# 2022 NBA Playoffs Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** basketball-nba\ **Created:** [April 11, 2022, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673 "2022-04-11T16:08:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2022, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/41 "2022-04-28T19:57:00Z")
Interesting to see how the Raptors do at home without Freddie VanVleet. First, they showed Embiid and Harden were human, than they showed they were vulnerable. If they can keep that up, they’ll make conference final, with the strength of added Freddie. Even if no one has (yet) ever recovered when down three. ---
**Author:** ![Chisquirrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6bbea6/32.png) [@Chisquirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chisquirrel)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2022, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/42 "2022-04-28T21:57:58Z")
I’m definitely cheering for the Raptors and the Pelicans. I don’t like Embiid’s punk attitude or Chris Paul in general. Plus, a play-in team beating the one seed will solidify that part of the playoffs. As far as Mavs/Jazz, I’m ambivalent. Luka is following the same foul-baiting, complain-to-the-refs style that annoys the absolute hell out of me. Oh, and Kyrie Irving already on vacation throwing out even more conspiracy theories is exactly what I hoped for at this time. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2022, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/43 "2022-04-28T22:09:31Z")
@Dr_Paprika and other Raptors fans in this thread, here’s a piece on Scottie Barnes for you to sink your teeth into: > **[Raptors’ Scottie Barnes made his vision a reality in a standout rookie season](https://andscape.com/features/raptors-scottie-barnes-made-his-vision-a-reality-in-a-standout-rookie-season/)** > > PHILADELPHIA — Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes took a moment Monday night to look at the motivational phrases on his phone’s lock screen, phrases that ga… ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2022, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/44 "2022-04-29T01:17:04Z")
Sigh. Not a good third quarter. Couldn’t force turnovers, under 30% on the threes but not beating the defence and getting to the basket. The season started slow and they ended in fine fettle. Game 3 came down to a couple free throws and the skill of Embiid. Great player. Don’t know how he avoided flagrancy. But looks like the Raptors are going to have to rebuild. They are a young team with a bright future if they can keep their talent. I’ve enjoyed watching them play. This isn’t their season. But a good run, for the most part. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2022, 9:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/45 "2022-04-29T09:54:58Z")
All three teams that looked to clinch with Game 6 wins on the road last night were able to do so. Philadelphia eliminated Toronto; Phoenix over New Orleans; Dallas over Utah. The Sixers will battle top-seeded Miami in Round 2. This will be the third playoff meeting between those two teams, with the Heat winning in 2011 and the Sixers in '18. Phoenix and Dallas will play each other in the second round, in their third playoff meeting. Phoenix won in '05, and Dallas won in '06. With Boston and Milwaukee already set, we’re still awaiting the result of one more first-round playoff series, and that’s the Grizzlies and Timberwolves. Memphis takes a 3-2 lead into Minnesota tonight, trying to close out that exciting matchup. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2022, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/46 "2022-04-30T02:02:41Z")
Philly’s got a big problem. > **[76ers' Embiid out indefinitely with orbital fracture](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33828353/philadelphia-76ers-joel-embiid-indefinitely-orbital-fracture-mild-concussion)** > > Joel Embiid was hit in the face by an inadvertent Pascal Siakam elbow late in Thursday's win and suffered a right orbital fracture. He is out indefinitely. The injury occurred with 3:58 left in the fourth quarter, with the Sixers up by 29, and happened to their star player, who was already suffering a thumb injury. _What the hell was he_ doing _there?_ If the Sixers get beaten by the Heat in the next round, they _deserve_ to lose. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2022, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/47 "2022-04-30T17:46:05Z")
The Grizzlies eliminated the Timberwolves in Game 6. The second round is fully set. [![](https://i.imgur.com/ibHnItY.jpg) ](https://i.imgur.com/ibHnItY.jpg) I didn’t get all the play-in matchups correct, but I was 3-of-4 on who would win the first round in the West, and 3-of-4 in the East as well. So, my updated predictions: _Western Conference Semifinals_ Phoenix def. Dallas, 4-3 Memphis def. Golden State, 4-3 (this might be wishful thinking on my part) _Western Conference Finals_ Phoenix def. Memphis, 4-2 _Eastern Conference Semifinals_ Miami def. Philadelphia, 4-2 Milwaukee def. Boston, 4-2 _Eastern Conference Finals_ Milwaukee def. Miami, 4-2 _NBA Finals_ Phoenix def. Milwaukee, 4-2 I’m still going with the Suns beating the Bucks to win their first championship. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2022, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/48 "2022-05-01T17:58:19Z")
What the hell? In the first quarter, I could have sworn the sponsor on the Celtics’ court was Meta Quest, but now, in the second quarter, it’s [Hotels.com](http://Hotels.com)? Are they projecting that down onto the court, or did they actually remove part of the court and replace it? ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2022, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/49 "2022-05-01T18:27:04Z")
> [@ekedolphin](#): > > Are they projecting that down onto the court, Nope, neither. It’s cg, like the first down line in football. I’ve actually seen them “pop in”. Ain’t the future great?. Perfecting technology so more ads can be shown. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2022, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/50 "2022-05-01T18:33:37Z")
Oh, yeah, I see now that the advertisement in the third quarter didn’t appear on a replay. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2022, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/51 "2022-05-01T22:50:57Z")
