2022 NBA Playoffs thread

Might as well get this going with some picks, since we get started for real this weekend and we're down to one seed in each conference to figure out. I think the Suns and Hawks both have teams they'd rather see get that 8 seed. Not thrilled that the Clippers are a possibility for Phoenix still. They'll probably be the 8 in the West.

EAST
Heat over Cavs in 5; Heat over Hawks in 6
Celtics over Nets in 7
Bucks over Bulls in 5
Raptors over Sixers in 7

WEST
Suns over Pelicans in 5; Suns over Clippers in 6
Grizzlies over Timberwolves in 6
Warriors over Nuggets in 7
Jazz over Mavericks in 6

 

I do like this play-in tournament. Makes a lot of sense in the East. West? Well the Clips could get bounced in a one-game scenario by a team it finished six games ahead of, so that’s kinda bullshit.

 

I’m trying to jinx the Clippers into losing, so bear with me

 

Dude, the Clippers are hot garbage. They lost to the Timberwolves in a game where Karl Anthony Towns legit looked like he was trying to tank the result.

If the Suns can't beat the Clippers they won't beat anyone.

The finals will be tough, but I'm starting to think the Suns could have a relatively easy path through the west. Mostly depends on whether the Warriors are instantly good again with Steph back on the floor.

 

The Grizz are legit, they’re contenders just as much as the Suns or Ws.

 

True, true. It's just that out of all of those teams, the Clips are probably a four or five seed this year if George is healthy all the way through, so my fan dork radar is raised.

 

Having watched a lot of the Nets this year, I think they will be lucky to take more than 1 game from the Celtics.

 

The only reason I can imagine giving the Nets any chance against Boston is if Tatum reverts to his feast or famine performances of the first half of the season. Otherwise, the Celtics should win the series fairly handily.

 

When they lose, Joe Tsai can send the players to one of the prison camps he helped develop in China.

Send they ass home!

 

If the Suns' don't make it to the conference finals, something horrible happened to one of more of their star players.
But the Western Conference Finals could be brutal. Phoenix will smash the Clips or the Pelicans and will handle (likely) Dallas in Round 2. If Steph isn't Steph, the Dubs won't make it past Memphis. If Steph is Steph, that series will be interesting and either winner could upset the Suns. Either way, Memphis will give Phoenix a run for its money.

 

Memphis over Boston in 7.