(1) Lakers Vs. (8) Thunder

[Lamrock]

With the Blunder's loss in Portland (heart!), they have clinched the 8 seed. Who do you think will win between the Nonics and the defending champs? Despite LA's recent struggles, I gotta take the champs in 5 here.

[Rip32]

The Durantula can get one win... maybe... but the Lakers are just an awful pairing for them.


I just read that Roy may miss the playoffs too? Lamrock, you would know about this-- is it looking likely that he misses (Portland gets obliterated) or plays (Portland is competitive) in the Playoffs?

[Lamrock]

It's looking likely that he plays, but at an even lower level than he has already with the hamstring injury. Honestly, he's been pretty average these past few weeks, but the Blazers have been playing their best ball of the year. Andre Miller and Marcus Camby have been great stand-ins for Roy and Oden, and even sans Roy, I think they can beat the shitty Mavs.

[Phil89]

Lakers will probably win the series, but it won't be a sweep I don't think.

But, last time they played the Thunder won. Lakers scored their lowest points total for the year and Kobe only scored 11. Recap

[Fresh8]

The Laker fan I am predicts a sweep in this one.

However, am expecting a 5-6 game series because of the current woes of the team. Let's see if Pau is right and the Lakers will switch it on for the postseason. I have faith we will repeat as champions but the path will be harder than last year and getting back to the NBA Finals looks the toughest of the past three years.

[Breine524]

Thunder can get one win (maybe in their home), but i think that's it. Lakers will win game 4, so as game 5 (which they must to avoid a lower chance of winning in game 6 at oklahoma). well, let's see.. i hope artest will limit durant.

[dare]

Artest will definitely step up his defense, I predict Lakers in 5.

[benji]

I can't fathom the Lakers not winning this series. I'll give you stats later if you want but the Thunder are basically six and a half deep, while the Lakers are cheating.

I won't try to talk to the game total since that's more about luck than actual evaluation of the teams talents. Can't really see a sweep though, expecting at least a game or two of Durant taking off. Artest can't guard him. He's everything Artest can't defend, an athletic guy who can cut around screens and shoot from the outside while ALSO being able to terrorize you from the FT line. It's why Rip always used to abuse him. And Durant is AT LEAST 1.5x the player Rip was in his prime.

I could see this going farther if the Lakers decide to take a few extra games to rest key players. I've always wondered why more playoff teams don't do this. If the Lakers jump out 2-0 at home, why not give Kobe and Pau a game or maybe two at OKC considering you're likely to lose one anyway? (I get ending a series early in the East for the rest, but not in the West, especially not in a West like this where every playoff team could have 50+ wins and the best team will maybe have 57.)

[StupidBoy]

I can see Thunder maybe taking a game or two. Durant will do his thing, Westbrook will probably abuse Fisher, and Sefalosha can do a good job on Kobe. But the Thunder are gonna get raped inside. Gasol, Odom, and perhaps Bynum if he returns, will gobble up rebounds. Ibaka has no chance against them.

Lakers in 6.

[Dee.]

Kobe will be locked up.

[Andrew]

I'll pick the Lakers in five. I think the Thunder will be able to take one at home and the Lakers seem to be a little weary and not at their best right now. They'll take the series but Durant's performance should be good enough for at least a token win to avoid the sweep, maybe two but I have to believe the Lakers will wake up during the first round and flip their proverbial switch.

[JaoSming]

c'mon Thunder! F the Lakers

Thunder in 5 because I can't seem to get a grip on reality

[Martti.]

It definitely won't be easy for the Lakers, especially with Kobe's nightmare Sefolosha. But I'm gonna say Lakers in 6, secretly hoping for a upset.

[shadowgrin]

Thabo? I hope he's not like the hype of Ruben "Kobe Killer" Patterson. (or was that Kobe Stopper?)

[Rip32]

Thabo? I hope he's not like the hype of Ruben "Kobe Killer" Patterson. (or was that Kobe Stopper?)

That would be the Kobe Stopper:

I may not pay enough attention to the Lakers, but from what I see ARtest isn't even in the elite perimeter defender category anymore, yet people say he can harass Durant (Not; Maybe Jeff Green). I think ESPN Daily Dime has had him in the Defensive Player of the Year race all year, which I really don't get...?

[J@3]

I'm getting RealGM deja vu. Lakers in 5.

[Sauru]

lakers are far too good for the thunder but i expect the lake show to take one game off and this goes 5

[atlwarrior]

dang i was hoping the lakers got the spurs in the first round.

[bee-boy]

Lakers win in 5

[Axel The Great]

WTF is Clay Bennett?

[benji]

A stupid cunt.

[Fresh8]

I think ESPN Daily Dime has had him in the Defensive Player of the Year race all year, which I really don't get...?

Agreed. Artest didn't really 'stop' anyone this season. I can't remember more than a handful of games where he actually 'shut down' an opposing forward (i.e. LeBron (who toyed with Artest and Odom), Melo, Pierce, Durant, etc)

[Andrew]

It just goes to show that reputation goes a long way and isn't always easily lost after all. It's also worth noting that ESPN retains somewhat of a Laker bias.

[Modifly]

I'm going to say Thunder in 6 just because I hate the Lakers.

Seriously speaking though, I think the Lakers are just too much for the Thunder. They will dominate the paint.

[adsefhr]

Lakers will go straight to the finals.

Bad for KD. I thought he could make the semis.