2019 NBA Playoffs First Round

[Mori Chu]

Interesting games last night. Spurs got up by 19 or so on Denver, but then the Nuggets roared back to win and even the series (and, really, save their playoff hopes). Blazers had a big win over OKC and are now up 2-0; they're proving a lot of people wrong who picked OKC to upset them. Kanter is filling in pretty nicely for the absent Nurkic. Good story there. And Toronto had a big win over Orlando; I think that Game 1 victory by the Magic was a fluke.

[Mori Chu]

I loved this clip from OKC/POR. Westbrick chucks up a shot that clangs out, then Lillard comes back, drains a -long- 3 in his face.

[Cap]

I loved this clip from OKC/POR. Westbrick chucks up a shot that clangs out, then Lillard comes back, drains a -long- 3 in his face.

Shooting from that distance that early in the shot clock always makes me scratch my head, but you can’t complain when it goes in.

[Indy]

Interesting games last night. Spurs got up by 19 or so on Denver, but then the Nuggets roared back to win and even the series (and, really, save their playoff hopes). Blazers had a big win over OKC and are now up 2-0; they're proving a lot of people wrong who picked OKC to upset them. Kanter is filling in pretty nicely for the absent Nurkic. Good story there. And Toronto had a big win over Orlando; I think that Game 1 victory by the Magic was a fluke.

I am not too sure about the "fluke" comment. I know they have KL now, but keep in mind that Toronto has won a total of 8 games past the 1st round of the playoffs in their entire history. I expect them to beat the Magic, but I don't expect them make it out of Round 2.

Also, not sure if Portland is proving anything yet. All they did was not lose at home. They looked good yesterday, though.

[Superbone]

I loved this clip from OKC/POR. Westbrick chucks up a shot that clangs out, then Lillard comes back, drains a -long- 3 in his face.

Shooting from that distance that early in the shot clock always makes me scratch my head, but you can’t complain when it goes in.

Curry, Lillard, and maybe Booker have a green light to shoot from that far out. Curry's percentage out there is ridiculous.

[ShelC]

Lillard's one of my favorite players.

The fact that McD thought he could get him in a trade is still embarrassing to me.

[Split T]

Lillard's one of my favorite players.

The fact that McD thought he could get him in a trade is still embarrassing to me.

When did he think that?

[ShelC]

[Split T]

Ehh, so we called about Lillard. I’m glad we did. Doesn’t hurt to be told no

[Cap]

Doesn’t hurt to be told no

In my experience, it does.

[In2ition]

I'm here for all the Donovan Mitchell slander and Utah Jazz are trash talk. Couldn't happen to a better fan base.

[Split T]

Houston making them look awful...

[Xylus]

I couldn't be happier that CJ and Dame are destroying the Thunder.

[In2ition]

Looking at this playoff lineup in 2019, who falls out in 2020?

[ShelC]

In the west I could see the Thunder, Jazz and Rockets taking a step back next year. Rockets will be a year older and don't have great depth as it is. Not sure how much more the Thunder and Jazz can really improve barring some major trades/acquisitions. I think the Clips could get better thru free agency. Warriors could look mortal if they lose KD and/or Klay/Draymond. Iguodala and Shaun Livingston aren't getting younger either.

Portland is in that space where they can look to make major changes or keep pushing thru and hope a healthy Nurkic can make a difference. They need a legit PF though.

[wpmiller42]

Looking at this playoff lineup in 2019, who falls out in 2020?

I think the East will largely stay the same, barring any major injuries, though maybe the Hornets or Hawks edge out the Magic or Pistons next year.

The West is way more up for debate. I think the only 4 that I would say are locks, again, barring any injuries, for next year are the Warriors, Thunder, Rockets, and Nuggets.

I think the Jazz and Trailblazers (depending on when Nurkic comes back) will stay in. So maybe the Spurs and Clippers fall out? I think the Kings will make the playoffs next year and maybe the Wolves? I think if we get Zion or Morant, we'll be in the hunt too.

I think after free agency, it will get a little clearer.

[Split T]

There’s not any obvious candidate right now to drop out. Clips could if they strike out in free agency. Spurs could also falter. Lakers are the obvious candidate to jump in, but depends on what they put around Lebron this summer. Kings could take the next step. I don’t really see anyone else being a playoff team without major changes. If pels can convince AD to stay, then they could fight for a spot.

[Superbone]

I enjoy watching the Harden show but they're taking chances keeping him in late to stat chase for that last assist of the triple double.

[O_Gardino]

The Pacers are the biggest wild card this summer. They've got tons of cap space, but they will have to re-sign or replace most of their role players. They could go either way.

[iLLmatic]

Doesn’t hurt to be told no

In my experience, it does.