The volume. No, no, oh my god, how could he do that?

The volume. No, no, oh my god, how could he do that?

Don't want.

Don't want.

What Charles Darwin.

What Charles Darwin.

The nerves is where it's at.

The nerves is where it's at.

Welcome everybody back into Nerd Sash. As always, I'm Carson Breving. Alongside he is Logan Camden and Logan. The entire playoff field is officially set. We just saw the final play in games tonight, So today we're gonna talk a little bit about those games, give a quick season in memoriam to the teams who got eliminated. We're going to preview the one seed versus eight seed matchups in both conferences, and we're gonna quickly go through our full playoff brackets and declare who we have as our NBA champion picks. But before we get into all that, Logan, I want to talk about the team that just got eliminated, that being the Dallas Mavericks, who the Memphis Grizzlies bounced and pretty convincingly led the entire game. Obviously an insane season for Mavericks fans in every way imaginable, But how do you feel about them with their season ending this way?

Welcome everybody back into Nerd Sash. As always, I'm Carson Breving. Alongside he is Logan Camden and Logan. The entire playoff field is officially set. We just saw the final play in games tonight, So today we're gonna talk a little bit about those games, give a quick season in memoriam to the teams who got eliminated. We're going to preview the one seed versus eight seed matchups in both conferences, and we're gonna quickly go through our full playoff brackets and declare who we have as our NBA champion picks. But before we get into all that, Logan, I want to talk about the team that just got eliminated, that being the Dallas Mavericks, who the Memphis Grizzlies bounced and pretty convincingly led the entire game. Obviously an insane season for Mavericks fans in every way imaginable, But how do you feel about them with their season ending this way?

I can't say anything nice about the Dallas Mavericks. Next year they're going to have an opportunity to compete again, and then I think their window may be officially shut. That's the only positive thing I could say about Dallas is that this isn't it. You know, next year, Anthony Davis should be back, should be healthy, Kyrie Irving should be back, should be fully healthy.

I can't say anything nice about the Dallas Mavericks. Next year they're going to have an opportunity to compete again, and then I think their window may be officially shut. That's the only positive thing I could say about Dallas is that this isn't it. You know, next year, Anthony Davis should be back, should be healthy, Kyrie Irving should be back, should be fully healthy.

Well at the All Star break, maybe.

Well at the All Star break, maybe.

Well, I mean by playoff time, you should at least be available. I mean, they gave up one of the brightest superstars in the league for an aging, often injury prone guy. They don't have any of their first round picks after twenty twenty seven, so you know, it's like, I don't have anything like super encouraging to say about Dallas. This was a colossal disaster of a season. Nico Harrison deserves to be beheaded and at least to have some like tomatoes and arn adam or something, you know.

Well, I mean by playoff time, you should at least be available. I mean, they gave up one of the brightest superstars in the league for an aging, often injury prone guy. They don't have any of their first round picks after twenty twenty seven, so you know, it's like, I don't have anything like super encouraging to say about Dallas. This was a colossal disaster of a season. Nico Harrison deserves to be beheaded and at least to have some like tomatoes and arn adam or something, you know.

I wish there was a silver lining to this season.

I wish there was a silver lining to this season.

I guess it's the fact that.

I guess it's the fact that.

They're gonna be in the lottery. Good for them.

They're gonna be in the lottery. Good for them.

Man, this is the most disappointing season imaginable for Dallas, and I hope, for their sake and for Dallas Mavericks fans sanity that they have an opportunity to compete in the playoffs next year, man.

Man, this is the most disappointing season imaginable for Dallas, and I hope, for their sake and for Dallas Mavericks fans sanity that they have an opportunity to compete in the playoffs next year, man.

Because that's it.

Because that's it.

I mean, that's the only encouraging thing that could come in all this as an opportunity to win a championship next year. So I hope for Dallas's sake that they're there, and I like them at full strength, Like that is the one thing that I will give Dallas is I still think that this could be a really competitive team when you've got the kind of rim protection and defense and length and athleticism that they have with an offensive guy that I really like, and Kyrie Irving despite him getting older, Like, if this team is fully healthy, if they're fully available next year by the playoffs time, I think this is a team that I would consider to be a championship contender, but they got to be fully healthy to have that kind of championship ceiling.

I mean, that's the only encouraging thing that could come in all this as an opportunity to win a championship next year. So I hope for Dallas's sake that they're there, and I like them at full strength, Like that is the one thing that I will give Dallas is I still think that this could be a really competitive team when you've got the kind of rim protection and defense and length and athleticism that they have with an offensive guy that I really like, and Kyrie Irving despite him getting older, Like, if this team is fully healthy, if they're fully available next year by the playoffs time, I think this is a team that I would consider to be a championship contender, but they got to be fully healthy to have that kind of championship ceiling.

I do think that they're a really good basketball team with Kyrie Irving, I still think that they would be on the outskirts of being a contender because I still struggle to see this team being like a good offense, and I think that obviously in the absence of Kyrie, they really struggle on that side of the ball, So I thought this was a disappointing defensive performance from them, just because I think that they should be so good so consistently on that end. Offensively, you really just have nobody who can create a shot outside of Anthony Davis, who is also trying to adjust to playing in these double big lineups where he is primarily playing at the four. I know that's what he wanted, because he's always craved playing alongside a center for whatever reason. But I do think you see stretches of this game where it's like he's so reliant on the perimeter game. He's so reliant on the jump shot. And although I think that ad is very skilled for a big, at the end of the day, he's a thirty percent three point shooter, he's a forty two percent mid range shooter. So there is gonna be some inconsistency with his game offensively if he is that dependent on the perimeter stuff. But I thought that he played a phenomenal offensive game and overall was really good as a jump shooter and was more aggressive getting into the lane and attacking the paint as this game went along. But just nobody around him was really capable of stepping up and even when you get Kyrie back, this team isn't going to have that elite playmaker Kyrie.

I do think that they're a really good basketball team with Kyrie Irving, I still think that they would be on the outskirts of being a contender because I still struggle to see this team being like a good offense, and I think that obviously in the absence of Kyrie, they really struggle on that side of the ball, So I thought this was a disappointing defensive performance from them, just because I think that they should be so good so consistently on that end. Offensively, you really just have nobody who can create a shot outside of Anthony Davis, who is also trying to adjust to playing in these double big lineups where he is primarily playing at the four. I know that's what he wanted, because he's always craved playing alongside a center for whatever reason. But I do think you see stretches of this game where it's like he's so reliant on the perimeter game. He's so reliant on the jump shot. And although I think that ad is very skilled for a big, at the end of the day, he's a thirty percent three point shooter, he's a forty two percent mid range shooter. So there is gonna be some inconsistency with his game offensively if he is that dependent on the perimeter stuff. But I thought that he played a phenomenal offensive game and overall was really good as a jump shooter and was more aggressive getting into the lane and attacking the paint as this game went along. But just nobody around him was really capable of stepping up and even when you get Kyrie back, this team isn't going to have that elite playmaker Kyrie.

We don't know what he's gonna look like.

We don't know what he's gonna look like.

Man.

Man.

I mean, this is a guy who is in his thirties who is going to be coming off of a major injury. We don't know when he'll return. We don't know if he'll look the same at any point next season. So for all these reasons, that's why the Luca trade, above all else, is the all time disaster that it was right because in terms of just the talent they bring back, Anthony Davis is phenomenal, but knowing the availability questions you have about him and knowing how much you are shrinking your timeline to be that all in on a group that is also worse in a vacuum, but then to be so dependent on winning now and to have no future essentially, and then when Kyrie goes down, like you just feel like you're in a pit of despair.