I’m not following the playoffs closely, but I did catch the end of the Bucks game – 538 gave them a 26% chance of winning. (Chance of winning it all went from 9 to 15%) Brian ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2022, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/52 "2022-05-01T22:55:41Z")
With the Grizzlies up by 2 in the closing seconds of the game, Klay Thompson hit a dagger three to put the Warriors ahead, which ultimately gave them a one-point lead. I hope this is just the first of what should be a fun series to watch. I’m pulling for the Grizzlies to win it all. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2022, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/53 "2022-05-03T23:14:20Z")
Marcus Smart, the Defensive Player of the Year, is out for Game 2 against the Bucks with a right quad contusion. > **[Celts hope to have ailing Smart back for Game 3](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33850476/boston-celtics-rule-marcus-smart-game-2-milwaukee-bucks)** > > The Celtics ruled out guard Marcus Smart for Tuesday night's Game 2 against the Bucks, but believe his bruised quad should be improved enough to play in Game 3 on Saturday. The Celtics currently trail in the series, 1-0. ---
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2022, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/54 "2022-05-04T02:30:18Z")
Celtics dominate anyway, 109-86. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2022, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/55 "2022-05-06T20:49:49Z")
Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid has cleared concussion protocol and is upgraded to doubtful for Game 3. He will have to wear a face mask to protect his fracture when he makes it back to the court. > **[76ers' Embiid starts Game 3; Lowry back for Heat](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33866339/philadelphia-76ers-star-joel-embiid-clears-concussion-protocol-listed-game-3)** > > Joel Embiid and Kyle Lowry both returned for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series between the Sixers and Heat. Marcus Smart is listed as probable for Game 3 against the Bucks. > **[Celts list Smart as probable for Game 3 vs. Bucks](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33866692/boston-celtics-marcus-smart-listed-probable-game-3-vs-milwaukee-bucks)** > > Celtics guard Marcus Smart, who missed Game 2 after reaggravating a right quad contusion, is listed as probable for Saturday's Game 3 against the Bucks, coach Ime Udoka said. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2022, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/56 "2022-05-08T04:21:46Z")
Embiid did indeed play in Game 3, after being announced as a starter half an hour before tipoff. The NBA hit Philadelphia with a $50,000 fine for violating the injury-reporting guidelines, which is a thing I don’t think existed before they got into bed with the sports betting companies. Phoenix got fined half that amount for listing Devin Booker as out for Game 6 of the first round before playing him. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2022, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/57 "2022-05-09T16:10:44Z")
Mark Jackson was apparently in the running for the Sacramento Kings job, but they gave it to Warriors assistant Mike Brown. > **[Kings hire Warriors assistant Brown as new coach](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33883320/sources-sacramento-kings-hire-golden-state-warriors-assistant-mike-brown-head-coach)** > > The Kings have agreed with Mike Brown on a four-year deal to make him their new head coach, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Brown will finish out the postseason with the Warriors before assuming his duties with the Kings. Funny tweet I saw: > ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2022, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/58 "2022-05-09T18:19:05Z")
Ja Morant is likely to miss Game 4 due to an injury. > **[Grizzlies' Morant likely out Game 4, Jenkins says](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33883108/memphis-grizzlies-star-ja-morant-likely-game-4-coach-taylor-jenkins-says)** > > Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant will likely miss Game 4 against the Warriors on Monday because of his knee injury. ESPN is reporting that Denver’s Nikola Jokic is going to win his second straight MVP award. > **[Sources: Jokic to win second straight MVP award](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33886198/sources-denver-nuggets-star-nikola-jokic-named-nba-mvp-second-consecutive-season)** > > Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has been voted the NBA's Most Valuable Player for a second consecutive season, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2022, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/59 "2022-05-10T23:24:25Z")
Ja Morant’s injury has been revealed to be a bone bruise, and he is doubtful to return for the rest of the playoffs, no matter how far the Grizzlies advance. They’re hopeful he _will_ recover, however. > **[Morant has bone bruise; playoff return doubtful](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33893501/memphis-grizzlies-ja-morant-bone-bruise-doubtful-remainder-playoffs)** > > Star point guard Ja Morant has a bone bruise in his right knee, an MRI confirmed, and he is doubtful to return this postseason for the Memphis Grizzlies, it was announced. The Grizzlies are down 3-1 and it’s win-or-go-home for the remainder of their series against the Warriors, which resumes with Game 5 in Memphis on Wednesday. Well. Ain’t _that_ about a bitch. I was pulling for Memphis to win it all, but that looks unlikely. Just please not the fuckin’ Warriors again. I’m so sick of them and their bandwagon fans. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2022, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673/60 "2022-05-11T01:35:31Z")
> [@ekedolphin](#): > > Just please not the fuckin’ Warriors again. I’m with you there. Also not the Celtics, just because. Anybody else, that’s fine. I do like watching Miami. Suns-Heat final would certainly be a scorcher. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-nba-playoffs-thread/962673.md?page=4)