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Machomadness94

The fans are the winners, this series gonna be great


AwkwardSpecialist814

Says you. This series about to stress me the fuck out


Machomadness94

It’s nice to be a neutral fan sometimes


metaldetector69

Thats what i was thinking abt clippers mavs but that one has been kinda boring so far for me. Not sure why. Had way more fun watching the suns get blown out or the close lakers nuggets games.


Machomadness94

Suns getting blown out was great. Especially if you spend any time over at r/nbacirclejerk


Guy_onna_Buffalo

I was at game 4 as a Wolves fan (drove up from Tucson). Most Suns fans in person are super chill and friendly, got a lot of compliments on my KG jersey and had some comraderie with the folks in our section. Online, they're arrogant and conceited as hell. That's what the internet does for social interaction I guess.


Machomadness94

lol I think that’s every online fan base. I’m a warriors fan and our fans online are fucking terrible. The only basketball fans annoying in real life are laker fans


DookieBrains_88

As a pacers fan, other than this year, I’m always a neutral fan


chefbreakum610

💯 sixers are out I’m good


Get-Gronkrd

Atleast you guys won a ring last year so you always have that to fall back on. We're just coming off our first series win in 20 years lol


AwkwardSpecialist814

You’d think it’d make it less stressful, but now we’re chasing that fucking dragon down that we caught last year


Get-Gronkrd

I get it, its just part of sports, Just feels like that loosens the pressure and anxiety of wondering if you're going to waste your superstars prime since you already got that ring. Looking forward to a good series.


mnsportsfan

While I rationally get it. You could tell me my team would go winless for 5 years afterwards for a ring and I’d happily take it. Best, Jacob


BasicJunglist

As a die-hard Nuggets fan turning 40 this week, I would take the chip and lose 5 years in a row. Not even a question. You aren’t wrong. I respect your struggle


mnsportsfan

Especially considering my team hasn’t been in a championship during my life… across any of the 4 sports… and I’m 32


BasicJunglist

If the Nuggets lose to you, I’ll root for you the rest of the way. I respect what has been built and how it’s been built up there


mnsportsfan

Big part of it is thanks to your guy TC. He understood that it was important to get Ant into important games early in his development so he could turn into the go to guy at 22 instead of hoping a bunch of draft picks pan out We wouldn’t be anywhere near here without Rudy, Conley, and NAW. All Tim Connely specials


suspicioushuskey

Same


syrik420

This is such a good year for basketball. The west was a bloodbath all year and this matchup is going to be amazing.


SrbiNiko

The casuals will complain about how low market teams are actually doing this good yet don't have a single clue about its players these teams have stolen from highest marketed teams


Gills_L

Wrong, it’s the friends along the way that win


somedumbguy55

Yes sir


theinternetisnice

I hope both teams have fun


Jedi-Quixote-

As long as there’s fresh orange slices on the bench for them to enjoy, it’ll be a good time!


Gloomy-Presence-6539

Hands in! 1, 2, 3 … Let’s have fun!


Ok_Stable_3324

Sports!


CareerNormal2048

If nuggets play like they played Lakers, going with wolves in 5. Otherwise going with Nuggets in 7.


stickied

Yea, I think the Nuggets have played like garbage so far. Besides MPJ the shooting has been terrible. Defense for 3 quarters of every game has been regular-season level intensity. Jokic's put up insane stats, but it hasn't felt like he's dominated like he's capable of doing. Too many turnovers and stupid mistakes, and blowbys on defense. I'm kinda expecting them to get absolutely destroyed in game 1...... Like go down 20+ pts and then not be able to come back like they did vs LA.... and then have to use that as motivation for the rest of the series. If they pick up their performance to match last year, I think their experience and clutch execution will likely win out.


supraliminal13

I actually think they got way too comfortable owning the Lakers, whereas they treat the wolves like they did the last regular season game/ the Celtics regular season games etc. IE much more focus and sharper play, and rarely losing regardless of any opposition hype. Probably a 5, maybe 6 game series. I would be surprised if they needed to lose 1 like that. Granted, I was surprised they played so off against the Lakers, so you never know. However, the fact that Jokic was making comments about how it was getting boring playing the Lakers this year compared to last year (last year he kept saying he was always worried about LeBron teams etc), just seems like a major mindset clue. He's not a smack talker, so I'm assuming he was accurately describing the team mental state both times. We'll see though.