I mean, this is a guy who is in his thirties who is going to be coming off of a major injury. We don't know when he'll return. We don't know if he'll look the same at any point next season. So for all these reasons, that's why the Luca trade, above all else, is the all time disaster that it was right because in terms of just the talent they bring back, Anthony Davis is phenomenal, but knowing the availability questions you have about him and knowing how much you are shrinking your timeline to be that all in on a group that is also worse in a vacuum, but then to be so dependent on winning now and to have no future essentially, and then when Kyrie goes down, like you just feel like you're in a pit of despair.

And that was basically how the end of the year went for the Dallas Mavericks.

And that was basically how the end of the year went for the Dallas Mavericks.

It's scary to see Ady grabbing at his legs and having to leave for a second early in the fourth quarter, and then he comes back, and like I said, I mean, he was incredibly at forty points in this game. But the future is just so so dark in Dallas, and hopefully it gets better, but I don't think it's getting a whole lot better from here. Let's talk real quick about the other team that got eliminated, Logan, the Atlanta Hawks, who were in playoff position the entire year and then miss it through the play and the heat bounced them.

It's scary to see Ady grabbing at his legs and having to leave for a second early in the fourth quarter, and then he comes back, and like I said, I mean, he was incredibly at forty points in this game. But the future is just so so dark in Dallas, and hopefully it gets better, but I don't think it's getting a whole lot better from here. Let's talk real quick about the other team that got eliminated, Logan, the Atlanta Hawks, who were in playoff position the entire year and then miss it through the play and the heat bounced them.

How do you feel about their season?

How do you feel about their season?

The Hawks are in a really interesting spot that you know, they're not always concretely into the playoffs, they're not really battling in our contenders, but they have a lot of assets that I that I really like. Trey had a really bad start to this game. The first half and first quarter was really really rough. A lot of turnovers, a lot of ugly shots, but he was hitting some big shots in the second half to make this thing close, you know, down to the game tying layup.

The Hawks are in a really interesting spot that you know, they're not always concretely into the playoffs, they're not really battling in our contenders, but they have a lot of assets that I that I really like. Trey had a really bad start to this game. The first half and first quarter was really really rough. A lot of turnovers, a lot of ugly shots, but he was hitting some big shots in the second half to make this thing close, you know, down to the game tying layup.

To force overtime.

To force overtime.

I like a lot of what Atlanta's got going on, man. I mean, Jalen Johnson gets injured midway through this.

I like a lot of what Atlanta's got going on, man. I mean, Jalen Johnson gets injured midway through this.

Year and you don't have him.

Year and you don't have him.

You got to think that made a difference in this team's final end of your results in their trajectory.

You got to think that made a difference in this team's final end of your results in their trajectory.

I really like Jayalen Johnson for the future.

I really like Jayalen Johnson for the future.

I know Reesache has an absolute disaster class in this game, just couldn't get his shot going whatsoever. It seems like by the end of the game he had just completely lost confidence. But I really like Resache for the future as an off ball scoring wing, as a connecting piece. I don't think he's got that kind of superstar upside, but I think he can be a consistent and impactful, winning kind of wing in this league. And he's still very very young. I think that's important to note. And there's other guys I like here. I thought on Yaka had a really good game. I think that he's had a really good year. I'm trying to think about the pieces that Atlanta needs to get over the hump and to take that next step. And ironically, Carson the kind of asset that I look like that I look at Atlanta Needing is kind of like the big man that Miami has in this game and who they were battling against the night. I really think if they could get a khalel Ware, a guy that could compliment on Yeka.

I know Reesache has an absolute disaster class in this game, just couldn't get his shot going whatsoever. It seems like by the end of the game he had just completely lost confidence. But I really like Resache for the future as an off ball scoring wing, as a connecting piece. I don't think he's got that kind of superstar upside, but I think he can be a consistent and impactful, winning kind of wing in this league. And he's still very very young. I think that's important to note. And there's other guys I like here. I thought on Yaka had a really good game. I think that he's had a really good year. I'm trying to think about the pieces that Atlanta needs to get over the hump and to take that next step. And ironically, Carson the kind of asset that I look like that I look at Atlanta Needing is kind of like the big man that Miami has in this game and who they were battling against the night. I really think if they could get a khalel Ware, a guy that could compliment on Yeka.

I like on Yaka a lot.

I like on Yaka a lot.

I think he's a really good defensive big man, but he's not a really good rim protector. And I think if they could get another really impactful big athlete in there who wouldn't ruin their spacing. And like I think on Yeka's improved offensive, but he's still like I mean, he's hitting threes in this game. His touch has improved a lot, Like I've been really impressed with him, but I'd really like another real rim protector. And maybe you don't start both of them all the time, kind of like Miami does, but maybe you stagger their minutes. I really like if they could get another impactful big and Dyson Daniels had a breakout year. I think, you know, it's disappointing, Carson, when you're one of these teams that's stuck in this middle of the conference and you keep hitting your head. It seems on this ceiling where it's playing play and playing and you can't break through.

I think he's a really good defensive big man, but he's not a really good rim protector. And I think if they could get another really impactful big athlete in there who wouldn't ruin their spacing. And like I think on Yeka's improved offensive, but he's still like I mean, he's hitting threes in this game. His touch has improved a lot, Like I've been really impressed with him, but I'd really like another real rim protector. And maybe you don't start both of them all the time, kind of like Miami does, but maybe you stagger their minutes. I really like if they could get another impactful big and Dyson Daniels had a breakout year. I think, you know, it's disappointing, Carson, when you're one of these teams that's stuck in this middle of the conference and you keep hitting your head. It seems on this ceiling where it's playing play and playing and you can't break through.

But I say it every year.

But I say it every year.

It seems like about Atlanta, there's a lot of young talent here that I like, and there's something to say about that, and so I'd be encouraged, Like I said, man Jayalen Johnson took a step forward, Dyson Daniels took a real step I think Dyson is the exact kind of guard that if you're going to keep Trey Young, is the guy that you need in that two spot, a defensive, connecting guy, and he's grown offensively as well. It's a steady year of growth for Atlanta, and so it may be frustrating that you're not breaking through into this new tier of teams or you're not in real contention. I think it's another stead of year and improvement, and if they can stay healthy next year, if you get a full year out of Jaylen Johnson, I would expect this team to make the playoffs and to at least be a little bit more competitive than they were down the second half of this year. But I think it's a relatively encouraging year for Atlanta.

It seems like about Atlanta, there's a lot of young talent here that I like, and there's something to say about that, and so I'd be encouraged, Like I said, man Jayalen Johnson took a step forward, Dyson Daniels took a real step I think Dyson is the exact kind of guard that if you're going to keep Trey Young, is the guy that you need in that two spot, a defensive, connecting guy, and he's grown offensively as well. It's a steady year of growth for Atlanta, and so it may be frustrating that you're not breaking through into this new tier of teams or you're not in real contention. I think it's another stead of year and improvement, and if they can stay healthy next year, if you get a full year out of Jaylen Johnson, I would expect this team to make the playoffs and to at least be a little bit more competitive than they were down the second half of this year. But I think it's a relatively encouraging year for Atlanta.

I would agree.

I would agree.

