Post by cop5414 on Jun 27, 2024 6:30:54 GMT
2027 NBN Western Conference Finals:
#1 Memphis Grizzlies (69-23) vs. #7 Los Angeles Clippers (47-48)
Well, damn. The Lakers series I could wrap my head around, but this one is certainly a head scratcher. I don't believe they were any key injuries on the Kings squad, and the track record was a 2-2 record before the Claxton trade. Did not see this one coming. The Clippers who are still a sub-.500 team despite the two series wins, came into this playoffs on a 7-game losing streak. Among the playoff teams, they had the worst offense in the league, ranking 27th in FG%. The defense probably ranked the middle of the pack. They practically dismantled the Kings. Their shooting is hot right now, the team who only managed 42.5 FG% this season shot still managed roughly the same in this series, but if you erase that ugly 29.5% shooting night in Game 5 they actually shot about 45% from the field. The Kings swapped season splits with them from the field, going cold at only a 42% clip. The key difference in this series came down to the frontcourt which somewhat surprisingly the Clippers had the advantage. The Kings combo of Claxton and Sabonis made their presence known on the boards, but did not stop the occasional scoring bout of Holmes II and Sarr who along with Chomche were keeping up on the glass. A dissappointing ending to the Kings season ending in a rejection of a potential 3rd straight rematch afainst the 76ers in the finals. The Clippers move on to unfortuneatley to a sicker frontcourt, who I don't think they'll be able to match this time around. If the Clippers want any shot in my opinion, they should pray for an injury to Shai. Don't see how they take this any other way. But what do I know? I've been terribly wrong twice before.
Grizzlies in 5
2027 NBN Eastern Conference Finals:
#1 Philadelphia 76ers (73-19) vs #6 Atlanta Hawks (56-35)
You know, I would've never thought the 2nd round of the Western Conference playoffs would've boring. Both series ended within 5 games. The Hawks ending in 5 doesn't shock me so much, some of the Raptors deadline moves I thought made them worse for it, and it showed. They only got one great performance out of Cade, and their Wings really had no answer for Tatum and Sharpe. Well this series should set up another interesting matchup. As the best defense versus best offense set up failed my hype miserably, this one will question depth versus star power. Although, the 76ers are nice constructed roster. Only player injury, that would kill their chances in this series in Maxey. Even if they were to lose Jokic's offensive production, I believe they have enough defensively their to still be comfortable. There will be no complete stopping Jokic or Maxey, aside from maybe only slowing down Jokic a tad bit. But if there is something really noteworthy for the Hawks, it is that there isn't anyone really to matchup against Jayson Tatum. As long as he doesn't go cold, this could possibly be a tight series. I'll pray for a game 7.
76ers in 7
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