contenders:

Spurs - not enough surrounding Kawhi/Aldridge and Parker and Ginobili are too old to be major contributors. Mills would probably play over Parker anyway.

Blazers - again, Lillard and McCollum aren't enough in a 7 game series. Those guys can steal a few games but not 4. The rest of that team stinks.

Rockets - intriguing because they gave GSW trouble 2 years ago in the Conference Finals but defensively they just don't match up. The Warriors would simply outscore them.

Grizzlies - too slow, not enough scorers. Their style makes the Warriors have to work and they can dictate the tempo of a game but it's only a matter of time before the Warriors offense goes off and the Grizz simply can't keep up

Jazz - now this one is interesting because they haven't even made the playoffs with this core. This should finally be their year however and if they match up, look out. This is a solid ball club and Gobert is a crazy good rim protector. Still, not enough fire power to keep up and they'd likely lose in 5 or 6. The home court advantage with the altitude is a factor as well.

Thunder - this would be the most interesting for obvious reasons. Westbrook is obviously out of this world. Adams is a monster. And Oladipo was a nice addition. But this team desperately lacks outside shooting and they rely far too heavily on Westbrook to carry the load. It would be fun as hell watching Russ take them on but until they add some shooting, they aren't good enough to win the West. They'd surely rough up the Dubs though with all that size. It wouldn't be easy that's for sure.


Finally, the Clippers...

Now the Clippers have come up short time and time again and chances are, they'd lose this series. But they are the only team actually capable of knocking off Golden State. Sure, Chris Paul is great. His defense alone really makes Curry work and on the offensive end, he could pick and roll Curry to death. But the biggest reason the Clippers would even have a shot is Blake Griffin. His game is incredibly dynamic WHEN he is on. When he's out of sorts, it can look ugly. But we're talking about a guy who can handle the ball, is the most athletic player on the court, and who has added a deeper jumpshot with each passing season. A high low game with Blake and Jordan is so difficult to defend, particularly now that the Warriors have lost Bogut and Ezeli. Their biggest flaw is the lack of outside shooting and that should not be understated. It's possible they could add another wing shooter besides Redick.

Forget Warriors/Spurs. Warriors/Clippers is the matchup the NBA needs and the Clippers would have a legitimate chance to knock this Dubs team off.

[Gonz312]

I actually like the way the Jazz would match up with them ir anyone for that matter but not enough experience to make a real impact this year.

[sportsfan9698]

I basically agree with your analysis. Clippers are definitely the most improved team this year. Griffin is simply a beast - I love to watch him play. Overall, the West is still very good... look at all of the teams you discussed.

[MoneyLineDawg]

OKC, Clippers, Jazz, Blazers, Spurs would all give them a series

[t-wizzle]

OKC, Clippers, Jazz, Blazers, Spurs would all give them a series

Maybe but only the Clippers could beat them.

[MoneyLineDawg]

Maybe but only the Clippers could beat them.

If OKC adds a shooter I think they could. If Spurs are all healthy and rested they could also

Clippers too like you said

Don't think Jazz or Portland are there yet but you never know

They can obviously outscore anyone if they're clicking but their lack of big men will kill them in close playoff games.....I don't think they're unbeatable at all

[The Giant]

Clippers are much deeper this year too, much improved bench.

Their problem is always health. It seems like every year either Chris Paul or Blake Griffin get hurt come playoff time.

[jjgold]

I like the way they're playing early on and plus they play very very hard which is half the battle

[rm18]

Denver

[kingdom]

If OKC adds a shooter I think they could. If Spurs are all healthy and rested they could also

Clippers too like you said

Don't think Jazz or Portland are there yet but you never know

They can obviously outscore anyone if they're clicking but their lack of big men will kill them in close playoff games.....I don't think they're unbeatable at all

okc has to play big. it was really stupid to only play Canter 3 minutes. gsw struggled with size last year and will be a problem this year. Houston is such a different team from last year and can pose problems. Shooters struggle more in playoffs against good teams. you have to crush them on the boards to have a chance.

[t-wizzle]

Denver

They could make the playoffs.

[teecee]

Other way around.

[Catch77]

Definitely agree with your analysis. As of today Id say the Clippers/Cavs in the finals. Warriors gutting their depth will hurt them in the playoffs. Of all the bench players they got rid of Marrese Speights will end up making a difference in Game 7 of the WCF.
IF i had the patience to play futures Id take them at +1000 to win west. Actually f it putting 25 bucks on it now.