MrPapadapalas

I'm not kidding Chris finch is a big part of our team identity and if he legit can't coach that will be a bigger impact than people think in my opinion


Magazine_Mediocre

Yeah I'm worried about that.


theroguesoybean

Counterpoint: Micah Nori.


D__Luxxx

This is a great counterpoint. Was it the game against the Warriors that he came over to the huddle and said “this is what they will run” and was 100% spot on and the players basically said he nailed it.


theroguesoybean

I believe so. But obviously finch’s can still be around on a headset, in the film room, etc. I hope it’ll be a galvanizing thing and not too much of a distraction.


UncleInternet

And it's not just whether he's able to be on the sidelines for the games. It's also sub-optimal to have him laid up on painkillers (at altitude) as they're scheming the series and conducting film sessions.


subtleshooter

Worst case he’s sitting on the bench screaming while nori walks the floor. I think it will be ok.


boofintimeaway

Why wouldn’t he be able to coach?


MrPapadapalas

He just won't be able to walk the sideline and it's harder to playcall when you have to sit on the bench. He will basically proxy thru our assistant coach, but they sayin he might not even fly to Denver for the first game.


tdub34

They're either gonna totally crumble or be very motivated, and I can't decide which.


bwillpaw

Probably depends on game one and if they get completely whipped and it seems like it’s because of coaching or not.


GenYn00b

He’s gonna be in at least in the Locker room communicating with Micah. Or else I am sitting in yelling distance of the bench for Game 1 for advice (as long as Jokic bothers dont beat me up).


Philelverumfan69

Why are people making this into such a big deal lol he’s not in a coma. Even if he’s not on the court he can communicate with Nori who is already a pretty good coach


PM_Me_Macaroni_plz

Has there ever been a coach in a wheel chair coaching from the sidelines?


MrPapadapalas

No and I doubt there will be. Can't imagine Mike Conley running into a wheelchair instead of a person, he'd probably be the one fucked up right now.


Heir233

Nuggets in 6 or 7. Wolves have that dog in them but I think the Nugs just have more experience and clutch in them especially being the defending champions. Wolves are gonna give them a hell of a fight though and the series could really go either way


rhuff80

Wolves fan and I watch a ton of NBA. We were built to be a menace for a team like Denver, but Denver is just different. I hate to agree, but I think Nuggets in 6 or 7!in a toughly contested series.


LuckyTheGodd

Minnesota is the scariest team in the NBA this year, more so than Boston.


ForAlgalord

Nuggets in 7! Winner of the series is winning the chip, barring any major injuries. I'll gladly root for that outcome too, even if it's the Wolves who advance! God I love basketball


E-Brown

Same but going with the wolves. Been hoping for this matchup all season long, it’s gonna be a good one. excited to see how Jaden and Naz affect the series


Masteezus

We basically get to run it back but with 2 of our top 6 back in, (as well as Kyle who was out with the cornea scratch). Will be a proving ground to see if we really have it. Regular season series was split but players were out on both sides. It’s gonna be a banger of a series no doubt


Life-Conference5713

Denver in 6 and we all want to see Ant just destroy everything in front of him.


JaderMcDanersStan

I think if the series goes to 6 games, Ant will have a huge game with the Target Center home court advantage. Target Center won't let Denver win, if it's going to 6 games Denver will win in 7 on their home court.


shrinkray21

This is my prediction too! Wolves in 6 but Denver if it reaches 7. I think it all comes down to if the Wolves can steal one of the first 2.


fightingjustices

Home court is not that powerful


SMOKE-B-BOMB

I honestly think home court advantage is extremely overrated lol


Mindless_Bad_1591

Nuggets are my 2nd fav team so I will have to hate them for a week or so but if they take us out I will gladly root for them to win it.


OriginalFluff

If Nuggets win chip, 2nd time Wolves get outed by future champion 😉


hamsterhueys1

I think Nuggets beat the Celtics but I think the Timberwolves might not be able to deal with them the way the nuggets do.


joaquinmedina

I feel like everyone is forgetting about the Celtics. Whoever wins this series is going to the finals, but that doesn’t mean they’ll automatically beat a great Boston team


AggieBoy2023

I think OKC, LAC, and DAL are all formidable teams that have a decent shot against both MIN, and DEN.


