Gotterdammerung
04-10-2023, 06:28 PM
Play-In Critique:
For the record, the play-in tournament is a joke.
The format is flawed because the 7th seeded team never loses, and the 9th seeded team has never lost to the 10th seeded team.
Sure, the 9th seeded team has beaten the 8th seeded team three out of four times. Regardless, no play-in team has ever pushed a playoff series to seven games, much less win a series.
:kobe:
Also, the NBA does not include play-in stats with regular season or playoff stats. This obviously means the play-in games are more about generating revenue than fostering competition.
Eastern Conference Picks:
Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks - Miami Heat will clinch the 7th spot.
Toronto Raptors vs. Chicago Bulls - Toronto Raptors will advance.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Toronto Raptors - Toronto Raptors will secure the 8th spot
Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks Analysis:
The Heat, despite homecourt advantage and the same core from their 2022 East Conference Finals appearance, have faced injuries and inconsistency. However, their depth and skill set them above the Hawks, making them a potential first play-in team to win a playoff series.
Toronto Raptors vs. Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks Analysis:
The Raptors have had a sh!tty season but are poised to bounce back by winning two games and earning a playoff spot. The Hawks, on the other hand, have been the epitome of mediocrity since their 2021 fluke run to the conference finals, with a revolving door of coaches and lackluster records (41-41, 43-39, and 41-41).
:durantunimpressed:
Western Conference Picks:
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves - Lakers clinch 7th.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder - Pelicans will survive.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans - Pelicans will secure the 8th spot
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Analysis:
The Lakers, despite boasting two of the top 75 players in league history, have struggled this season. Their recent improvement is attributed to a healthy Anthony Davis, but they remain a lower-tier playoff team at best. But they'll easily take care of the T-Woofs.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans Analysis:
The Timberwolves have consistently shown low basketball IQ, and recent events have only reinforced this perception. Their best defensive player, McDaniels, is out for the season, and the status of the Stifle Tower is uncertain. In contrast, the Pelicans remain a tough and talented team even without the frequently injured Zion. They are the favorites to win their rematch against the Timberwolves and secure the final playoff spot.
For the record, the play-in tournament is a joke.
The format is flawed because the 7th seeded team never loses, and the 9th seeded team has never lost to the 10th seeded team.
Sure, the 9th seeded team has beaten the 8th seeded team three out of four times. Regardless, no play-in team has ever pushed a playoff series to seven games, much less win a series.
:kobe:
Also, the NBA does not include play-in stats with regular season or playoff stats. This obviously means the play-in games are more about generating revenue than fostering competition.
Eastern Conference Picks:
Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks - Miami Heat will clinch the 7th spot.
Toronto Raptors vs. Chicago Bulls - Toronto Raptors will advance.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Toronto Raptors - Toronto Raptors will secure the 8th spot
Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks Analysis:
The Heat, despite homecourt advantage and the same core from their 2022 East Conference Finals appearance, have faced injuries and inconsistency. However, their depth and skill set them above the Hawks, making them a potential first play-in team to win a playoff series.
Toronto Raptors vs. Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks Analysis:
The Raptors have had a sh!tty season but are poised to bounce back by winning two games and earning a playoff spot. The Hawks, on the other hand, have been the epitome of mediocrity since their 2021 fluke run to the conference finals, with a revolving door of coaches and lackluster records (41-41, 43-39, and 41-41).
:durantunimpressed:
Western Conference Picks:
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves - Lakers clinch 7th.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder - Pelicans will survive.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans - Pelicans will secure the 8th spot
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Analysis:
The Lakers, despite boasting two of the top 75 players in league history, have struggled this season. Their recent improvement is attributed to a healthy Anthony Davis, but they remain a lower-tier playoff team at best. But they'll easily take care of the T-Woofs.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans Analysis:
The Timberwolves have consistently shown low basketball IQ, and recent events have only reinforced this perception. Their best defensive player, McDaniels, is out for the season, and the status of the Stifle Tower is uncertain. In contrast, the Pelicans remain a tough and talented team even without the frequently injured Zion. They are the favorites to win their rematch against the Timberwolves and secure the final playoff spot.