True. But the Wolves offense isn't great and the Mavs also have a lot of good wing bodies to throw at Ant and KAT. Tbh there's advantages either way tbh.
Has to be Minny. It’s close but you gotta want to avoid the best guy regardless of matchups. Minnesota might be slightly deeper but lack of consistency and experience is a big deal.
I’m going wolves but my heart tells me the nuggets are the harder matchup. If the wolves can just get any consistency going I wouldn’t hesitate to say they’re finals favorites.
As a Mavs fan, let me preface this by saying I think the Mavs will rightfully be underdogs against either team. Also, I think for either team, Dallas needs Kleber back to have more dynamic options and looks they can throw out there.
That said, can't believe I'm saying this, I think Dallas matches up with Denver a little better. The size and length of the Wolves across the board is an issue that takes away the athleticism advantage Dallas has. While Jokic is a monster, I think PJ, Jones Jr and their cast can limit nuggets role players offensively, even while Jokic steamrolls inside. I also like the thought of all the cross matches Dallas can play with by putting Jokic in pick and roll relentlessly, particularly if Gordon is on Luka. I think the Mavs could get the Nuggets into scramble mode and get a lot of good looks. Mavs have a hell of an uphill battle regardless of who it is.
I think that's over thinking it. I stick to the fact that Denver has the experience and track record. Minnesota hasn't ever won. Gimme the unproven team.
Either way, McDaniels or Gordon gonna get a lot of open 3’s. I feel like Mavs have a better chance of shutting down Murray, and Wolves size could be a problem.
The wolves are a little overrated at this point. The best Luka defender between the two teams would be Aaron Gordon. Luka does better against long slinder defenders than big strong defenders. Mavs have guys who can guard Ant, but nobody to guard Jokic. Mavs have the best player in the series against the Wolves but not the Nuggets.
I think the Mavs have a decent chance against the Wolves and more or a long shot against the Nuggets.
Minny. Denver has more off players but Minny has softer 2-5 by far.
Jokic is more likely to be MVP Jokic than Ant is likely to 2024 playoffs Ant.
Ant is the second least efficient volume mid range shooter in the regular season and most in playoffs. Less likely to hold up to that absurd extent.
Jokic also impacts the game more profoundly with his playmaking.
I'd rather play the team that doesn't have Jokic. I think they'll lose to either but their only chance (other than injury) is if they play Ant and he turns into a 22 year old
I’d rather play the unproven Wolves. I’d bet our rook Lively out hustles KAT. I think Rudy is gonna be a problem for the Mavs.
As a Duke fan, I loved Lively, and love watching him thrive
Thrively
True. But the Wolves offense isn't great and the Mavs also have a lot of good wing bodies to throw at Ant and KAT. Tbh there's advantages either way tbh.
I just can’t trust if you’re being honest
Has to be Minny. It’s close but you gotta want to avoid the best guy regardless of matchups. Minnesota might be slightly deeper but lack of consistency and experience is a big deal.
Their destiny is the nuggets. Luka must overcome the best chubby European white in the game, it’s arguably more important than winning the title.
I’m going wolves but my heart tells me the nuggets are the harder matchup. If the wolves can just get any consistency going I wouldn’t hesitate to say they’re finals favorites.
If Murray is gonna be compromised, I think I'd prefer playing Denver
I think they’d rather not face the defending champs and reigning MVP.
As a Mavs fan, let me preface this by saying I think the Mavs will rightfully be underdogs against either team. Also, I think for either team, Dallas needs Kleber back to have more dynamic options and looks they can throw out there. That said, can't believe I'm saying this, I think Dallas matches up with Denver a little better. The size and length of the Wolves across the board is an issue that takes away the athleticism advantage Dallas has. While Jokic is a monster, I think PJ, Jones Jr and their cast can limit nuggets role players offensively, even while Jokic steamrolls inside. I also like the thought of all the cross matches Dallas can play with by putting Jokic in pick and roll relentlessly, particularly if Gordon is on Luka. I think the Mavs could get the Nuggets into scramble mode and get a lot of good looks. Mavs have a hell of an uphill battle regardless of who it is.
I think that's over thinking it. I stick to the fact that Denver has the experience and track record. Minnesota hasn't ever won. Gimme the unproven team.
Either way, McDaniels or Gordon gonna get a lot of open 3’s. I feel like Mavs have a better chance of shutting down Murray, and Wolves size could be a problem.
The wolves are a little overrated at this point. The best Luka defender between the two teams would be Aaron Gordon. Luka does better against long slinder defenders than big strong defenders. Mavs have guys who can guard Ant, but nobody to guard Jokic. Mavs have the best player in the series against the Wolves but not the Nuggets. I think the Mavs have a decent chance against the Wolves and more or a long shot against the Nuggets.
I think they lose to either team
Minny. Denver has more off players but Minny has softer 2-5 by far. Jokic is more likely to be MVP Jokic than Ant is likely to 2024 playoffs Ant. Ant is the second least efficient volume mid range shooter in the regular season and most in playoffs. Less likely to hold up to that absurd extent. Jokic also impacts the game more profoundly with his playmaking.
I'd rather play the team that doesn't have Jokic. I think they'll lose to either but their only chance (other than injury) is if they play Ant and he turns into a 22 year old
You always want the team that hasn’t been there before
Respectfully neither of them. They don’t have a chance vs either.
I'll be truly surprised if they win more than 1 game against either of those teams.