RE: NBA Playoffs
DarthFed said:
OKC is definitely the favorite and it is a much different matchup than Memphis. Having watched Jordan play like a man possessed I think he is the key for LAC because there is no way they are keeping Westbrook out of the paint. Paul played a great game 7 but that doesn't mean he is healthy enough to check Westbrook at all. The Clippers also don't have anyone to guard Durant, certainly no one like Tony Allen. Overall the Clippers have more good players on their team than OKC does, arguably more talent, but Durant will be the best player on the court and I don't see how they will prevent him from having a monster series.
I agree OKC are the favorites, but I thought they would have had an easier time with GSW. That said, the more I think about this, and despite being worried about the damage LAC can do inside, I think OKC have a few clear things going for them: Ibaka is one of the few power forwards in the league who can defend Griffin one on one. And while I think Serge's defense is at times slightly overstated in the sense that his block shot and rebounding numbers overshadow the fact that one-on-one, he's not the best defender around, he's still athletic enough to stop Blake from having monster games, at least in theory. Kendrick Perkins, for all his flaws, will prevent Deandre Jordan from having as many dunk opportunities as he did against GSW, as I don't see Jordan just getting lobs all series long.
The most distinct advantage is the one you mentioned, with LAC having no clear way to defend Durant and Westbrook on the perimeter, and stopping them from penetrating or taking mid-range jumpers. Chris Paul being hurt will make his job of defending Russell even more difficult.
I still see it being a very close series though, with the Clips doing some damage inside regardless, but I'm picking/hoping OKC edge it out.
