Playoff Hoops ‘24 | Livin’ in America | YouTube Rabbithole
Alright @YouTheReader,
Here’s hoops…
Playoffs start this weekend, here’s the bracket. Figured I’d use a Sharpie and the actual Notepad.
Western Conference
The Thunder bested the Pelicans in 2 of the 3 regular season matchups. These teams have never played each other in the NBA Playoffs but share a bit of history. During Hurricane Katrina, the New Orelans Hornets had to relocate so they temporarily moved to Oklahoma City for a season. When the NBA could tell the OKC was ready for an NBA franchise, the Sonics decided to move to from Seattle to OKC and rename themselves the Thunder. After playing in OKC and returning to New Orelans, the NO Hornets decided to change their name to the Pelicans. What makes things even more confusing is the prior to moving to New Orelans in ‘03, the Hornets originally played in Charlotte. When they left for NO, the expansion team Charlotte Bobcats took their place, only to rebrand back to the Hornets in ‘15. Glad we got that sorted.
The Zion Williamson-less Pelicans beat the Kings in Friday night’s play-in game. Zion has a hamstring and is questionable to return this postseason. Even with Zion, the Pelicans would’ve faced an uphill road as the #8 Seed. Without him, New Orleans will rely on CJ McCullum and Brandon Ingram. Somehow Ingram is still only 26 years old, that’s crazy it feels like he’s been in the league much longer. Anyway, without Zion, the Pelicans aren’t advancing.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are a 1 Seed with a starting lineup of kids. The oldest veteran of the 5 is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and he’s just 25 years old. SGA in ‘24 had his 2nd straight 30+ points per game season and will be in talks for the NBA MVP. The lanky guard has an excellent mid-range game and strong finisher. Jalen Williams is a 22 year old PF, who came in 2nd in the Rookie of the Year voting last year and improved to 19 points per game. At 6’5”, he plays much bigger than his size and dominates below the rim. Lugentz is an elite 3&D defender. According to BBall Index, he was the NBA’s best Perimeter Isolation Defender. Josh Giddey, uh yeah, crafty passer. Lastly, Chet Holmgren after missing all of last year with a foot, had an excellent rookie season and will likely finish 2nd to Wemby for Rookie of the Year. Holmgren is a lanky 7’1” and also can hit from 3. OKC is an odd sort of young players, each with their own set of skill sets that have developed well together and thus far have exceeded expectations. The wildest part with them is they still have a gazillion 1st Round draft picks (3 1st Rounders in ‘24 and 4 1st Rounders in ‘25). They’ll advance.
Prediction: Thunder in 4.
The Clippers bested the Mavs in 2 of the 3 regular season matchups. These teams have played each other twice in the First Round of the playoffs in ‘20 and ‘21 with the Clips winning both series.
Dallas Mavericks
Gotta lead off with Luka Doncic as he led the NBA in scoring with 33.9 points per game, which places his regular season 19th all-time. A year after trading for Kyrie Irving and the Mavs looking like a complete disaster, the flat Earther had an excellent campaign. The Mavs play at a very fast pace, the 6th fastest in the NBA, and when they aren’t pushing it up the floor the Doncic-Irving duo are 2 of the best isolation scorers in NBA history. Dallas swung a trade for PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford at the deadline. Apparently, PJ Washington used to date Brittany Renner, I don’t who that is it’s tough to keep up, but Washington has been an effective piece for the Mavs, much like Daniel Gafford. Off the bench, Tim Hardaway Jr. is the type of player that can be hot or cold. When he’s hot he can make Dallas nearly unbeatable, when he’s cold, don’t expect much.
LA Clippers
This is rather obvious but for the LA Clippers to truly be contenders they will need Kawhi Leonard. He reportedly has a swollen knee and the timetable for his return is a mystery. This of course isn’t the first time where Kawhi has been aloof. It would be strange if he didn’t have some sort of lurking injury, but he was healthy enough to say he’d play for Team USA in the Summer Olympics so who knows what to believe. Outside of Kawhi, the Clippers have a veteran roster of stars a bit past their prime in Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook. Of the 3, Westbrook has had to change his game the most as he now comes off the bench and averages career lows in shot attempts. His 11 points, 4.5 assists, and 5 rebounds per game are still effective just not Mr. Triple-Double. James Harden also seems to be quite content in a more secondary role as his 11.4 shots per game are his least attempts since his days as the 6 Man for the Thunder. As for Paul George, what an odd career, remember he played those 2 seasons with the Thunder as well as Westbook’s sidekick when KD left? I’m rambling, with Kawhi being suspect I’m leaning Dallas.
Prediction: Mavs in 6.
The Suns beat the T’Wolves in all 3 regular season matchups this season. This will be the first time these Western Conference teams have ever played in the postseason.
Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker took over PG responsibilities this season and averaged a career-high 6.9 assists per game. Book and Kevin Durant each totaled 27.1 points per game on the dot. They may be the most lethal 1-2 punch in the NBA, which means they have a shot in any series. Phoenix traded for Bradley Beal to be the ever important #3 option and after a shakey start in the role, Beal has flourished as a 3-point shooter hitting on a career best 43% behind the arc. In his last 5 games, Beal finished strong averaging 26.8 points while shooting an absurd 73% from 3.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The last time Minnesota won a playoff series, Anthony Edwards wasn’t even a whole 3 years old. The 22-year-old superstar averaged a career-high 25.9 points per game this season along with a career-high in assists with 5.1 per game. Minnesota allows 106.5 points per game, the best in the entire NBA. Rudy Gobert mans the middle of the T’Wolves lineup and while he may not be in his prime, the 3-time Defensive Player of the Year is still elite. With Gobert, KAT is able to play the 4 and this season he shot an efficient 41.6% from beyond the arc, the best he’s shot since ‘18. Outside of the bigger names, 23-year-old forward Jaden McDaniels, nicknamed Seatbelt for his defense, will be tasked to defend Kevin Durant. McDaniels may be an elite defender, but KD ain’t your typical car. I don’t even know if that makes sense, but I’m going with the Suns.
Prediction: Suns in 6.
The Denver Nuggets swept the Lakers in their 3 games in the regular season, just like how they swept LA in the Western Conference Finals in last year’s playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers
Even in a year where Anthony Davis (not related in case you’re wondering) re-emerged as an All Star in his prime, LeBron James led the Lake Show scoring. In the Play-In Game against the Pelicans, the 39-year-old from Akron was putting his body on the line while taking charges against Zion Williamson. While LeBron James’ 25.7 points per game was the lowest of his career in nearly a decade, anytime he’s in the playoffs now could be his last so it’s almost must watch. LBJ & Davis led another flawed Laker team to the postseason and will likely get bounced by the reigning champs.
Denver Nuggets
This week LeBron went on record to tell reporters that Denver’s Joker is “One of the best players to ever play this game. It’s that simple.“ Nikola Jokic is an absolute machine as he has averaged 24.5+ points, 10.8+ rebounds, and 7.9+ assists for the 4th year in a row. The 2-time MVP is so good that he isn’t the least bit concerned with winning another MVP Trophy, all he wants to do is win another championship as efficiently as possible so he can go back to tend to his horses. Gotta respect him for that.
Prediction: Nuggets in 4.
Eastern Conference
The Celtics swept the Heat in their 3 games this regular season. These 2 franchises have plenty of playoff history as they’ve met in the last 2 Eastern Conference Finals, which both 7 games as they each split a series to advance to the NBA Finals.
Heat Culture was on full display on Friday night as they made the NBA Tournament in their win over Chicago in the Play-In Game. With their biggest star out in Jimmy Butler, rookie wing Jamie Jaquez Jr. stepped up with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Former Celtic, Terry Rozier will seek a bit of revenge against his former team after getting traded to Miami from Charlotte midseason. During the pregame of the Play-In Game, Woj put out a mini-bomb that Bam Adebayo may be on the move this offseason. Despite #HeatCulture, I’m not quite sure why Miami would even show up to play the Celtics.
Boston’s 64 wins are the 4th most they’ve had in their franchise’s history. Their 120.3 points per game was 2nd best in all of the land and Canada, while their 109.2 points allowed was good for 5th. The additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday improved a team that has been the #2 seed the past 2 NBA seasons. All that is well and good, but these playoffs will come down to if Jayson Tatum can really be the guy. People forget in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals he was afraid to shoot, only attempting 13 shots and scoring 14 points. Clearly this is the C’s season though so they will rout Miami, could even see the Heat forfeit after Game 3.
Prediction: Celtics sweep.
The Indiana Pacers got the best of the Bucks this regular season winning 4 of the 5 matchups. These 2 midwest teams haven’t met in the playoffs since the 1st Round of ‘00, when Reggie Miller (24.2 ppg) and Jalen Rose (19 ppg) defeated Ray Allen (22 ppg) and Sam Cassell (15.8 ppg).
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers haven’t made the playoffs since ‘20 and they can thank PG Tyrese Haliburton for getting them back. Haliburton’s 10.9 assists per game was the best in The Association. The additions of Pascal Siakam via trade and Bruce Brown made a huge difference. Both players have postseason experience and rings to prove, only now they have even bigger roles with the Pacers. Indiana led the NBA in points this season with 123.3 per game. Aside from the guys above, they have in Andrew Nembhard, Buddy Hield, TJ McConnell, and Obi Toppin who average over 10 points per game off the bench. They are a very deep offensive team.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks had an up-and-down season with a midseason coaching hire of Doc Rivers. They were still able to cruise into the 3rd Seed in the Eastern Conference almost off pure talent alone of the Greek Freak and Damian Lillard. The former Blazer wasn’t brought into Milwaukee for the regular season, they traded for Dame Time for moments in the postseason. Lillard with Portland hadn’t reached the playoffs since ‘21, but last time he reached them he averaged 34.3 points per game with 10.2 assists. Giannis also has stepped up in the postseason. When they won the title in ‘21, the Greek Freak aerafed 30.2 points and 12.8 rebounds per game. With the addition to Lillard, this has been a toughest transition for Khris Middleton, whose 11.7 shots per game are the lowest of his career since ‘17. I think the Pacers will make this an interesting series, but the Bucks will gel enough to advance.