[DUBnation]

Clippers definitely look good this year, and without Bogut the Dubs would likely get eaten alive on the glass by DJ. A healthy Clippers squad is trouble for anyone, but I'd say they match up better with this new Warriors team than they have in the past.

[WalkingLuckCharm]

Don't know if you're trolling to look stupid or you're actually this thick

[Catch77]

Don't know if you're trolling to look stupid or you're actually this thick

Come back in June. Enlighten us on what the WalkingLuckCharm thinks. Not clear Since you provided so much reasoning in your post.

[BigDofBA]

The Clippers will lose to the Cavs in the NBA Finals. I already said this.

People laughed when when I said the Cubs would beat the Indians in the World Series 6 months ago and that came to fruition.

[jjgold]

Spurs not a threat
Okl City NO

[BigDofBA]

OKC will lose to the GSW in the second round in 5 or 6 games but they'll beat them up a little bit in the process and wear them down for the Clippers.

The Clippers will beat the Spurs in the second round in 6 games.

LAC/GSW will be a terrific series that goes seven and LAC will game 7 in Oracle as Kevin Durant once again Chokes in one of the biggest games of his life after having a terrific regular season.

The Clippers will feel like they've won the NBA championship and proceed to lose to Cleveland in six games because the Cavs will be rested after destroying the Easter Conference.

Lebron will get another ring and people will really start comparing him to Jordan.

It's all scripted. No need to even play the games now. You're welcome.

[WalkingLuckCharm]

Come back in June. Enlighten us on what the WalkingLuckCharm thinks. Not clear Since you provided so much reasoning in your post.

You can't be that thick. Only at sbr. You do realise you're looking at one of the most cancerous teams in the west that has consistently been proven to be over performers in the reg and consistent chokers in the playoffs. If you can't tell the difference between a contender and a regular season team you're really lacking in the brain department

[Catch77]

You can't be that thick. Only at sbr. You do realise you're looking at one of the most cancerous teams in the west that has consistently been proven to be over performers in the reg and consistent chokers in the playoffs. If you can't tell the difference between a contender and a regular season team you're really lacking in the brain department

No one is thick and please be civil. Why come sh$t in someones post when he provided a detailed clear analysis and several posters here agree with him? You provided no Insight whatsoever. I imagine e you don't have much to offer especially given your can nonsense reply. Posters like you make this place a cesspool. I come here for the meeting of the minds and trying to find angles. You have nothing to offer so let those of us who want to discuss respectfully do so.
If you had a brain you'd k ow the clippers got hit with injuries two of the last three years. But yes let's call that a choke. Gtfo

[BigDofBA]

If you had a brain you'd k ow the clippers got hit with injuries two of the last three years. But yes let's call that a choke. Gtfo

Bingo! They had a ton of injuries.

No one said it was a "lock". People are just giving some possible scenarios of teams that have a chance to take down the favorites.

I picked the Cubs over the Indians four months before the World Series even happened. http://www.sportsbookreview.com/foru...ld-series.html Am I "thick" for liking the Cubs who were one of the "most cancerous teams" of all time? In that very thread I picked the Clippers before the NBA season even started and they got off to this hot start. Their bench is a lot better than the Warriors and their inside game should eat against Golden State as well. I saw this coming before I watched them play.

Did this guy take the 73 win warriors against the field to win the NBA title? Is he going to tell us the Patriots are the favorites to win the Super Bowl? Is that his insight?

[sportsfan9698]

Spurs not a threat
Okl City NO

I agree Spurs are not looking good... but I bet they are at or near the top of the West sooner than later.

[Seto]

It looks like the Clips may finally have the right supporting cast. I liked them a bit coming into the season but I was still waiting to see if the product they put out there was going to match my hopes. It's early but so far it looks good.

Beating the Warriors is still obviously a momentous task especially in a 7-game series, and to even get to play them they'll likely have to beat the Spurs unless they can somehow get the 1 seed. I'm not sleeping on them though. +1200 to win the West is certainly not a totally stupid idea. If they could at least get the 2 seed, that's -150 against the Spurs and +400 against the Warriors... Comes to about +700 or something.

A team that had a history of choking and a core considered a redundant/tired act won a championship the last time a superstar shook the NBA by taking his talents somewhere else so who knows, maybe it can happen again. I'm actually rooting for them, putting my beef with this team aside.

[t-wizzle]

Seto nice to see you check in bro. How you been?

[WalkingLuckCharm]

Bingo! They had a ton of injuries.

No one said it was a "lock". People are just giving some possible scenarios of teams that have a chance to take down the favorites.

