2023 Playoffs: Around the League Round 2 News Thread

[ShelC]

Eastern Conference
No. 2 Celts vs No. 3 76ers
No. 5 Knicks vs. No. 8 Heat

Western Conference
No. 1 Nuggets vs. No. 4 Suns
No. 6 Warriors vs No. 7 Lakers


NBA playoff predictions: Second-round picks favor Celtics, Suns, while Knicks-Heat a split decision
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba- ... -decision/

Celtics-76ers first look: What could decide the battle of Eastern Conference heavyweights
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/363 ... avyweights

11 thoughts and tidbits on Sixers-Celtics series in Round 2
https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/ ... rese-maxey

Tom Thibodeau on Jimmy Butler’s ascension: ‘I’ll be honest — I didn’t see this’
https://nypost.com/2023/04/29/tom-thibo ... at-series/

Series Preview: Knicks, Heat set to renew rivalry in East semifinals
https://www.nba.com/news/series-preview ... ami-heat-8

[Mori Chu]

Thanks for making the thread, Shel.

I feel like the most lopsided series will be Celtics / 76ers. I think Boston's going to massacre them. I guess there's a chance that Embiid goes nuts, but I just think Boston is way more talented.

[Split T]

I’m lower on Boston…They didn’t impress me against Atlanta. I picked them to lose to Philly before the playoffs and I’m gonna stick with that. I will say that if Embiid isn’t healthy that severely limits Philly’s chances

[Mori Chu]

It's Harden I have been concerned about. He looks off. Maybe injured, maybe Father Time just catching up with him.

[pickle]

Or maybe he’s already mentally focusing on Houston strip clubs.

[Split T]

It's Harden I have been concerned about. He looks off. Maybe injured, maybe Father Time just catching up with him.

Fair, he’s never been trustworthy in the playoffs either. Maxey had some big games and can step up though. Embiid is the key though…we’ll see if Boston can handle him.

[ShelC]

I want to see Philly over Boston. I think Boston is good but also overrated. Plus Embiid can be fun to watch when he's healthy.

No idea what to make of the Heat-Knicks series. My gut says Knicks in 5 or 6 but it could be Heat in 7 just the same and everything in between. The Knicks have more size and talent overall but the Heat are the Heat and Jimmy's a madman. Maybe the size hurts the Knicks if the Heat are running and shooting well and Thibs doesn't like adjusting and going small. Maybe it's a quick series if the Heat don't shoot well and can't rebound.

[Split T]

I see Embiid is doubtful for game 1…I think I’m definitely leaning Boston now.

[Flagrant Fowl]

I think I like it even though it needs some work. I’m not sure if a free flying drone is the best way to capture those angles, but I know nothing about this.

[Carno]

Hey that's pretty cool. I don't like the drone showing up in the main half court camera view, but I do really like the drone view. Now if we could just get rid of the horrible camera shots from under the basket.

[Mori Chu]

I saw that drone flying around during the game. I thought, Ukraine's at it again!! /s

[Flagrant Fowl]

I think they need to implement faster cuts if they want to get the most out of those new angles. I want to emphasize again that I know nothing about that stuff, but cutting the footage at optimal points could make for a much more enjoyable cinematic experience.

It seems like there'd be difficulty in identifying the best angles in real time, but I'm curious about the delay required to make it happen. I'd probably be fine if it were under a minute. I'd also be interested in presentations that somehow integrate metrics or game strategy. I've seen some ESPN broadcasts that highlight shot distance which is kind of cool but not all that insightful for the avid fan.

[TOO]

Ayton would never.

[Superbone]

Ayton would never.

He'd be out of bounds watching. We've seen it before.

[Cap]

A Who’s-Who of players we love to hate:

8 Dirtiest Players In Today's NBA

8. Kelly Olynyk
7. Marcus Morris Sr.
6. Markieff Morris
5. Patrick Beverley
4. Grayson Allen

► Show Spoiler

3. Chris Paul

2. Dillon Brooks
1. Draymond Green


I particularly like the end of the column:

At this very moment, Green finds himself at the center of controversy once again after stomping on the chest of Kings forward Domantas Sabonis in Game 2 of the Warriors’ first-round matchup against the Kings. After the game, Draymond said, "Nothing wrong here, solid basketball play, but of course, the league didn't buy that. Once again, when the Warriors need him the most, Green was suspended for a critical postseason game due to his dirty and foolish ways. The question is no longer if Golden State can put up with it or not. It is how much are they willing to pay to look the other way and re-sign him if Golden State loses this series. As one of the greatest players in franchise history, they may be at an impasse.

Their failure to close to quote means I have to read the rest in Draymond’s voice.

[TOO]

Ishbia MSU, Draymond MSU.

Ayton/Paul out Kyrie/Dray in. Lol at the idea of this.

[pickle]

This made me laugh.

[Kryptonic]

This made me laugh.

funny thing is... kids are almost honest to a fault at that age. funny find pickle

[carey]

If the Lakers make the WCF... so help me god.

[Superbone]

If the Lakers make the WCF... so help me god.

I'd prefer it to the Warriors honestly. As long as they are then crushed in said WCF.