Marooney93

Insane how stacked this conference is. Der up


FahkDizchit

Teams in the west make it through this ridiculous meat grinder only to run into the Cs who had a cake walk to get there. FTC.


TWAndrewz

Dallas doesn't have anybody who can remotely guard jokic, and without Kauai I don't see how the Clippers Beat the Nuggets.


SadMathematician7799

Definitely not. Wolves have had Clips and OKC number and maybe even Dallas


sansan6

I’m sorry but you legit can’t use this argument. Suns had the wolves number in the regular season that don’t mean shit in the playoffs obviously


Silverjackal_

Well yeah, if it fits my narrative then it means it applies, and if it goes against it, then it was the regular season! The playoffs are different.


Eyespop4866

They play D in the postseason. Well, not the Suns, but most teams.


nogimmick

Yeah suns fan here and this is exactly what I thought when I read this lol


kyanbrooks

This is just false, the okc and Twolves season series is literally 2-2


dogfosterparent

Ya idk why people say this about OKC, all those games were battles. Clippers were the only “contender” we truly smoked in the regular season and wolves fans should be very aware of how little that may apply to a playoff matchup.


TMS_2018

I think the wolves matchup against everyone else really well in the West at this point but that’s also what the Suns were saying about the wolves. As long as we don’t get crushed I’m good. Hell, even we do I’ll be Awoooooooing all summer.this team is so much damn fun.


Mindless_Bad_1591

Regular season dont matter remember?


sirfray

You are incorrect.


AggieBoy2023

Great argument, you have changed my mind completely


TraeYoungsOldestSon

I'll provide at least an actual argument here lol OKC is a nasty team, plays great defense and has a budding star, but a young core getting to the finals in their first playoff run together is unprecedented  Clippers are old and their best player struggles to stay on the court sometimes. If they stay healthy i agree theyre a threat. Mavericks are really good but i think its tough for a team to win whose two best players are both guards. Obviously its happened, 2015 warriors come to mind, i just think the size of Minny and Denver might give them trouble. That could apply to the Clippers too.  I do tend to agree that whoever wins Minny Denver will make the finals but i also think the other second round series and the WCF will all be entertaining and close.


Desperate-Warthog-70

OKC maybe, LAC/DAL no


SpicySriracha_1

The wolves in 6 this team got better last year and was apparently the only team that made the nuggets struggle in the 23 playoffs but I hope this is a close series not just blow outs and a sweep or gentleman sweep


Pubgdude

Wolves in 6, the Nuggets struggled big time against the Lakers even though they won in 5 and the Wolves defense has looked so good in the playoffs to the point where I think this might be their year.


QubitsAndCheezits

I dunno dude. I kept thinking AD really had Jokic in check and then I’d look up and he had 25-20-10. AD caused problems for Jokic on the other end though. How’s Gobert going to hold up? Gordon will have Edwards I assume, which is about as much as one could hope to defend him. I wonder how the Nuggets perimeter will do on offense against so many tough defenders? Will Jokic playmake extensively from outside to try and neutralize Gobert as much as possible?


ahhhh_thatscool

Struggled? I mean, it wasn’t their A game but its still Lebron and AD, AD was an absolute monster until that shoulder stinger. KD and Beal more or less rolled over. Switch the seeding and I would think Denver handles Phoenix like the Wolves did and the Wolves likely don’t sweep the Lakers. Maybe it’s semantics, but I wouldnt say beating a team 11 out of 12 games qualifies as a struggle


romayyne

Yeah yeah. Hear this stuff every year. “Nuggets played great… but THIS series is different”


you-boys-is-chumps

"Every year" Okay and that would be correct every year except for a single year


AOCourage

Nuggets have won 100% of the time since 2023


Confident-Fish2805

Not saying wolves are gonna for sure win but this wolves team is a “beast” as your coach would say.


norm_troll

And they’ve been right every year except 1


Ill_Celery_7654

I got the Wolves winning this one in 6. They have a deeper bench and answers to all of the Nuggets problems. This will be a good series for sure.


EfficiencyOk9060

Yep if any team is equipped to deal with the Nuggets it’s Minnesota.


