[valentine]

Now’s the perfect time to make your prediction, just before the game of a new season.

I’ll start by playing the straight guy. I have the Spurs for all the same reasons they won last year. 

So who have you got?

 

[llperez]

I would say the thunder but obviously the Spurs, cavs and bulls could all easily win it. I’ve watched the clips 5 times this preseason and while I love Paul and Blake there defense has been atrocious. It’s a real concern going forward if they want to win it all. I also think the Warriors will finish with best rexits in west but doubt they can win it all come playoff time, I don’t trust perimeter shooting that much and I think curry is bordering on overrated at this point. If I knew the Bulls were gonna stay healthy, they might be my pick. I actually think the Noah/pau/Gibson trio is the best inside group of any of the contenders including the Spurs. But pau and rose are both major injury concerns. The cavs have the games best player, but I could see Lebron going overboard with the unselfish thing this year and it actually being a little detriment to the team. The reason I pick the thunder is I think the role players will be better this year. Steven adams showed real bright spots last year and any of their younger wings should be an upgrade over fish jacking up shots. They will struggle early without durant, but his absence should also provide Westbrook the opportunity to be a leader and show he knows how to use his teammates.

[llperez]

I would say the thunder but obviously the Spurs, cavs and bulls could all easily win it. I’ve watched the clips 5 times this preseason and while I love Paul and Blake there defense has been atrocious. It’s a real concern going forward if they want to win it all. I also think the Warriors will finish with best rexits in west but doubt they can win it all come playoff time, I don’t trust perimeter shooting that much and I think curry is bordering on overrated at this point. If I knew the Bulls were gonna stay healthy, they might be my pick. I actually think the Noah/pau/Gibson trio is the best inside group of any of the contenders including the Spurs. But pau and rose are both major injury concerns. The cavs have the games best player, but I could see Lebron going overboard with the unselfish thing this year and it actually being a little detriment to the team. The reason I pick the thunder is I think the role players will be better this year. Steven adams showed real bright spots last year and any of their younger wings should be an upgrade over fish jacking up shots. They will struggle early without durant, but his absence should also provide Westbrook the opportunity to be a leader and show he knows how to use his teammates.

[NCarmean18Participant]

 I would have to give the advantage to the San Antonio Spurs for the same reason as everybody else.  They just play near-perfect team basketball.  

If I had to pick a "dark horse" candidate, it would definitely be the Dallas Mavericks.  After all they were the only team that actually played San Antonio to the end.  This year, they have amazing depth at all positions, and rumor has it that they might add J.J. Barea after he comes to terms with a buyout agreement with Minnesota.  That would only help their chances on offense, and I like what this team has to offer defensively as well, especially from their reserves.  

 

[NCarmean18Participant]

 I would have to give the advantage to the San Antonio Spurs for the same reason as everybody else.  They just play near-perfect team basketball.  

If I had to pick a "dark horse" candidate, it would definitely be the Dallas Mavericks.  After all they were the only team that actually played San Antonio to the end.  This year, they have amazing depth at all positions, and rumor has it that they might add J.J. Barea after he comes to terms with a buyout agreement with Minnesota.  That would only help their chances on offense, and I like what this team has to offer defensively as well, especially from their reserves.  

 

[ballislyfe25Participant]

 I’m picking the Bulls over the Spurs in the Championship.

The Bulls depth is incredible and unmatched in the Eastern Conference, and Derrick Rose looks phenomenal. We know they are annually a defensive force capable of beating any opponent but this year they have great versatility on the offensive end, something they are usually lacking in but make up for with incredible defense and fundamentally sound execution. With the additions of Doug McDermott, Pau Gasol, Nikola Mirotic and the development of Jimmy Butler and Tony Snell, the team will almost always roll out a lineup where no players are playing out of position or at a disadvantage on either ends of the floor. Their roster covers every skill/intangible a championship team must have (for example: rim protection, 3-point shooting, sound and synchronized team defense, etc). This is the most complete Bulls team Coach Thibs has had and I believe he will have them playing above expectations.

 

[ballislyfe25Participant]

 I’m picking the Bulls over the Spurs in the Championship.