Man, you just think about the expectations coming into the year, and you traded away to Jonta who really wasn't very good for you and was always overrated, but like there just wasn't a lot of established talents on paper alongside Trey, and you still got to the cusp and you did that in spite of the fact that you lost your second best player midway through the season, that you traded away some of your other best contributors like DeAndre Hunter, like bogged On Bogdanovich, and you are really relying on Trey Young carrying a very young core with a lot of players seeing the floor at the end of the year who just aren't all that good. But in terms of like the wings around Trey, who I do view as legitimate pieces for this team. Resache I thought had a very encouraging season. You mentioned the off ball IQ, the shooting, the cutting. He's just gonna be a productive, solid role player for any team. Dyson Daniels super impressive season. I agree, his elite defensive value makes him a really nice compliment to Trey, and he was a solid offensive player this season. I think that Jalen Johnson has legitimate All Star potential. In fact, he was kind of on the outskirts of those conversations this year before he got hurt. Just such a great do it all forward who has just continued to improve dramatically, such a good playmaker, versatile defensive player, has improved as a shooter. So I really like that foundation. And then I like Onyeka a lot. I've always been a believer in his man. I said back in twenty twenty that I liked him more than James Wiseman for the Warriors if they were going to take a big So I've always been a fan of his and I think that he's developed really nicely off offensively. His touch is good, his feel as good as a passer, the shot has improved, and as you mentioned, was really going in this game. He's a little weird because he is undersized. You mentioned he's not that real rim protecting presence. He doesn't really anchor the defensive glass all that well at the five, so I don't necessarily view him as a cornerstone piece, even though I like him. But he's on a good contract. I mean, you're paying him like fifteen million in a year, super four years.

Man, you just think about the expectations coming into the year, and you traded away to Jonta who really wasn't very good for you and was always overrated, but like there just wasn't a lot of established talents on paper alongside Trey, and you still got to the cusp and you did that in spite of the fact that you lost your second best player midway through the season, that you traded away some of your other best contributors like DeAndre Hunter, like bogged On Bogdanovich, and you are really relying on Trey Young carrying a very young core with a lot of players seeing the floor at the end of the year who just aren't all that good. But in terms of like the wings around Trey, who I do view as legitimate pieces for this team. Resache I thought had a very encouraging season. You mentioned the off ball IQ, the shooting, the cutting. He's just gonna be a productive, solid role player for any team. Dyson Daniels super impressive season. I agree, his elite defensive value makes him a really nice compliment to Trey, and he was a solid offensive player this season. I think that Jalen Johnson has legitimate All Star potential. In fact, he was kind of on the outskirts of those conversations this year before he got hurt. Just such a great do it all forward who has just continued to improve dramatically, such a good playmaker, versatile defensive player, has improved as a shooter. So I really like that foundation. And then I like Onyeka a lot. I've always been a believer in his man. I said back in twenty twenty that I liked him more than James Wiseman for the Warriors if they were going to take a big So I've always been a fan of his and I think that he's developed really nicely off offensively. His touch is good, his feel as good as a passer, the shot has improved, and as you mentioned, was really going in this game. He's a little weird because he is undersized. You mentioned he's not that real rim protecting presence. He doesn't really anchor the defensive glass all that well at the five, so I don't necessarily view him as a cornerstone piece, even though I like him. But he's on a good contract. I mean, you're paying him like fifteen million in a year, super four years.

He's super, super versatile for a big man.

He's super, super versatile for a big man.

And just very productive.

And just very productive.

Once they made him the starter this year, gave you fifteen to ten and three on sixty five percent through shooting. So there's a lot of really solid pieces here, and I do think that they'll be in the playoffs next year because they have a lot of those solid wings. They have a solid big and then Trey is just a really great offensive floor raiser. The question this team is going to have to continue to confront is is Trey Young going to be content with carrying a young roster that is so dependent on him offensively to get bounced in the first round, Because that's what would happen to the this year. If Jalen Johnson stayed healthy, that's what's going to happen to them next year. And the reality is they just don't have a ton of opportunity for improvement because they don't have control over their own first round picks for the next few years. And even if they did, I mean, they'd still be in like that middling range because they're too good to bottom out and they're not good enough to be in these upper echelon playoff conversations. So that's kind of the big picture bummer.

Once they made him the starter this year, gave you fifteen to ten and three on sixty five percent through shooting. So there's a lot of really solid pieces here, and I do think that they'll be in the playoffs next year because they have a lot of those solid wings. They have a solid big and then Trey is just a really great offensive floor raiser. The question this team is going to have to continue to confront is is Trey Young going to be content with carrying a young roster that is so dependent on him offensively to get bounced in the first round, Because that's what would happen to the this year. If Jalen Johnson stayed healthy, that's what's going to happen to them next year. And the reality is they just don't have a ton of opportunity for improvement because they don't have control over their own first round picks for the next few years. And even if they did, I mean, they'd still be in like that middling range because they're too good to bottom out and they're not good enough to be in these upper echelon playoff conversations. So that's kind of the big picture bummer.

Angle on it.

Angle on it.

But the positive angle is this was an encouraging season for the Hawks. I would have liked to see Tree gett in the playoffs, just because I thought he had such a difficult job this season and really did an excellent job offensively. But at the end of the day, this wasn't the most talented team. It's not really a surprise that they didn't make it.

But the positive angle is this was an encouraging season for the Hawks. I would have liked to see Tree gett in the playoffs, just because I thought he had such a difficult job this season and really did an excellent job offensively. But at the end of the day, this wasn't the most talented team. It's not really a surprise that they didn't make it.

I picked the Heat to beat.

I picked the Heat to beat.

Them in this playing game, and overall, I think you feel better about a lot of these individual players than you probably would have coming into the year. So with those two teams out, Logan, we officially have all of our first round matchup set. We have already previewed the two, seven, three, six, and four five in both conferences. If you missed those throughout this week, we've talked about them in great detail. So we're just gonna talk about the one to eight in each conference. Now, Grizzlies Thunder, Logan, what's your prediction here? What are a couple keys that stand out to you.

Them in this playing game, and overall, I think you feel better about a lot of these individual players than you probably would have coming into the year. So with those two teams out, Logan, we officially have all of our first round matchup set. We have already previewed the two, seven, three, six, and four five in both conferences. If you missed those throughout this week, we've talked about them in great detail. So we're just gonna talk about the one to eight in each conference. Now, Grizzlies Thunder, Logan, what's your prediction here? What are a couple keys that stand out to you.

I'm debating whether to give the Grizzlies a game or not in this series.

I'm debating whether to give the Grizzlies a game or not in this series.

Uh, I think I'm gonna take the Thunder to sweep.

Uh, I think I'm gonna take the Thunder to sweep.

What I'm looking for really is how Memphis is gonna generate consistent offense. And that's where I really struggle with Memphis in this series. I think that Oklahoma City has a really, really good cast of perimeter defenders to throw and limit John Morant, like, I just think his job is going to be so exceptionally difficult in this series. No matter who his matchup is right, if it's against the starters, if it's Sga, if it's Lou Dort, if it's j dub, all of those guys are incredibly switchable or gonna cause him problems one on one. But then you get to the bench and it's like, he's not gonna get any breaks. He's gonna have to battle against Caruso, He's gonna have to battle against Cason Wallace. So I just think it's going to hard for Jaw to be comfortable in this series. I don't think he's ever gonna be able to get really anything easy. And then the other advantage you would look at for Memphis potentially in this series would be their size and ability to dominate the glass with guys like Jaron Jackson Junior and more importantly.