I picked the Cubs over the Indians four months before the World Series even happened. http://www.sportsbookreview.com/foru...ld-series.html Am I "thick" for liking the Cubs who were one of the "most cancerous teams" of all time? In that very thread I picked the Clippers before the NBA season even started and they got off to this hot start. Their bench is a lot better than the Warriors and their inside game should eat against Golden State as well. I saw this coming before I watched them play.

Did this guy take the 73 win warriors against the field to win the NBA title? Is he going to tell us the Patriots are the favorites to win the Super Bowl? Is that his insight?

Nah I'm sorry you guys are super sharp and correct. We will see cp3 and jamals most clutchest performance in history, and will be dropped 30 a night throughout the playoffs. Oh wait you can win in other ways. Just struggling to think how..?

Don't misunderstand. I see how on paper they can look good and have ALWAYS looked good since the cp3 trade, but the team has way too many leaks.

Defensively: you have one man on d and that's Jordan. Griffins defence is painful to watch. Paul can't keep up with the new pgs in the league ie curry westbrook lilliard Irving wall. Maybe a few years ago. You guys don't have a legitimate 2 defender, nor 3 or 4 bahahahah
Bench: jamal is all you have. Please don't even begin to think clippers are deep. When austin rivers is your 2nd option on your bench you're not looking good. For clippers to have any chance they need to trade him. He is just not on the playoff level. He's only there cos of he daddy. And speaking of his daddy
Doc rivers: overrated. Managed to win one ring with a superteam. Can he win one with this cancerous team? Keep dreaming rofl
Hackajordan: how many playoff games will they lose against this method?
Performance in crunch time: I don't need to explain this surely you guys should know that the clippers are vulnerable to comebacks and choke consistently.

But whatever. Time will tell. Maybe I'm wrong and we will see another year like when dallas won against James. Or maybe you're all morons following one of the worst cappers on the forum.

[WalkingLuckCharm]

Nah I'm sorry you guys are super sharp and correct. We will see cp3 and jamals most clutchest performance in history, and will be dropped 30 a night throughout the playoffs. Oh wait you can win in other ways. Just struggling to think how..?

Don't misunderstand. I see how on paper they can look good and have ALWAYS looked good since the cp3 trade, but the team has way too many leaks.

Defensively: you have one man on d and that's Jordan. Griffins defence is painful to watch. Paul can't keep up with the new pgs in the league ie curry westbrook lilliard Irving wall. Maybe a few years ago. You guys don't have a legitimate 2 defender, nor 3 or 4 bahahahah
Bench: jamal is all you have. Please don't even begin to think clippers are deep. When austin rivers is your 2nd option on your bench you're not looking good. For clippers to have any chance they need to trade him. He is just not on the playoff level. He's only there cos of he daddy. And speaking of his daddy
Doc rivers: overrated. Managed to win one ring with a superteam. Can he win one with this cancerous team? Keep dreaming rofl
Hackajordan: how many playoff games will they lose against this method?
Performance in crunch time: I don't need to explain this surely you guys should know that the clippers are vulnerable to comebacks and choke consistently.

But whatever. Time will tell. Maybe I'm wrong and we will see another year like when dallas won against James. Or maybe you're all morons following one of the worst cappers on the forum.

Oh and edit.. Welcome to the nba boys. Where defence wins you championships. Don't listen to this moron of a posters analysis. You guys do know he's proven to be a consistent losing capper right? This thread is a great example why lolol

[goduke]

I agree I thought before the season that it would be cavs against clippers and you know from my time on here that I hate hate the clippers and their waste of talent but I just think the Warriors need a year to put it all together. Super teams don't win the first year

[gojetsgomoxies]

why are the clippers better this year? don't see massive personnel changes.

did they change the rules on hacking big men? i.e. opponents can't keep sending DeAndre to FT line in the 4th quarter.

hard to figure out what major has changed here.

[Seto]

why are the clippers better this year? don't see massive personnel changes.

did they change the rules on hacking big men? i.e. opponents can't keep sending DeAndre to FT line in the 4th quarter.

hard to figure out what major has changed here.

The rule change isn't that big. It just encompasses the last 2 minutes of every quarter instead of just the last 2 minutes of the 4th when you can't do the hacking.

The Clippers are playing with an edge and have added a few valuable pieces on their bench by taking vets who can actually play instead of washed up vets and misfits. We have seen this kind of a start from them before though, I believe in Vinny Del Negro's last year, so this still needs to be validated. Anyway nothing this team does before May matters.

[jjgold]

This is the last chance so it better happen

[t-wizzle]

Clippers are a tough matchup for Cleveland if they manage to get past Golden State.