Around the League: Week 23 (3/21 to 3/27)

[Mori Chu]

Miami still is the 1 seed right now

The buzz right now is that it's possible Brooklyn would end up in the 8 seed and would play Miami and might upset them. I don't know how to feel about either team. In general I have a lot of skepticism about Brooklyn. I get that Durant and Irving are an insane offensive duo, but they don't have much else, and their team defense is questionable. Also Irving may miss a bunch of playoff games due to being unvaccinated. I think I'd pick against Brooklyn in most 1st-round series. Heck, they might not even win the play-in. Doesn't feel like their year IMO; too many injuries and too much roster upheaval.

[Superbone]

Also Irving may miss a bunch of playoff games due to being unvaccinated.

No, that is being lifted on Sunday. It's been all over the news.

[Split T]

Yep, Kyrie can play and that Brooklyn team is a nightmare1st round opponent for whoever gets them…of course they probably face Toronto in the play-in and Kyrie can’t play there still.

[Split T]

I’ve been skeptical about Boston, but I’m now down to 3 teams I think can win the East and Boston is 1 of them.

[bajanguy008]

Sigh
I shared that he was Out rest of season for Personal Reasons
Don't expect to read this though

[bajanguy008]

Grizz beating Nets on ESPN so surely their hype train gonna continue

[dragickingdom]

Grizz beating Nets on ESPN so surely their hype train gonna continue

...well we did play last night so he was talking about Monte, Bridges but Cam J didn't play.

[Split T]

I’ll be surprised if the Grizz make it through 2 rounds to us in the WCF

[bajanguy008]

[Split T]

I’m starting to think you can’t give the MVP to Jokic…feels a little too Westbrook like. If the Nuggets are in the play-in he definitely would lose my vote. I just don’t know if you want the league mvp being a very likely 1st round out. I know the Nuggets are a bottom 5 team without him, but Giannis is sitting right there and has had maybe his best season ever. He’d get my vote.

[Indy]

I would give it to Embiid. He has been dominant all season and has his team the #2 seed in the East.

[Split T]

I think Embiid will win…Giannis is better imo though. Both are deserving

[Flagrant Fowl]

The analysis you know you never needed.

[Mori Chu]

I would give it to Embiid. He has been dominant all season and has his team the #2 seed in the East.

I'm leaning that direction. He also nearly deserved it last year before his injury. Jokic is compelling, too, though, especially if the Nugs managed to climb to #5 in the West let's say.

Embiid: 29.8 ppg, 48.8 FG%, 11.3 reb, 4.3 ast, 1.4 blk, 31.1 PER
Jokic: 26.2 ppg, 57.1 FG%, 13.6 reb, 8.0 ast, 0.9 blk, 32.5 PER

Both amazing seasons. Jokic definitely has the "team would be complete crap without me" factor in his favor; Philly without Embiid would be mediocre and get by, while Denver without Jokic would be a catastrophe. And Jokic's assists, shooting percentage, and overall wow factor are pretty high. But I think the so-so team performance will probably be what dooms Jokic and gives it narrowly to Embiid.

[Split T]

Embiid: 29.8 ppg, 48.8 FG%, 11.3 reb, 4.3 ast, 1.4 blk, 31.1 PER
Jokic: 26.2 ppg, 57.1 FG%, 13.6 reb, 8.0 ast, 0.9 blk, 32.5 PER

Giannis: 29.7 ppg, 55.0 FG%, 11.6 reb, 5.8 ast, 1.4 blk, 32.2 PER


He matches or beats Embiid across the board and Milwaukee and Philly are tied in the standings.

[Superbone]

The analysis you know you never needed.

I made it halfway. Turns out I don't need it.

[Superbone]

Jokic isn't getting it back to back. It will be Embiid. Book it!

[bajanguy008]

Having been paying attention but interesting.....



Harden not waiting til Playoffs to start coming up small

[bajanguy008]

[dragickingdom]

They are pretty much a lock for the 2 in the west, so no rush in bringing him back.