What I'm looking for really is how Memphis is gonna generate consistent offense. And that's where I really struggle with Memphis in this series. I think that Oklahoma City has a really, really good cast of perimeter defenders to throw and limit John Morant, like, I just think his job is going to be so exceptionally difficult in this series. No matter who his matchup is right, if it's against the starters, if it's Sga, if it's Lou Dort, if it's j dub, all of those guys are incredibly switchable or gonna cause him problems one on one. But then you get to the bench and it's like, he's not gonna get any breaks. He's gonna have to battle against Caruso, He's gonna have to battle against Cason Wallace. So I just think it's going to hard for Jaw to be comfortable in this series. I don't think he's ever gonna be able to get really anything easy. And then the other advantage you would look at for Memphis potentially in this series would be their size and ability to dominate the glass with guys like Jaron Jackson Junior and more importantly.

Zach Edy, just because Zach Edy is that kind of.

Zach Edy, just because Zach Edy is that kind of.

Transformative big man on the glass. You really felt that in this game against Dallas. I mean, Dallas is a really big team, and yet Edie was destructive in this matchup. And so really the size and defense and rebounding is why I would consider giving Memphis an opportunity to get a game in this series.

Transformative big man on the glass. You really felt that in this game against Dallas. I mean, Dallas is a really big team, and yet Edie was destructive in this matchup. And so really the size and defense and rebounding is why I would consider giving Memphis an opportunity to get a game in this series.

The reason that I'm not one.

The reason that I'm not one.

I think Oklahoma City the rebounding issues that we saw presented in their playoff run last year, I don't think are as explos With the addition of Isaiah Hartenstein and with Oklahoma City's ability to run those double big lineups, I think they're extremely viable offensively and defensively.

I think Oklahoma City the rebounding issues that we saw presented in their playoff run last year, I don't think are as explos With the addition of Isaiah Hartenstein and with Oklahoma City's ability to run those double big lineups, I think they're extremely viable offensively and defensively.

But more importantly, I really.

But more importantly, I really.

See schematic issues for Memphis's defense guarding Oklahoma City in space. I think Zach Edy is a liability in space, and I think he is a guy that's gonna get picked on all series long if it switches onto guys on the perimeter, if it's trying to guard.

See schematic issues for Memphis's defense guarding Oklahoma City in space. I think Zach Edy is a liability in space, and I think he is a guy that's gonna get picked on all series long if it switches onto guys on the perimeter, if it's trying to guard.

Guys in space, and you know, real quick. I think that that can.

Guys in space, and you know, real quick. I think that that can.

Sometimes get a little bit overstated with Zach Edy because I think Edie is so impactful as a rebound like I just think it's valuable having a guy like Edie out there on the floor, and I think that can get overstated sometimes. But specifically in this matchup, Oklahoma City is again the number one three point shooting team in basketball by efficiency, and so I think it's vitally important that the team defending them is really switchable and doesn't have that kind of weak point on the perimeter because Ed He's probably gonna be matched up one on one a lot with a Chet Holmgren or if it's Triple J, and I just think he's gonna stretch out the defense, give them a lot of space, limit Edy's effectiveness as a rim protector and ability to just camp in the lane, and so that takes away his biggest strength.

Sometimes get a little bit overstated with Zach Edy because I think Edie is so impactful as a rebound like I just think it's valuable having a guy like Edie out there on the floor, and I think that can get overstated sometimes. But specifically in this matchup, Oklahoma City is again the number one three point shooting team in basketball by efficiency, and so I think it's vitally important that the team defending them is really switchable and doesn't have that kind of weak point on the perimeter because Ed He's probably gonna be matched up one on one a lot with a Chet Holmgren or if it's Triple J, and I just think he's gonna stretch out the defense, give them a lot of space, limit Edy's effectiveness as a rim protector and ability to just camp in the lane, and so that takes away his biggest strength.

So I could see Memphis.

So I could see Memphis.

If Oklahoma City has an off shooting night or something like that, maybe Shay's cold from the floor stealing a game. But that's really what I'm debating here in this series. I think it's gonna be a cake walk for Oklahoma City. I think they really cause John to have an off series with their bevy of elite perimeter defenders. In this elite defense, I think that they force a lot of ugly turnovers on eighty and Triple J. Both of those guys are really clunky and not coordinated. Like I think that I'm trapping and sending doubles at those guys when I can to see if I can force them into dumb turnovers, and they just dominate this one. So I debated giving Memphis a game. I'm gonna take Oklahoma City to sweep.

If Oklahoma City has an off shooting night or something like that, maybe Shay's cold from the floor stealing a game. But that's really what I'm debating here in this series. I think it's gonna be a cake walk for Oklahoma City. I think they really cause John to have an off series with their bevy of elite perimeter defenders. In this elite defense, I think that they force a lot of ugly turnovers on eighty and Triple J. Both of those guys are really clunky and not coordinated. Like I think that I'm trapping and sending doubles at those guys when I can to see if I can force them into dumb turnovers, and they just dominate this one. So I debated giving Memphis a game. I'm gonna take Oklahoma City to sweep.

Yeah, It's like the conversation here is, really, are you going to take okay See in four or Oka See in five? I think the most interesting thing in terms of personnel and schematics to this matchup is going to be how much does Memphis go double big with Zach Edy on the floor. Personally, I would do so a good bit if I'm the Grizzlies. That's been their most effective lineup. They have a plus thirteen net rating in the minutes when Triple J and Edie share the floor. Now Edie has to stay stuck to Isaiah Hartenstein. He has to play exclusively drop coverage, right. You have to do everything you can to avoid him being out in space at all in this series. And like, it's scary defensively having Zach Edy on the floor against a team as fast as Okase that has so many perimeter threats, that plays so effectively in transition.

Yeah, It's like the conversation here is, really, are you going to take okay See in four or Oka See in five? I think the most interesting thing in terms of personnel and schematics to this matchup is going to be how much does Memphis go double big with Zach Edy on the floor. Personally, I would do so a good bit if I'm the Grizzlies. That's been their most effective lineup. They have a plus thirteen net rating in the minutes when Triple J and Edie share the floor. Now Edie has to stay stuck to Isaiah Hartenstein. He has to play exclusively drop coverage, right. You have to do everything you can to avoid him being out in space at all in this series. And like, it's scary defensively having Zach Edy on the floor against a team as fast as Okase that has so many perimeter threats, that plays so effectively in transition.

But the reason that I would play Edie.

But the reason that I would play Edie.

A lot in this series is Memphis is that you're a big time underdog. No matter what right, you can't play not to lose. You have to play to win, and you're not gonna beat the thunder downsizing and prioritizing speed a bit more and trying to beat them at their own game. They're just way better at their own game than you are. I think you have a better chance of at least giving them a competitive series, trying to go huge, doing what you have done best, and potentially beating them up physically, potentially dictating the glass, right, because otherwise I just think it's too easy for OKAC. I think it's very simple what they do. If Edie isn't on the floor, you put Hartenstein on Triple J. He's a really big physical defender who Triple J isn't going to be able to bully physically, which is what he likes to do. And then you can have Chet on santy al Dama. You can have him as a roamer helping on all these drives. Like that's just a very easy defensive formula for the Thunder to execute. If you put Edie on the floor, now you have to put Hartenstein on him, because you just don't think that Chet can bang bodies physically with a guy who's seven foot four and has sixty pounds on him, right, And so now maybe you have to put Chet on Triple J, who isn't gonna be as good defensively on An Island in that matchup as Hartenstein is, just because of the strength difference. And like Chet is amazing defensively, I think he's a really good post defender. He's underrated there because his length is just so impactful, but he's conceding a lot of strength in that matchup, And so maybe you don't like Chet defending Triple J on An Island as much, and maybe you even think, Okay, we'd rather have like a feisty wing like jadub on him, who's a lower center of gravity guy right and is going to really make all his catches difficult and has great hands. You might turn to just doubling the shit out of Triple J Moore, which I think is honestly a good strategy because he has been a second percentile post up creator. When he sees hard doubles, he is the worst passing star in basketball. So like, at the end of the day, I don't think Okac is in trouble if they go any of these routes. I think they are going to be able to find answers no matter what, because they're just a way better basketball team.

