2012 Playoffs: (2) Thunder Vs. (7) Mavericks

Rematch of last year's WCF except... The Mavs aren't very good any more. With a stronger Thunder team and a Mavs squad without Tyson Chandler and clearly looking towards the 2012 offseason, I think the Mavs are back where they were before they got Chandler: first/second round fodder. Dirk wins the Mavs a game in Dallas, but the real contenders take this in 5.

Thunder will win, but not because of a lack of Tyson Chandler.

Thunder in 5, because yes.

Mavs in 6, if Dirk goes back into last year mode, as does Jet.

Pretty tough 1st round matchup for OKC if you ask me, sheesh, Chandler or no Chandler. But OKC are simply better. Thunder in 6.

Gonna love this series. Perhaps more than one sided Heat series.

Without Harden the Thunder should be Mavericks caliber team. Let's see how healthy he can play. OKC in 7.

Without Harden the Thunder should be Mavericks caliber team. Let's see how healthy he can play.

He was already cleared. They just sat him because it was the last game of the season and why bother.

Yeah, I was aware of that he passed concussion test. I don't think he should be physically that much affected but there was a saying that he wasn't involved too much nor active in the practice, which said to be is not normal. Maybe it's a mental thing after such a tragedy, or who knows. All I am hoping is for him to be able to play at the level he has been throughout the season.

a mental thing after such a tragedy

C'mon son.

Heh. I know I know. xD

Chances are slim for the Mavs, but this is one of the matchups, where they won't miss Tyson Chandler that much. OKC has no inside game.

Well, I'm a fan and I'm hoping for Mavs in 6, but I doubt it.

Thunder in six. I believe the Mavericks are too good to be swept and should have enough firepower to take a couple of games in Dallas. However, the Thunder are simply the better team, while the Mavericks aren't as good as last year. Kind of a shame that the defending champs will likely be out in the first round but that's the way it goes sometimes. Possibly would've been a different story if not for the lockout and Chandler's departure.

Unfortunately the 2011 NBA champs will go down early this year. They are going to miss the presence of Tyson Chandler. Thunder in 6.

Mavs in 6. Because Im a Mavs fan so fuck it

Russell Westbrook is they key to OKC's win, but if he continues to believe that he is better than K. Durant (like he always does)... then they have to bow down to the Mavericks again in a close 7 game series.

Mavericks in 7 games.

Yeah, I've read that his causing the chemistry problem in the thunder's locker room.

Both are great teams. The Mavericks didn't have a great start but they're getting better. The Thunders have home court advantage, but if the series goes to a 7th game, the mavs experience is going to be more important than OKC talent and youngness. Mavs in 7.

My head says Thunder in 5, but I'll give the defending champs the benefit of the doubt. So it's Thunder in 6.

I'll go for the Thunder sweep. All 4 games will be close, as the Mavericks have too much pride for it to be otherwise, but they're overmatched pretty much all over the court.

I'm a Mavs fan because of last year, but it sucks to say Thunder at 5 or 6, and next year might be even worse for the Mavs

LET'S GOOOOOOO!

Mavericks not looking too bad early on. It's early days but this could be quite a series; even if it does end up being over in five, we might get some very competitive games.

Agreed, Mavs looking much better than expected by many, except for Dirk, who has shot horribly to start.

Don't cross-out the possibility of a repeat of the last year's series.

Mavs lead.