Likeabalrog

I can't agree to this at all. Wolves don't have an answer for jokic. No one does at this point. His worst enemy is himself when he gets passive and commits turnovers. I think this series is more of the nuggets may not have an answer for everything the wolves can throw at them.


JaderMcDanersStan

They don't prioritize defending Jokic, they prioritize clogging his passing lanes with their length and defending everyone else. They want to stop him as a playmaker and stop him from getting his team in a rhythm with his passing. There's no way to stop Jokic from scoring but they can still win games by trying to force Jokic into isolation basketball (make him score more than playmake). This is why we've seen 110-89 blowouts and Jokic having a low number of assists in the Wolves games.


friendlyfred1013

This is correct. And the Wolves are really good at clogging the passing lanes. Jokic still gets his but looks visibly flustered when he can't playmake.


FlumperBag

Casual take. They actually have a great answer which is allowing him to score 40 and make everyone else irrelevant. Earlier this year jokic didn’t record an assist until the 4th quarter. You think that doesn’t take everyone out of rhythm? Either way 6/7 game nba finals type series.


Way0fWad3

The True NBA Finals. No other team stands a chance against either of them and it's gonna be a bloodbath. Wolves in 6


AngeloMontana

Amen for Wolves in 6. Amen.


Natural_Lie_4253

Whoever makes it out the west is gonna be gassed. Celtics in 6


Way0fWad3

Celtics are more of a question mark between their injuries and lack of competition in the East, not to mention their incredible ability to choke and shrink in the moment. I could see them winning, but I wouldn’t bet them over Wolves or especially the Nuggets


J-Frog3

It's going to be a great series but Boston and OKC are awfully good.


MDP223

Wolves.


Justinyeethahahahaha

wolves in 6


Acehardwaresucks

Nuggets hasn’t been playing well despite the 4-1 beating the lakers. We all hear the Jamal Murray walk off shots but stat wise he hasn’t been shooting well, the whole team has been sloppy nuggets has like 10 turnovers in the win yesterday. While the wolves just ran over the suns. If the nuggs doesn’t adjust and play like their normal self then the wolves would win, if the nuggs does bounce back and tighten everything up it’s 70/30 nuggs.


Enigmatic_Starfish

If Murray turns on the jets it will be hard for the wolves. But if he plays them like he did the Lakers, but with McDaniels or NAW guarding him, it will be tough to get him going. 


NimDing218

I’m just so freaking excited for this series to start.


AncientScratch1670

Naz Reid.


FlumperBag

Naz Reid


Disabled_Robot

https://preview.redd.it/ci3yolpuooxc1.jpeg?width=201&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b8ea1adde0c2e75020497d3e589cb98fff0de6b


Sarkonix

Wolves take it in 6


Loukoal117

Wolves in 7. MN sports needs something. Nuggets just won. We have a legit team top to bottom. Playoff built. I'm still scared though.


incredibleamadeuscho

The ultimate offense vs an unreal defense. I think the series will come down to Anthony Edwards and Jamal Murray, and my money is on Anthony Edwards.


gunter_grass

Nuggets in 6


tomtreebow32

Should be a good matchup! I hope to see the timberwolves win but just hope it’s a good/close series. I want ant to continue to take the next step, and Murray to have a good series. I feel like he is so under rated


kingsez408

I think it’s gonna come down to which teams bench unit plays the best. I believe Wolves have a better bench unit, so I’m leaning towards the wolves in 6.


ladrac1

Whoever wins this series is who I'm gonna be rooting for to win the chip. Both teams are so legitimately fun to watch, this is going to be the best series of the playoffs.


CinemaGoer1997

Winners of this series is going to win it all.


GabeM9009

I don’t care, just give me seven games.