The Bulls depth is incredible and unmatched in the Eastern Conference, and Derrick Rose looks phenomenal. We know they are annually a defensive force capable of beating any opponent but this year they have great versatility on the offensive end, something they are usually lacking in but make up for with incredible defense and fundamentally sound execution. With the additions of Doug McDermott, Pau Gasol, Nikola Mirotic and the development of Jimmy Butler and Tony Snell, the team will almost always roll out a lineup where no players are playing out of position or at a disadvantage on either ends of the floor. Their roster covers every skill/intangible a championship team must have (for example: rim protection, 3-point shooting, sound and synchronized team defense, etc). This is the most complete Bulls team Coach Thibs has had and I believe he will have them playing above expectations.

 

[Toronto16Participant]

Spurs or Clippers.

[Toronto16Participant]

Spurs or Clippers.

[machu46Participant]

I’m picking the Clippers over the Bulls in the Finals.  The East is really a two-team race IMO.  If Rose is healthy for the playoffs, I think Chicago can beat Cleveland, and I just think this is the Clippers year.  DeAndre is coming into his own, Blake is solidifying himself as a top 5 player in the NBA.  CP3 is still somewhere around the top 5 as well.  I just think it all comes together this year for them.

My dark horse is the Mavs.  Monta seems like he’s finally figured out how to play his way while also playing winning basketball.  Dirk is obviously still great.  Chandler will be reinvigorated in Dallas.  Parsons is a huge upgrade at SF.  And I think the PG trio of Nelson, Harris, and Felton will do enough for them to be in the mix.

 

 

[machu46Participant]

I’m picking the Clippers over the Bulls in the Finals.  The East is really a two-team race IMO.  If Rose is healthy for the playoffs, I think Chicago can beat Cleveland, and I just think this is the Clippers year.  DeAndre is coming into his own, Blake is solidifying himself as a top 5 player in the NBA.  CP3 is still somewhere around the top 5 as well.  I just think it all comes together this year for them.

My dark horse is the Mavs.  Monta seems like he’s finally figured out how to play his way while also playing winning basketball.  Dirk is obviously still great.  Chandler will be reinvigorated in Dallas.  Parsons is a huge upgrade at SF.  And I think the PG trio of Nelson, Harris, and Felton will do enough for them to be in the mix.

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

I wouldn’t want to bet on a Western Conference team getting to 3 straight Finals (only the Lakers have done it), or even winning back to back titles (the Rockets are the only West team to do it other than the Lakers) but I will have to go with San Antonio.

Tim Duncan is still effective on offense and defense.  Great in the post and enough range to keep bigs honest.  Tony Parker is still a fringe MVP candidate.  I think Manu already had his big dip in production and his erosion will be more gradual this year.  

Splitter can guard the basket better than anyone.  AND, he is big enough to throw it down.  Boris Diaw and Matt Bonner are Opposite-Splitters but each brings something to the table (in Boris’ case forks, knives, and spoons).

BIG KEYS here are Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green.  Kawhi is only getting better.  He already has about 75% of Scottie Pippen’s game (minus the ball handling and passing), and has had two really, really good Finals already.  He can defend almost anybody in the league — especially the two guys that matter the most: Durant and LeBron.

My X Factor here is Danny Green.  If not for Ray Allen’s HUGE clutch shot, Danny Green probably already has a Finals MVP under his belt.  GREAT shooter with good scoring instincts and good size and athleticism for a 2 guard.  He is the underrated version of Klay Thompson.

I think their young wings (Kawhi and Danny Green) help put the Spurs over the top again.  If Kyle Anderson gives them anything this year, that would be a bonus.  I also expect the injured Patty Mills to round into shape once the season heats up.

I don’t think the Cavs matchup very well with the Spurs.  The Cavs are decently big inside, but not huge.  Who is Kevin Love going to defend?  Kawhi can slow down a slimmed down LeBron.  The Spurs might actually be as quick as the Cavs.  Kawhi and Green are young and athletic.  Splitter can move.  TD and TP are pretty quick for their age, and while Boris Diaw and Slow Mo are, well, slow they can pass the ball faster than defenders can run.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

I wouldn’t want to bet on a Western Conference team getting to 3 straight Finals (only the Lakers have done it), or even winning back to back titles (the Rockets are the only West team to do it other than the Lakers) but I will have to go with San Antonio.

Tim Duncan is still effective on offense and defense.  Great in the post and enough range to keep bigs honest.  Tony Parker is still a fringe MVP candidate.  I think Manu already had his big dip in production and his erosion will be more gradual this year.  