A lot in this series is Memphis is that you're a big time underdog. No matter what right, you can't play not to lose. You have to play to win, and you're not gonna beat the thunder downsizing and prioritizing speed a bit more and trying to beat them at their own game. They're just way better at their own game than you are. I think you have a better chance of at least giving them a competitive series, trying to go huge, doing what you have done best, and potentially beating them up physically, potentially dictating the glass, right, because otherwise I just think it's too easy for OKAC. I think it's very simple what they do. If Edie isn't on the floor, you put Hartenstein on Triple J. He's a really big physical defender who Triple J isn't going to be able to bully physically, which is what he likes to do. And then you can have Chet on santy al Dama. You can have him as a roamer helping on all these drives. Like that's just a very easy defensive formula for the Thunder to execute. If you put Edie on the floor, now you have to put Hartenstein on him, because you just don't think that Chet can bang bodies physically with a guy who's seven foot four and has sixty pounds on him, right, And so now maybe you have to put Chet on Triple J, who isn't gonna be as good defensively on An Island in that matchup as Hartenstein is, just because of the strength difference. And like Chet is amazing defensively, I think he's a really good post defender. He's underrated there because his length is just so impactful, but he's conceding a lot of strength in that matchup, And so maybe you don't like Chet defending Triple J on An Island as much, and maybe you even think, Okay, we'd rather have like a feisty wing like jadub on him, who's a lower center of gravity guy right and is going to really make all his catches difficult and has great hands. You might turn to just doubling the shit out of Triple J Moore, which I think is honestly a good strategy because he has been a second percentile post up creator. When he sees hard doubles, he is the worst passing star in basketball. So like, at the end of the day, I don't think Okac is in trouble if they go any of these routes. I think they are going to be able to find answers no matter what, because they're just a way better basketball team.

But my thought process is.

But my thought process is.

If you put Edie and Triple J out there on the floor together, you're at least forcing OKC to make some decisions, and you're forcing them to play against what has been your best lineup and what is a potential vulnerability of theirs. I agree they're way better on the glass. They're much more equipped for these big physical front courts now that they have Hertenstein. But this is a very extreme version of it. And I could honestly see ok SEE countering Memphis going huge by actually going the opposite direction by going Chet at the five. So they are just so fast and everybody can shoot in that lineup, and you can see the battle on the glass. You say, okay, fine, you'll kill us on the boards, but we're going to be unstoppable offensively. We're going to make Edie garden space. We're not gonna give him an out with Hartenstein. He's going to have to be guarding a Chet Holmgren or whatever, and then that's when I think they could really play him off the floor.

If you put Edie and Triple J out there on the floor together, you're at least forcing OKC to make some decisions, and you're forcing them to play against what has been your best lineup and what is a potential vulnerability of theirs. I agree they're way better on the glass. They're much more equipped for these big physical front courts now that they have Hertenstein. But this is a very extreme version of it. And I could honestly see ok SEE countering Memphis going huge by actually going the opposite direction by going Chet at the five. So they are just so fast and everybody can shoot in that lineup, and you can see the battle on the glass. You say, okay, fine, you'll kill us on the boards, but we're going to be unstoppable offensively. We're going to make Edie garden space. We're not gonna give him an out with Hartenstein. He's going to have to be guarding a Chet Holmgren or whatever, and then that's when I think they could really play him off the floor.

So regardless, I don't.

So regardless, I don't.

Think there's any winning for Memphis here. I would just be more uncomfortable if I'm Okase going up against the double big looks, and for that reason, that would be the big decision to make for the Grizzlies. Other than that, a lot of this is just gonna come down to, like what level can their stars reach, because they would need those guys to be phenomenal for this to be a really competitive series.

Think there's any winning for Memphis here. I would just be more uncomfortable if I'm Okase going up against the double big looks, and for that reason, that would be the big decision to make for the Grizzlies. Other than that, a lot of this is just gonna come down to, like what level can their stars reach, because they would need those guys to be phenomenal for this to be a really competitive series.

And Jaw has been playing a lot better as of late.

And Jaw has been playing a lot better as of late.

He ends up having a super inefficient second half in this game, but first half was really getting what he wanted. Last fifteen games before this one, he's been averaging twenty eight four and seven on fifty nine percent true shooting. That's a huge leap in production compared to what he was doing earlier in the year.

He ends up having a super inefficient second half in this game, but first half was really getting what he wanted. Last fifteen games before this one, he's been averaging twenty eight four and seven on fifty nine percent true shooting. That's a huge leap in production compared to what he was doing earlier in the year.

And we've talked about.

And we've talked about.

The Grizzlies sort of going away from the identity that they had established earlier this year, leaning more into jaw pick and roll, and he individually is just much more comfortable when he is able to be running a ton of pick and roll when he isn't asked to play off ball as much. But the Grizzlies team offense hasn't been any better since they made that shift and have let Jaw play jawball more like. His individual production is a lot better, but Memphis is eighteenth in offensive rating since March fifth, which is really when their style started to shift. And as you mentioned, Okase can guard him insanely well, like you have lou Dort's screen navigation and his motor and then you have either cheddar Hartenstein playing drop Like that's a really really good answer to jaw. So I don't see him having the sort of like a dynamic great series that Memphis would need him to. I do worry about Triple J seeing doubles against this super active defense that I think is going to force him into some mistakes as a passer. The Grizzlies have regrets rest a lot defensively. They've been nineteenth the defensive ratings since January first, So are they going to be able to make okay See uncomfortable offensively? I don't think so. I think Shay is going to fulay them, especially without Jalen Wells, Like they just don't have the point of attack defender who can really even make him work. Not that Jalen Wells was going to be that guy, but he would be a better answer than the alternative. So I just think Okay sees speed on the perimeter, their athleticism their skill offensively, and then all the things that make them great defensively are going to translate very seamlessly.

The Grizzlies sort of going away from the identity that they had established earlier this year, leaning more into jaw pick and roll, and he individually is just much more comfortable when he is able to be running a ton of pick and roll when he isn't asked to play off ball as much. But the Grizzlies team offense hasn't been any better since they made that shift and have let Jaw play jawball more like. His individual production is a lot better, but Memphis is eighteenth in offensive rating since March fifth, which is really when their style started to shift. And as you mentioned, Okase can guard him insanely well, like you have lou Dort's screen navigation and his motor and then you have either cheddar Hartenstein playing drop Like that's a really really good answer to jaw. So I don't see him having the sort of like a dynamic great series that Memphis would need him to. I do worry about Triple J seeing doubles against this super active defense that I think is going to force him into some mistakes as a passer. The Grizzlies have regrets rest a lot defensively. They've been nineteenth the defensive ratings since January first, So are they going to be able to make okay See uncomfortable offensively? I don't think so. I think Shay is going to fulay them, especially without Jalen Wells, Like they just don't have the point of attack defender who can really even make him work. Not that Jalen Wells was going to be that guy, but he would be a better answer than the alternative. So I just think Okay sees speed on the perimeter, their athleticism their skill offensively, and then all the things that make them great defensively are going to translate very seamlessly.