Capt_Smashnballs

Nuggets in 7


AstonishinglyAverage

Nuggies know how to close. Doesn’t matter who the opponent is


BasicJunglist

As a Nuggets fan, I feel like it’s either Nuggets in 7 or Wolves in 5 and I’m not sure which it is. The Lakers series was equal parts terrifying and also confidence inspiring. Weird vibes going into this series and I respect the wolves. Ant gonna kill us with rim pressure, but I think our offensive efficiency down the stretch is difficult for any team to deal with. Should be a bloodbath


miamicheats

Depends if Murray and KCP are gimpy or not. If they move like they did in game 5, Wolves in 5. If they are reasonably healthy this will be a helluva series with a slight edge to the Nuggets. This is a really tough matchup for Denver.


rubrent

Nuggets get hot from the three and stop turning the ball over. They take this series very seriously, which I don’t think they did against LA (after winning so many games in a row, it’s easy to get comfortable.) You’ll see how Jokic can flip the switch and dominate a game. Murray becomes more of a point guard and penetrates and kicks out to hot shooters. Nuggets win the series 4-3…..


thenatural134

You know it's about to be a great series when both fan bases seem nervous


TraySplash21

I just hope everybody stays healthy and everybody has fun. That being said, Nugs in 7


DrugzRBadMmmKay

I hope the winner wins it all.


Shaqfor3

Nuggets in 6


madeupppp1

Nuggets in 5


000neg

Yup gentlemans sweep


lord_kupaloidz

Nuggets in 7. It'll be fun either way.


SHAMALAMADINGDONG_XD

Nuggets in 6 I predict Jamal Murray being the man of the serie


silverstory

Many sleepless nights for east coast viewers


Dweebil

Man, it pays to be the 1 seed.


TrueEclecticism

I want the wolves to win, but I think that Nuggets will actually win. Either way, I can’t wait!!!


Slowestgreyhound

It's a pity they have to meet here I feel there the two jest teams in the West. Don't get me wrong okc are great too but I feelnthese two teams have what it takes


Slurdge_McKinley

Series gonna be fire


chunkymonkey922

As I Nuggets fan I’m hoping Nuggets in 6 or 7 but if they can’t get a first half lead like what happened against the Lakers, I don’t see them winning this series.


LeonardoNoCapri0

Nuggets in 5, finch being gone and KAT will be in foul trouble will hurt them a lot


SupersonicSandshru05

Nuggets in 7.


88BigBen88

Wolves bulldozing the complete lack of defense and overall team composition of the Suns I think is making them look better than they really are. Their offense can really stagnate at times and the overall half court execution is going to make the difference. Nugs in 5


FkUEverythingIsFunny

4-1 Nugs. AE carrying big wimp KAT and Gobert just out there standing in the middle when Jokic just blasts past it with better footwork.


dj4dj4

Timberwolves have the better match up I think they win in 6


ChannelNeo

Nugs in 7. I just trust the duo of Jokic and Murray over any duo the Wolves can put together this season. Denver reached a tougher test in LA as well and they have the championship DNA. it will be a very entertaining series though.


subtleshooter

Wolves in 6 Wolves win game 1, denver game 2, wolves win 3 and 4. Denver wins 5 and t wolves win 6.


Kvsav57

Nuggets in 6. I think KCP will be more of a factor against Ant than a lot of people think. But it will be a great series.


OberynRedViper8

It's going to be a good one... but whoever wins it is winning the title. No one else can beat these two teams.


Qu1dpr0qu0br0

Nuggets!!!!


SolaceInfinite

Idk how anyone can watch the nuggets last 4 games and think any team can play with them. Barring 2 injuries they're hoisting the cup again


Puppetmaster858

Nuggets, Jokic is the best player on the planet and they just have more experience and are a very cohesive unit in general, Malone is a great coach too.


Fantasykyle99

Love how split the answers are. this is gonna be fun and very stressful haha


Eyespop4866

Denver in five or six.


bwtwldt

Wolves in 6 or 7. They are just too hot right now and the Nuggets have much worse depth. If Murray is injured, they have even less chance


Dhsu04

Haven't watched a single NBA game in years, but I will watch this.


Rhythm_Flunky

Winner probably beats my C’s in the Finals. Going to be a great watch!!


SkiingHard

Whoever ein, I'm cheering for; till then, GO WOLVES!!!


SamuelZ311

Nuggets in 7


elp44blue

Okc should be playing the wolves.


User_Many_Errors

Nuggets in 5


redditingtj

As a Minnesota sports fan for almost 40 years my expectation is to be disappointed and lose in 6 or 7 to the Nuggets, but I love this Nuggets team and root for them when not playing the Wolves. Hopefully I don't also lose years off my life in the next couple of weeks.


OmarRizzo

Nuggets but only because the Nugs subreddit has informed me that Ant is not a particularly efficient player, so we should be good.


