Best Series of the First Round Continues Tonight

Tonight two sub-par series resume, and a series worth watching every minute continues. In San Antonio the Spurs and Clippers will battle for control of the series, after splitting the first two games in Los Angeles. The Athleticism of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan was too much for the rusty Spurs on Sunday night, but come Wednesday the Spurs put on a vintage road performance led by their future hall of fame power forward Tim Duncan. Duncan scored 28 points including clutch baskets in overtime helping San Antonio tie the series. Clippers star Blake Griffin was tremendous once again posting a triple double, but made a few errors down the stretch including a turnover late in regulation that led to the game tying free throws. Tonight's game is important for the Clippers, because they have yet to prove themselves as road warriors when it comes to the playoffs. We all know the Spurs can win a game 7 on the road, we've seen it before. Game 2 was bigger for the Clippers, because it gave home court advantage to San Antonio. If the Clippers go down 2-1 with a game four on the road, I don't love their chances in the series. Now, that does not mean they can't do it. This Clippers team is very good, but their stars have yet to prove it on the biggest stage, against the biggest opponent, a team that has dominated the better part of the past 15 years. Everyone has been talking about how bad the Clippers bench is, besides Jamaal Crawford. I think the bigger issue for the Clippers is that Tony Parker has been awful. Parker is questionable tonight, but if he starts to play anywhere near 100% look out Clipper fans. I think this series is headed for a game 7, but it is way closer to becoming a comfortable series win for the Spurs than it is for the Clippers. Blake Griffin and Chris Paul cannot afford any sort of set back on the road, they must continue their elite play if they want to give their team a chance.

NBA Predictions Part VII

This years defensive player of the year is Draymond Green. The man has meant so much to Golden State and teams success, especially on the defensive end. Green starts at the power forward position for the Warriors and is able to guard almost anyone on the court. He is averaging eight rebounds and a little more than a block and a steal per game. His defensive rating is near 100, and doing all this for the best team in the league makes him a clear candidate. Players like Anthony Davis, Tim Duncan and Tony Allen should get consideration, but none play for the best team in the league, and none guard as many different positions as Green.

Besides San Antonio Who Are the Title Contenders in the NBA?

While it is still just 10 games into the season for most NBA teams, last nights Spurs-Cavs game was an early season signature game. San Antonio, of course, is coming off a season in which they led the league in wins and went on to win the championship. That championship run concluded by dispatching the then LeBron James-led Miami Heat. Cleveland, however, is a team yet to find itself. It of course has a star studded cast led by the return of LeBron, and the all-star play of both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.

These two teams played an exciting game resulting in a close 92-90 Spurs win. The Spurs are still contenders to win the title, and should still be favorites. The rest of the league is sort of up for grabs at this point. Cleveland should definitely be in the discussion in the east, but the lack of a defense is concerning. You would be a fool to pick that defense against any Western conference opponent. Chicago is in a similar position as Cleveland, but for a completely different reason.

The Bulls have a great defense. Since Tom Thibodeau took over as head coach that has been the case. The concern in Chicago is the uncertainty of Derrick Rose's health. While he has played well, he has not been on the court enough. He has not suffered another terrible injury, but has missed plenty of time with nagging injuries. How much will that effect a potential deep playoff run? Will he need to sit a game in the Eastern conference finals?

The rest of the east consists of a couple more very good teams in the Raptors and the Wizards. However, I am not ready to call those two true title contenders.

The West is tricky. Houston has gotten off to such a great start, but I still find it difficult to see a team with only James Harden as a true dynamic offense threat as a contender. Houston's offense is potent when they are hitting the three ball, but at the end of games Harden is the only player they can go to. Memphis is a little higher on my list, because of the elite defense and post play. Mike Conley is still an underrated point guard in the loaded west.

Golden State has replaced Oklahoma City for now as that potentially great contender in the west. The star power of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson in backcourt, along with an elite front line of Bougt and the return of David Lee. The bench play is also elite. Led by players like Barnes, Iguodala, Livingston, Barbosa and Green. Now if Westbrook and Durant are able to return to top 5 form and lead the Thunder to the playoffs, the conference could be in for a huge shakeup.

Dallas, Portland and the Clippers round out the conference contenders, but as far as NBA title goes there is still much room for improvement. Mostly on the defensive end.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is that both conferences (especially the west) are wide open. No one should be doubting the Spurs at this point of the season though. This could be the last season for both Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, and what better way to end their careers than with another championship. If I had to put money on it today, it would be on the Spurs.