To this matchup.

To this matchup.

Like they dominated the Grizzlies in the regular season and they didn't have Jaw for a couple of those games. They didn't have Triple J for one of those games, but just a much better basketball team.

Like they dominated the Grizzlies in the regular season and they didn't have Jaw for a couple of those games. They didn't have Triple J for one of those games, but just a much better basketball team.

Yeah, I think Memphis could dominate the glass in a way that keeps this moderately competitive. But I'm telling you, I think with Oklahoma City's rotations and how much havoc they reak, I think this is going to be a really ugly Triple J and a really ugly Zach Edy series. Like, I think there's just gonna be I think there's gonna be moments for those guys who are just overwhelmed and turning the ball over a.

Yeah, I think Memphis could dominate the glass in a way that keeps this moderately competitive. But I'm telling you, I think with Oklahoma City's rotations and how much havoc they reak, I think this is going to be a really ugly Triple J and a really ugly Zach Edy series. Like, I think there's just gonna be I think there's gonna be moments for those guys who are just overwhelmed and turning the ball over a.

Lot and frustrated.

Lot and frustrated.

Like, don't get me wrong, I think Edie could have a big rebounding series. I think Triple J could abused some mismatches because he's so good.

Like, don't get me wrong, I think Edie could have a big rebounding series. I think Triple J could abused some mismatches because he's so good.

But I think there's.

But I think there's.

Gonna be a lot of moments where Memphis is gonna look up and you know, just holy shit, you know, how did this defender get here? I didn't even see this guy, and I think Oklahoma City's gonna get him out on the break run in transition, spray a lot of threes, and I think Shay's gonna cook in this series.

Gonna be a lot of moments where Memphis is gonna look up and you know, just holy shit, you know, how did this defender get here? I didn't even see this guy, and I think Oklahoma City's gonna get him out on the break run in transition, spray a lot of threes, and I think Shay's gonna cook in this series.

So yeah, I don't know, man.

So yeah, I don't know, man.

I think John would have to have a flawless series, which I think is gonna be super difficult with this personnel matchup. I think Triple J would just have to be unconscious. It's just so much would have to go right for Memphis, and I just don't see it.

I think John would have to have a flawless series, which I think is gonna be super difficult with this personnel matchup. I think Triple J would just have to be unconscious. It's just so much would have to go right for Memphis, and I just don't see it.

Man. I think Oklahoma City's gonna roll in this one.

Man. I think Oklahoma City's gonna roll in this one.

I agree, And I will point out, even as I'm talking about Memphis going double bigs to try to impose themselves on the glass and win convincingly, they're like the thunder. Double big lineups have also been excellent rebounding. In fact, if you look at both offensive and defensive rebound rate, when these teams go with their double big looks, they're in like one percent of each other. They've been super comparable on the glass. So even that isn't like a real big advantage for Memphis. If it's double big on double big, I'm gonna take Okay.

I agree, And I will point out, even as I'm talking about Memphis going double bigs to try to impose themselves on the glass and win convincingly, they're like the thunder. Double big lineups have also been excellent rebounding. In fact, if you look at both offensive and defensive rebound rate, when these teams go with their double big looks, they're in like one percent of each other. They've been super comparable on the glass. So even that isn't like a real big advantage for Memphis. If it's double big on double big, I'm gonna take Okay.

See in four, I considered five just because Memphis.

See in four, I considered five just because Memphis.

Is a good team, but they haven't been playing very good basketball for a while.

Is a good team, but they haven't been playing very good basketball for a while.

And okay see, is just unbelievable. Man. They're an absolute juggernaut.

And okay see, is just unbelievable. Man. They're an absolute juggernaut.

They have advantages in basically every category, and I'm gonna bet on them winning convincingly because I was thinking maybe it's a gentleman's sweep, right.

They have advantages in basically every category, and I'm gonna bet on them winning convincingly because I was thinking maybe it's a gentleman's sweep, right.

They go up three to zero and then they let up a little bit. Okay See, doesn't let up, dude.

They go up three to zero and then they let up a little bit. Okay See, doesn't let up, dude.

They play with that fire and that intensity as consistently as anybody in basketball. Let's look at the other one eight matchup. Logan calves heat. What are you looking for here?

They play with that fire and that intensity as consistently as anybody in basketball. Let's look at the other one eight matchup. Logan calves heat. What are you looking for here?

I think I'm gonna take Cleveland in five in this one. I do think Miami and they're weird voodoo magic playoff, They're gonna get one. I feel like I really like Miami. I like, I just really like how solid their rotation is. Like They've got a lot of playable dudes that I just would like to have in my rotation. I think that the leap that we've seen from Tyler Hero has been really really impressive this season. I think Khalil War is a freaking stud. I'm so glad I stake my claim in him pre draft. I think him and Bam really really work together, but they're also just get give you that versatility where if you want to have one of those guys on the court and the other off, I think it really works. I think I think Wear's got even more offensive upside, Like he's such a monster on the glass and he's such a good lob threat and just a simple play finisher. But I think he's got real floor spacing potential and then you know, you.

I think I'm gonna take Cleveland in five in this one. I do think Miami and they're weird voodoo magic playoff, They're gonna get one. I feel like I really like Miami. I like, I just really like how solid their rotation is. Like They've got a lot of playable dudes that I just would like to have in my rotation. I think that the leap that we've seen from Tyler Hero has been really really impressive this season. I think Khalil War is a freaking stud. I'm so glad I stake my claim in him pre draft. I think him and Bam really really work together, but they're also just get give you that versatility where if you want to have one of those guys on the court and the other off, I think it really works. I think I think Wear's got even more offensive upside, Like he's such a monster on the glass and he's such a good lob threat and just a simple play finisher. But I think he's got real floor spacing potential and then you know, you.

Give it off a Jimmy.

Give it off a Jimmy.

But Andrew Wiggins is solid, like Kyle Anderson is solid. Davion Mitchell had an awesome game and I always thought that he was, you know, a rotation guy in this league, and the Kings kind of just discarded him, right, So I really like Miami's rotations.

But Andrew Wiggins is solid, like Kyle Anderson is solid. Davion Mitchell had an awesome game and I always thought that he was, you know, a rotation guy in this league, and the Kings kind of just discarded him, right, So I really like Miami's rotations.

I think that.

I think that.

I think they can get an off night from a Cleveland guard. I think Darius Garland could have an off game.

I think they can get an off night from a Cleveland guard. I think Darius Garland could have an off game.

Off night, off night that's nickname.

Off night, off night that's nickname.

Yeah for real.

Yeah for real.

Well, I think Davion would be the reason why. I think that he could cause Garland to have an off night. I think that at a BAIO and where could muck things up enough for Mobley and Allen in a single game to get one. But ultimately, the difference to me in this series and why I'm going to take Cleveland to win in five.

Well, I think Davion would be the reason why. I think that he could cause Garland to have an off night. I think that at a BAIO and where could muck things up enough for Mobley and Allen in a single game to get one. But ultimately, the difference to me in this series and why I'm going to take Cleveland to win in five.