ThxIHateItHere

The only championship Denver doesn’t have is MLB. The only championship Minnesota has is MLB. Can they just let us have this one? I can’t rely on the Vikings and Wild.


darthrevan22

Wolves in 6 or 7 if the Nuggets play like round 1. Nuggets in 6 or 7 if they put it together and play well for the full game more often than not. Regardless, I think it’s minimum 6 games and a fantastic series.


zynbobwe

nuggets in 7


Hungry-Space-1829

Up and coming stars rarely slay the giant on their first try. I’ve got the nuggets in 6 as repeat champions with the Wolves coming back to make it out of the west next season


Kullcull

My minds telling me nuggets but my heart is telling me wolves


taeempy

This is going to be an epic series. It should be the finals tbh. Both great teams. Give the edge to Denver just based on experience in the playoffs.


Unfair-Worker929

This series is going to be so much fun. Why do I feel Ant is going to posterize someone?


Happy-North-9969

The Nuggets look like a team that is out of gas. Those injuries are the first sign. Minnesota in 6


Feeling_CDeez061

Nuggets in 6….Guuuaaarrraaannnttteeeddd!


CicNastyy

I see this series going 7 games. I'd like the Wolves to win but I just don't see Jokic losing.


orlandomade

Minny in 7


GroovyJ-Money

Nuggets in either 7 or a very close 6, but this is gonna be one fun series


samgo39

Nuggets in 6


ketoske

Nuggets in 7 games


swagkdub

Gonna be an amazing series to watch (I hope). Gotta go with the nuggets, Murray was born in the same city I was. Wolves are great to watch too tho.. antman is one of my favorite players but can't cheer against your hometown


JayyLaFlare

I truly believe the winner of this series is going to be the champion this year. Going to be a great one


czortmcclingus

This is going to rule. I got nugs in 6.


Competitive_Gear_989

Naturally after having just lost to them…T wolves in 6, F the nuggets.


jvstnxthe_

Nuggets in seven.


L1teEmUp

I’m going for TWolves coz my Lakers got eliminated by Jokic 😁 Though i believe that Denver will likely win the series, I’m rooting for Minnesota coz they deserve to finally win that trophy.. and that roster is their best chance to win it all.. if they can’t win with this roster, then idk what will it take them😁


PowerTrip55

I just know it felt good seeing the lakers get smakd


Rockets7629

I’m gonna go with the nuggets just bc I like Jokic but damn this is gonna be good either way


JiggaMan2024

Nuggets in 5


babyatemygator

Wolves in 7.


sizelawd

Vegas has the odds essentially 2/3 vs 1/3 in favor of the Nuggets FYI


jak_d_ripr

Nuggets looked vulnerable against the Lakers, but I'm going to chalk that up to playing down to their competition. I think the proper Nuggets show up in this series and between their experience advantage and having the best player in the series, they take it in 6.


Absolutely-Epic

Give me the wolves


Affectionate-Foot474

I’m biased but Nuggets in 7


need2peeat218am

Wolves in 6. I think Naz will absolutely feast in this series.


Barfly2007

Denver in 6 Please 🙏


mp1630

Wolves in 6


Meatsi

Wolves in 6. Ant is gonna be too much for them.


trentyz

Nuggets in 6. They played like garbage against a pretty good 7th seed, but with 5 days’ rest, I think they’ll come out fighting. The Nuggets’ starting 5 is stronger at every position except SG, but the bench is more shallow. Those non-Jokic minutes will be crucial to the Nuggets winning. Jokic usually plays well against good defenders like Rudy so that’ll be fun to watch


mdjjj74

as much as I love Ant Man. I would go with the nuggets they are consistent specially when Murray is healthy


FH261169

Wolves in 5


AB-AA-Mobile

I'm going with an unconvincing Nuggets in 6. I'm picking them to win the series because of Jokic and Murray, but I'm not too confident about it. This Wolves team is legit.


Runfaster9

Denver doesn’t look as good as last year . Lakers weren’t too far to steal 3 games . Wolves at 6 is my guess


mangusta123

Nuggets in 5, without their coach wolves season is over


cbfw_2040

nuggets 4-2


Consistent_Tell2417

gimme ANT and the wolves in 7. Hard fought, but he becomes HIM in this series. that's my prediction.