(2) Mavericks Vs. (7) Spurs

[Lamrock]

It's official, the Mavs will take on the Spurs in a rematch of last year's first round. Despite Dallas beating San Antonio today to secure this series, I think the Spurs are just as good, if not better, and have a great chance here.

I'll take Dallas in 7. The Spurs are better (pythag record, overall talent) in my opinion, but I think the Mavs match up well and homecourt is the difference.

[JaoSming]

got dallas in 6 in this

[Andrew]

I'm picking Dallas in six. It's still hard to pick against the Spurs, every time it looks like they've reached the year where it all collapses they turn around and win 50 games, coming on strong towards the end of the season. Still, I think the Mavs will be able to get the Spurs back on their heels with the series opening in Dallas and finish them off in six thanks to younger and healthier legs.

[NovU]

The stats may not back me up, but seeing Duncan this year, I thought he doesn't make as big of an impact in the game anymore unlike in the SAS dynasty days. But considering Manu playing good again, I do think SAS will surprise us in this series with their fundamental basketball. Mavericks on the other hand, I think is quite vulnerable.

[benji]

The stats may not back me up

They don't.

[Axel The Great]

I also picked Dallas in 6. The Spurs don't have much depth (as of now) in the PG position due to Parker barely coming off an injury and George Hill out, so maybe they'll look to Manu or Duncan in this round.

[Dan's Brain]

Dallas in 7. It's never a good idea to completely count out a Tim Duncan team. I can see the Mavs pushing the Spurs to the brink of a sweep, but then the Spurs will kick into gear, winning 3 on the trot, before collapsing in Dallas in game 7. This series should be the most fiery one in the first round of this year's playoffs.

[Rip32]

Dallas in six. Spurs have been the hottest team in the West recently, but I think Dallas has the size to win this.

I also think Roddy Beaubois will create quite the following during these playoffs. His game screams fan-friendly.

[jonthefon]

I hate opening the playoffs at home. And considering how up-and-down the Mavs have been at the AAC (the atmosphere is nowhere near like what it was a few years ago), I'd prefer them opening on the road with a good chance of stealing a game, then coming back to Big D with some momentum. If they win the first two games and take the short plane trip with a 2-0 lead, I'll feel much better.

I have a feeling the Mavs are going to show up flat on Saturday, shit the bed fantastic and lose Game 1, then struggle to win in San Antonio. At least it looks like George Hill isn't playing.

[Sauru]

mavs take it in 6

[adsefhr]

mavs in 6.

[Martti.]

Mavs in 6, although the Spurs can always surprise.

[DVocShoeBox]

Dallas in 7, I don't actually watch west basketball, to many good teams! I like how the East have, Good teams and Bad teams

[deihatein]

I hope the Mavs will dominate the Spurs like last year playoffs.

Mavs in 6.

[Lamrock]

I hate opening the playoffs at home.

Glad I'm not the only one who feels that way. Too much pressure to win both Games 1 & 2. Its a lot funner to watch your team steal one or both on the road to open the playoffs. (Game 1 of Rockets/Blazers was agonizing last year)

[Andrew]

There's a lot of pressure to get the split on the road as well, something I'm sure a lot of teams find less than ideal.

[NovU]

This is the series I'm looking forward to, the most. For some reason, I think this is the series that's going to be the most intense. Just can't wait.

[SpaceFlare]

I have to say Dallas in 6, although I'm voting for the Manu option in the poll

This could be a pretty interesting match-up though.

[|)e8*]

Because of Manu im guessing Spurs in 6

[Jackal]

Spurs in 6.

[NovU]

I also favor Spurs in this series as I sorta stated above. All season long, the Spurs weren't healthy, but now pretty close to be fully healthy. Generally, the playoffs Spurs I think is a better team than season one. Spurs in 6 as well.

[Kenny]

Spurs in 6. I hope they show it on One... Dirk Vs TD is an epic matchup

[jonthefon]

I'm glad Pop only threw one guy at Dirk. That makes it a ton easier for the Mavs to find ways to score. They did double him in the fourth quarter where he didn't get to shoot all that much, but that's what happens in the playoffs. They need Butler and Kidd to keep hitting and Marion to make any good looks he gets inside. Score ended up closer than it actually was with the game pretty much over a 100-88 (which is why pythag. record isn't entirely accurate; the Mavs are pretty lax in garbage time), but I'll feel much more assured if the Mavs can win Game 2 as well, because they did have the best road record in the league during the regular season.

And seeing how the rest of the Spurs performed outside of their big three, I don't see how the Mavs lose this series based off pure talent.

[rise]

Manu is a flopping piece of excrement

lol

Dirk is a beast
The Matrix is a beast
Kidd was a beast
Terry is a beast

vs.

Tim Duncan is a beast
Tony Parker is a beast

Advantage: Dallas

[J@3]

That logic is awful.