They are the better basketball team.

They are the better basketball team.

I prefer their depth all that, obviously, Yeah, I prefer them on both sides of the ball, actually, but the biggest difference to me is the albur of offense. Cleveland's offense has been number one all year long and Miami's offense. I don't know if you saw the stat they flashed up during the game. It's the fact that nobody in the NBA this season has more laws is after leading in leading in the third quarter.

I prefer their depth all that, obviously, Yeah, I prefer them on both sides of the ball, actually, but the biggest difference to me is the albur of offense. Cleveland's offense has been number one all year long and Miami's offense. I don't know if you saw the stat they flashed up during the game. It's the fact that nobody in the NBA this season has more laws is after leading in leading in the third quarter.

Than Miami this season. They've got fifteen such losses.

Than Miami this season. They've got fifteen such losses.

So I think their clutch offense is gonna let them down a little bit.

So I think their clutch offense is gonna let them down a little bit.

I think there's a really really big burden.

I think there's a really really big burden.

On Tyler Hero to get tough buckets, and not that this is anything against Hero, but it's gonna be everybody else stepping up, and I think that's where the it's gonna get a little bit too overwhelming against this Cleveland offense that.

On Tyler Hero to get tough buckets, and not that this is anything against Hero, but it's gonna be everybody else stepping up, and I think that's where the it's gonna get a little bit too overwhelming against this Cleveland offense that.

Just generates easy offense. It will Darius.

Just generates easy offense. It will Darius.

Garland has been awesome, Donovan Mitchell has been awesome, Mobley and Allen too, like they've got shooting everywhere.

Garland has been awesome, Donovan Mitchell has been awesome, Mobley and Allen too, like they've got shooting everywhere.

They're just the much better two way team.

They're just the much better two way team.

So I thought, just out of respect for how dominant Cleveland has been on both sides of the court, if I should give them the sweep. But Miami's just too feisty. I don't think Miami is going to go down in a sweep. I think coach Spo, I think this team grits out one victory, but very similar to our last series, I think Cleveland's.

So I thought, just out of respect for how dominant Cleveland has been on both sides of the court, if I should give them the sweep. But Miami's just too feisty. I don't think Miami is going to go down in a sweep. I think coach Spo, I think this team grits out one victory, but very similar to our last series, I think Cleveland's.

Just going to roll in this one.

Just going to roll in this one.

I am picking the Caves to sweep here. I just think the talent disparity is too big. This is just about as big a gap between two teams offensively as you're going to see in.

I am picking the Caves to sweep here. I just think the talent disparity is too big. This is just about as big a gap between two teams offensively as you're going to see in.

The playoff field.

The playoff field.

I do want to give Miami props because I do think that they're a very solid basketball team, and their best players have been playing really well as of late, and I like their kind of quote unquote big three. Like Tyler Hero, I think as the potential to have a couple of nuclear games in this series. His last ten, he's averaging twenty nine to five and five on sixty nine percent true shooting. And the Calves really don't have the best point of attack defenders. Bam Adebayo is also playing really well. Had a brutal start to the year offensively, but since the All Star break is averaging twenty one to nine to four on sixty percent true shooting. And I do really like Wiggins coming in as a two way wing. So I believe in those three guys. The challenge is just like, the Cavs have three All NBA players this year, and I think that their depth.

I do want to give Miami props because I do think that they're a very solid basketball team, and their best players have been playing really well as of late, and I like their kind of quote unquote big three. Like Tyler Hero, I think as the potential to have a couple of nuclear games in this series. His last ten, he's averaging twenty nine to five and five on sixty nine percent true shooting. And the Calves really don't have the best point of attack defenders. Bam Adebayo is also playing really well. Had a brutal start to the year offensively, but since the All Star break is averaging twenty one to nine to four on sixty percent true shooting. And I do really like Wiggins coming in as a two way wing. So I believe in those three guys. The challenge is just like, the Cavs have three All NBA players this year, and I think that their depth.

Is clearly better.

Is clearly better.

Now, hopefully Miami will have a couple of guys back for this series who they've been without for a while because their depth has really been stretched pretty thin. Jovic has been out for a long time. He's legitimately good, but he was questionable for this game against Atlanta, so you get him back out there. Kevin Love has been out for a while, but you get him back out there potentially like that helps them. I still think that Cleveland has the better depth, so I'm basically just like looking out for a couple of indicators that I want to see from Cleveland in terms of how they project going forward. I'm interested in seeing who starts at the three in this series because they've been going with Max Strus. I do think that DeAndre Hunter is a part of their best five man lineup, and I want to see him closing a lot of these big games. In this specific matchup, though, I'm fine with Strus starting just because I think that he can do a pretty good job on a guy like Hero and this isn't a matchup where I think they need the size of a DeAndre Hunter on the wings like they will against the Celtics or a team that is more big wing centric offensively. But I'm interested in seeing if they make the change to Hunter because they really haven't done that. I want to see how Evan Mobley looks offensively, because this is gonna be a series in which he's gonna be matched up with another big for a decent stretch. Like I think we're gonna see the Heat go double big a lot, because those looks have been really effective for them. Khalil Ware has been really good and obviously the Calves are gonna go double big a lot. So when Mobley doesn't have those sort of physical advantages to work with as a mismatch attacker, if he's matched up with ben Adebayo a lot, that's a really difficult defensive matchup, so I wonder how productive he's going to be offensively, and then when he does have opportunities to attack mismatches, how consistently aggressive is he. Because Mobley's had a phenomenal, phenomenal season, I'm the biggest believer in him that there is. But for the Calves to like win a title, they need a really great version of Evan Mobley offensively, So want to see what form he's in.

Now, hopefully Miami will have a couple of guys back for this series who they've been without for a while because their depth has really been stretched pretty thin. Jovic has been out for a long time. He's legitimately good, but he was questionable for this game against Atlanta, so you get him back out there. Kevin Love has been out for a while, but you get him back out there potentially like that helps them. I still think that Cleveland has the better depth, so I'm basically just like looking out for a couple of indicators that I want to see from Cleveland in terms of how they project going forward. I'm interested in seeing who starts at the three in this series because they've been going with Max Strus. I do think that DeAndre Hunter is a part of their best five man lineup, and I want to see him closing a lot of these big games. In this specific matchup, though, I'm fine with Strus starting just because I think that he can do a pretty good job on a guy like Hero and this isn't a matchup where I think they need the size of a DeAndre Hunter on the wings like they will against the Celtics or a team that is more big wing centric offensively. But I'm interested in seeing if they make the change to Hunter because they really haven't done that. I want to see how Evan Mobley looks offensively, because this is gonna be a series in which he's gonna be matched up with another big for a decent stretch. Like I think we're gonna see the Heat go double big a lot, because those looks have been really effective for them. Khalil Ware has been really good and obviously the Calves are gonna go double big a lot. So when Mobley doesn't have those sort of physical advantages to work with as a mismatch attacker, if he's matched up with ben Adebayo a lot, that's a really difficult defensive matchup, so I wonder how productive he's going to be offensively, and then when he does have opportunities to attack mismatches, how consistently aggressive is he. Because Mobley's had a phenomenal, phenomenal season, I'm the biggest believer in him that there is. But for the Calves to like win a title, they need a really great version of Evan Mobley offensively, So want to see what form he's in.

And then I just want to see.

And then I just want to see.