Prediction: Bucks in 7.
These two young Eastern Conference teams split their regular season matchup 2 a piece. The only time Cleveland and Orlando tipped off in the playoffs against each other was in the ‘09 Eastern Conference Finals, when Dwight Howard (25.8 ppg & 13 rpg) and Hedo Türkoğlu (17.2 ppg) defeated LeBron (38.5 ppg). The Magic would end up losing to Kobe in the Finals, but the loss would contribute to LeBron eventually wanting out of Cleveland when he became a free agent after the ‘10 playoffs.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs are average offensively and 7th in the NBA in points allowed. Offensively, the Cavs are centered around their backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. Defensively, Cleveland is centered around their Center, Jarrett Allen, and PF Evan Mobley. Heading into the playoffs, Donovan Mitchell has made some headlines that he wants to be the face of the NBA. “I set that goal a long time ago” he told reporters. There are also reports from the likes of Woj that Mitchell may want out of Cleveland. Never an ideal sign to have rumors like that heading into a playoff series.
Orlando Magic
Led by 21-year-old Paolo Banchero and other lottery picks like Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Wendall Carter Jr, Orlando may have some Magic because they bought into defense. They allow 108.4 points per game, which is good for 4th in today’s NBA. They are an extremely young team that hasn’t made the playoffs since ‘20 so much of their guys will be in their first playoff series. Franz Wagner also has older brother on the team, Mortiz, and the two combine for over 9 rebounds and 30 points per game. Cole Anthony is also the son of former NBA player and TNT commentator, Greg Anthony. While Orlando may struggle offensively to make a deep run, I think their youth could pull off a first round win against a distracted Cleveland team.
Prediction: Magic in 6.
The Knicks beat the Sixers 3-1 in their regular season matchups. Philly and New York haven’t played each other in the playoffs since the First Round in 1989, when Patrick Ewing, Gerald Wilkins, Mark Jackson, and Charles Oakley swept King Charles Barkley (27 ppg & 11.7 rpg) and Mo Cheeks.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers are a very hot team at the moment, winners of 9 straight as they head to MSG. Philly just beat the Miami Heat in the Play-In Game as Joel Embiid hobbld his way to 23 points and 15 boards. Embiid is questionable to play in Game 1 as he is still working his way back from in-season meniscus surgery. Without the former MVP for the majority of the season, PG Tyrese Maxey emerged into a much more pronounced role as the team’s leading scorer in his absence. Maxey became a first time All-Star and his points per game jumped from 20.3 to 25.9 as the lead guard. The 4th year guard averaged 26.3 points against the Knicks in 3 games.
New York Knicks
The last time the Knicks were a 2 Seed was during the prime Carmelo Anthony year of ‘13. This group of Knicks is much more defensive-oriented with Coach Thibs running the ship. New York allowed the 2nd fewest points in the NBA thanks to their defense and offensive pace, which ranks dead last in The Association. Their bigs Isaiah Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson will draw the assignment of guarding Joel Embiid. Maxey could see multiple guards on him, with even the wingspan of OG Anunoby coming into play. This is certainly not an ideal matchup for any #2 seed, however, Philly also has to be worried about stopping Jalen Brunson. The Nova PG was 4th in the NBA in scoring at 28.7 per game and is coming off an insane stretch in April where he’s averaged 35.9 in his last 8 games. I’ll go with the Knicks gutting this one out in a long series.
Prediction: Knicks in 7.
Today’s tune is Livin’ In America by the Black ‘47. My Uncle T sent me this song around Saint Patrick’s Day in March and mentioned it reminded him a lot of my parents in the 90s…
Well, I guess this is my dad’s point of view…
Woah…woah…woah…My dad isn’t a Guinness stout drinker! Plus, I don’t think it was just my parents partying…
My mudder is an absolute saint, she’d never call my dad a clown!
Construction does have a diverse crowd of workers: Irish, Black, Dominican, and Greek, plus some Italian contractors supervising the site.
Jeez, now I don’t even want to know how my dad asked my mom out after their first encounter on Saint Patrick’s Day in 1989. I’m a bit scared.
It does fit a bit like what I can remember of the 90s, except as far as I could tell they had it all figured out…