Splitter can guard the basket better than anyone.  AND, he is big enough to throw it down.  Boris Diaw and Matt Bonner are Opposite-Splitters but each brings something to the table (in Boris’ case forks, knives, and spoons).

BIG KEYS here are Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green.  Kawhi is only getting better.  He already has about 75% of Scottie Pippen’s game (minus the ball handling and passing), and has had two really, really good Finals already.  He can defend almost anybody in the league — especially the two guys that matter the most: Durant and LeBron.

My X Factor here is Danny Green.  If not for Ray Allen’s HUGE clutch shot, Danny Green probably already has a Finals MVP under his belt.  GREAT shooter with good scoring instincts and good size and athleticism for a 2 guard.  He is the underrated version of Klay Thompson.

I think their young wings (Kawhi and Danny Green) help put the Spurs over the top again.  If Kyle Anderson gives them anything this year, that would be a bonus.  I also expect the injured Patty Mills to round into shape once the season heats up.

I don’t think the Cavs matchup very well with the Spurs.  The Cavs are decently big inside, but not huge.  Who is Kevin Love going to defend?  Kawhi can slow down a slimmed down LeBron.  The Spurs might actually be as quick as the Cavs.  Kawhi and Green are young and athletic.  Splitter can move.  TD and TP are pretty quick for their age, and while Boris Diaw and Slow Mo are, well, slow they can pass the ball faster than defenders can run.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 The Spurs’ starting five is just so SOLID.  They even have PROTOTYPES at each starting spot: Tony Parker at point, Danny Green at the 2, Kawhi at the 3, Tim Duncan at the 4, and even Tiaggo Splitter at the 5.

Above average bench with Patty Mills (when he gets healthy), Manu, Kyle Anderson, Diaw, and Matt Bonner.  Good PLAYOFF bench too with a guy who can score and pass in different ways and create his own shot, a speed demon in Patty Mills who can shoot from long range, a 5 who can stretch the floor in Matt Bonner, and two all-around forwards who can pass (Diaw and Kyle Anderson).  Corey Joseph is an ideal third point guard who can defend and dribble (the NBA equivalent of walking and chewing gum at the same time).  

They could probably use another athletic wing and an extra shot blocker at the end of the bench, but this team is LOADED.

 

 

 

  

[PlatParticipant]

Cavs vs Spurs/OKC…can’t decide between them two

[PlatParticipant]

Cavs vs Spurs/OKC…can’t decide between them two

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 The Spurs’ starting five is just so SOLID.  They even have PROTOTYPES at each starting spot: Tony Parker at point, Danny Green at the 2, Kawhi at the 3, Tim Duncan at the 4, and even Tiaggo Splitter at the 5.

Above average bench with Patty Mills (when he gets healthy), Manu, Kyle Anderson, Diaw, and Matt Bonner.  Good PLAYOFF bench too with a guy who can score and pass in different ways and create his own shot, a speed demon in Patty Mills who can shoot from long range, a 5 who can stretch the floor in Matt Bonner, and two all-around forwards who can pass (Diaw and Kyle Anderson).  Corey Joseph is an ideal third point guard who can defend and dribble (the NBA equivalent of walking and chewing gum at the same time).  

They could probably use another athletic wing and an extra shot blocker at the end of the bench, but this team is LOADED.

 

 

 

  

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 There are 4 teams who can win it all.  Chicago, Cleveland, San Antonio, and Oklahoma City.  That’s it.

 

Now, there are some other solid teams.  But they just aren’t good enough to beat the above 4.  The other quality squads are the Clippers, Portland, Houston, Washington, and Miami.  Those are the only other truly competitve teams who could give the above 4 a scare.  But they just aren’t on their level.  Sorry to any fans of any other teams, but your squad just can’t compete for a ship.

 

Chicago vs San Antonio

 

Spurs win it all

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 There are 4 teams who can win it all.  Chicago, Cleveland, San Antonio, and Oklahoma City.  That’s it.

 

Now, there are some other solid teams.  But they just aren’t good enough to beat the above 4.  The other quality squads are the Clippers, Portland, Houston, Washington, and Miami.  Those are the only other truly competitve teams who could give the above 4 a scare.  But they just aren’t on their level.  Sorry to any fans of any other teams, but your squad just can’t compete for a ship.

 

Chicago vs San Antonio

 

Spurs win it all

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