Collectively how the Calves look on defense, because their defense has not been the same in the home stretch of the season. They are I think fifteenth in defensive ratings since January first, just very average, and I think a lot of that is just them taking their foot off the gas, not really needing to reach their defensive ceiling because they had the one seed effectively locked up so early. I just want to see them get back to the level that I believe that they're capable.

Collectively how the Calves look on defense, because their defense has not been the same in the home stretch of the season. They are I think fifteenth in defensive ratings since January first, just very average, and I think a lot of that is just them taking their foot off the gas, not really needing to reach their defensive ceiling because they had the one seed effectively locked up so early. I just want to see them get back to the level that I believe that they're capable.

Of on that end.

Of on that end.

But regardless of if they check those boxes, like, I don't see how the Heat get more than one game, and I don't expect them to.

But regardless of if they check those boxes, like, I don't see how the Heat get more than one game, and I don't expect them to.

Get a single one.

Get a single one.

I'm gonna take the Cats to sweep here. The NBA eighty two game grind is done, and now the real fun begins. The NBA Playoffs are here and it's time for all the high stakes drama, clutch moments, and jaw dropping plays.

I'm gonna take the Cats to sweep here. The NBA eighty two game grind is done, and now the real fun begins. The NBA Playoffs are here and it's time for all the high stakes drama, clutch moments, and jaw dropping plays.

I can't wait.

I can't wait.

If you're looking to make the playoffs even more exciting, DraftKings Sportsbook has you covered as an official sports betting partner of the NBA from the play in games all the way through to the finals. Now's the time to back your favorite players and teams as they chase glory.

If you're looking to make the playoffs even more exciting, DraftKings Sportsbook has you covered as an official sports betting partner of the NBA from the play in games all the way through to the finals. Now's the time to back your favorite players and teams as they chase glory.

All season long.

All season long.

DraftKings has been the go to spot for NBA player props and that doesn't stop now. Want to make your playoff experience even more intense, Try placing a bet on your favorite players performance. Will they drop thirty points, forty or more? It's your call. Ready to place your first bet? Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app. Now, lock in your bets and let's make this playoff run unforgettable.

DraftKings has been the go to spot for NBA player props and that doesn't stop now. Want to make your playoff experience even more intense, Try placing a bet on your favorite players performance. Will they drop thirty points, forty or more? It's your call. Ready to place your first bet? Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app. Now, lock in your bets and let's make this playoff run unforgettable.

Here's something special for first timers. New DraftKings customers. Bet five dollars to get two hundred dollars in bonus bets. Instantly make it a playoff run to remember with DraftKings. Download the DraftKings Sports book app and use code Nerds. That's code Nerds for new customers to get two hundred dollars in bonus bets when you bet just five bucks only on DraftKings.

Here's something special for first timers. New DraftKings customers. Bet five dollars to get two hundred dollars in bonus bets. Instantly make it a playoff run to remember with DraftKings. Download the DraftKings Sports book app and use code Nerds. That's code Nerds for new customers to get two hundred dollars in bonus bets when you bet just five bucks only on DraftKings.

The crown is yours.

The crown is yours.

Gambling problem called one eight hundred gambler in New York called eight seven seven eight ope and why or text hope and why four six seven three six nine. In Connecticut, help is available for a problem gambling called eight eight eight seven eight nine seven seven seven seven or visit CCPG dot org. Please play responsibly on behalf of Boothill Casino when resorting Kansas twenty one on over agent Eligibility varies by jurisdiction, VOYD and Ontario. Bonus bets expire one hundred and sixty eight hours after issue four. Additional terms and responsible gaming resources see dkang dot co slash audio.

Gambling problem called one eight hundred gambler in New York called eight seven seven eight ope and why or text hope and why four six seven three six nine. In Connecticut, help is available for a problem gambling called eight eight eight seven eight nine seven seven seven seven or visit CCPG dot org. Please play responsibly on behalf of Boothill Casino when resorting Kansas twenty one on over agent Eligibility varies by jurisdiction, VOYD and Ontario. Bonus bets expire one hundred and sixty eight hours after issue four. Additional terms and responsible gaming resources see dkang dot co slash audio.

So, now, Logan, let's just go through quickly all of our future hypothetical picks. So to lay things out first, let's talk about all of our first round predictions. We won't elaborate, just say who we picked in each series. So obviously I have the Thunder advancing and beating the Grizzlies. I have the Warriors beating the Rockets. I have the Lakers beating the Timberwolves in six, and I have the Clippers beating the Nuggets in six.

So, now, Logan, let's just go through quickly all of our future hypothetical picks. So to lay things out first, let's talk about all of our first round predictions. We won't elaborate, just say who we picked in each series. So obviously I have the Thunder advancing and beating the Grizzlies. I have the Warriors beating the Rockets. I have the Lakers beating the Timberwolves in six, and I have the Clippers beating the Nuggets in six.

I have the Thunder beating the Grizzlies in four. I have the Warriors beating the Rockets in six. I have the Lakers beating the Timberwolves in seven, and the Nuggets defeating the Clippers in seven.

I have the Thunder beating the Grizzlies in four. I have the Warriors beating the Rockets in six. I have the Lakers beating the Timberwolves in seven, and the Nuggets defeating the Clippers in seven.

So we diverge on Clippers Nugs. So your second round matchup for Oksee is going to be the Nuggets. How do you see that going.

So we diverge on Clippers Nugs. So your second round matchup for Oksee is going to be the Nuggets. How do you see that going.

I'm gonna take Oklahoma City to beat Denver in six, and then we both have Lakers Warriors. I'm gonna take the Lakers to beat the Warriors in seven.

I'm gonna take Oklahoma City to beat Denver in six, and then we both have Lakers Warriors. I'm gonna take the Lakers to beat the Warriors in seven.

Okay, I'm gonna take the Thunder to beat the Clippers in six. I think the Clippers are an excellent basketball team. I think that they can defend the Thunder decently well. But I think that OKAC is going to be able to give James Harden a really hard time. I think he's been playing phenomenally well. I think he's gonna have a great series against Denver. But he shot thirty one percent versus the Thunder this year. That's not a coincidence. It's a really tough matchup with their perimeter speed and athleticism and aggression, and Shay's gonna be the best player on the floor by a good bit. I trust Okase's depth more so. I think that's a good battle. I think the Clippers are really, really good, but I expect Okac to pull through with a little bit of margin. And then Lakers Warriors. I'm gonna take the Lakers in six. I considered seven because I think the Warriors have some advantages with their speed on the perimeter, and this is a matchup and with both teams are gonna go small a lot, so that's gonna be fun. But I trust the totality of the Lakers offense more. I think the Warriors could struggle a bit dealing with a couple of really big wings like Luca and Lebron or you know, those big ball handler types. And I just think the Warriors are so reliant offensively on Steph and Jimmy scares me a little bit, like the Lakers have a big three offensively, and then those guys are all so great on ball, They're able to directly dictate their outcomes offensively, and then they have really good shooters around them, Whereas it's like with the Warriors offense, you're more reliant on guys capitalizing around Steph on the attention that he draws. He's not necessarily going to be as effective on ball, and I just have a lot of questions about some of the supporting offensive pieces. So we're both gonna set up an ok se LA Conference finals in the West. In the East, I have the Calves sweeping the Heat, I have the Celtics sweeping the Magic. Then I have the Knicks beating the Pistons in six, and I have the Pacers beating the Bucks in seven.