2nd Round(2013): THUNDER(1) vs GRIZZLIES(5)

[NovU]

Here we go! True test starts now for both teams.

Oklahoma: 60 wins - 22 losses
Memphis: 56 wins - 26 losses

Probably the series to watch in 2nd round?

[stereoxide]

No Westbrook. Got to go with Memphis in 7 or maybe 6. OKC will really have a tough time with Memphis.

[Axel The Great]

As stereoxide mentioned, no Westbrook, which significantly changes the complexion of the series. The Rockets found a way to at least contain Durant (especially in Game 5), and the Grizzlies will be 10 times better at doing that. Grizzlies in six.

[[Q]]

go memphis. fuck okc

[xerion]

Grizzlies sweep them.

[werewolf914]

Grizzlies in 6. Without Westbrook, OKC could have 2 W in Durant but that's all. Gasol and Z-Bo will crush them. Welllllllll, it's the BIG show.

It's the big men show tonight.

[NovU]

LoL. Am I the only one that voted for the Thunder so far? Thought they were one of the most liked teams around since last year's Finals when everyone was rooting for them. Shameless sellouts...

Anyways. I like Gasol and Z-Bo too. But OKC's frontcourt is fine as well. They aren't softies that's gonna be pushed around as much, unlike Blake and DeAndre. Perkins and Ibaka are both assholes with punch-your-face attitude that you don't want to mess with. Nick Collison backs them up as another able-body at frontcourt. And unlike the Clippers, Thunder's frontcourt isn't big part of their offense scheme. Ibaka will take occasional jump shots and they will score under the rim on good looks and through put backs. Kevin Durant again will be unstoppable. Tayshaun and Tony Allen aren't going to stop him.

As for the Grizzlies, things entirely rely on frontcourt in exception of Conley. Conley is going to have a big series as usual. But keep eyes on Kevin Durant who will roam around perimeter at the top of the key. He will be a 7 foot presence to be reckoned with against Memphis backcourt unit who usually have hard time scoring. So the pressure once again will be big on Zach and Gasol to produce. Their battle pretty much comes down to how much they can abuse Ibaka and other bigs on boards and offensive end. The Grizzlies played 'grit and grind' style of basketball during regular season. They were able to score a lot and make stops against the Clippers though, but this series likely requires them to go back to 'grit and grind' style of basketball simply because the Thunder matches up better than the Clippers.

Often times, there are going to be stretches neither team can't buy a basket. But when it comes to that, I will bet on Kevin Durant to bail Thunder out. Going to be a great series nonetheless. My prediction is on Thunder in 6.

[benji]

LoL. Am I the only one that voted for the Thunder so far? Thought they were one of the most liked teams around since last year's Finals when everyone was rooting for them. Shameless sellouts...

Losing their second and third best players along with the entire team looking like it's lost its mojo over the last three games might have something to do with that.

[_Steve_]

Memphis in 6. Even with Westbrook in, I'd picked the Grizzlies to win it. I'm sure Grizzlies will find a way to make things very tough for OKC and KD in special.

[werewolf914]

But keep eyes on Kevin Durant who will roam around perimeter at the top of the key. He will be a 7 foot presence to be reckoned with against Memphis backcourt unit who usually have hard time scoring.

Wait last time I check he's a 6ft9, when did he grew to a 7ft?

[NovU]

You be the judge.

[JaoSming]

Durant will be insane this series, Thudner in 5

[shadowgrin]

But keep eyes on Kevin Durant who will roam around perimeter at the top of the key. He will be a 7 foot presence to be reckoned with against Memphis backcourt unit who usually have hard time scoring.

Wait last time I check he's a 6ft9, when did he grew to a 7ft?

BUT IT'S IMPOSSIBLE! PLAYERS DON'T GROW AFTER THE DRAFT COMBINE! KNOW YOUR BASKETBALL PLEASE!

[Manni Live]

MEMPHIS IN 6
#WEBELIEVE

[bowdown]

go memphis. fuck okc

[Dc311]

As much as I wanted to pick the "FatFace Fight",I am picking the Grizzlies in 6.Mainly because I want Durant to still remain the second best this year.And because of his rising attitude.

[[Q]]

Thought they were one of the most liked teams around since last year's Finals when everyone was rooting for them. Shameless sellouts...

ive hated them ever since clay bennett stole them from seattle

[Martti.]

go memphis. fuck okc

+1 on that.

[Alpha_]

The Grizz in 6

[werewolf914]

But keep eyes on Kevin Durant who will roam around perimeter at the top of the key. He will be a 7 foot presence to be reckoned with against Memphis backcourt unit who usually have hard time scoring.

Wait last time I check he's a 6ft9, when did he grew to a 7ft?

BUT IT'S IMPOSSIBLE! PLAYERS DON'T GROW AFTER THE DRAFT COMBINE! KNOW YOUR BASKETBALL PLEASE!

Nope, I know they grow but 6ft9 to 7ft is 3 inches, Paul George grew 2 inches and everybody know it, how come KD grow a freaking 3 inches and nobody even care to put it down officially? I say he's about 6ft10 - 6ft10+1/2, 6ft11 at best, not 7ft, that's a whole new body scale.

[Axel The Great]

Thought they were one of the most liked teams around since last year's Finals when everyone was rooting for them. Shameless sellouts...

The only reason they were one of the "most liked" teams was because of their opponent in the Finals last year: the Miami Heat.

[[Q]]

Thought they were one of the most liked teams around since last year's Finals when everyone was rooting for them. Shameless sellouts...

The only reason they were one of the "most liked" teams was because of their opponent in the Finals last year: the Miami Heat.

and David Stern pushing them ever since they lost to the Lakers in the playoffs to be one of the more popular teams. fuck that, i can decide for myself if i like a team or not.

[SoF'nAwesome]

http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2013/01/3 ... -how-tall/

Thunder in 6. Surprised that this many people are thinking Grizzlies in 6. They might not have Westbrook but they do still have Durant. The best player in the league right now...

[shadowgrin]

Durant. The best player in the league right now...

So he should be MVP then...

[NovU]

Spectacular first game! What a game by KD. Kid's amazing.