8 games might be enough for us to catch the Grizz if we keep playing well and get us the 2 or 3 seed, which would be ideal, IMO.
The West is such a cluster ---- that I don't know who I want to face.
Denver doesn't really scare me, maybe they should, but they don't. Getting the 4th seed wouldn't be a disaster. I know I'd rather be the 4 and face Denver in round 2 than be the 3 and have to beat Memphis on the road.
As for the first round, there are 9 teams fighting for the 5th-8th seed.
Prior to signing Westbrook, I think the Clippers were the scariest, but I don't think much of Ty Lue as a coach and I don't see him being able to bench Russ without causing a fire.
Dallas would be the most dramatic on paper... and most satisfying to beat.
The Pelicans with Zion, if he is in one of his 2 week stretches of health, would be scary, but they seem destined for the 8 seed... again.
The more I type this out, the more I feel confident in my initial instinct. Either the 2 or the 4.
The only team that really scares me, out west, is Memphis and the 2 or 4 give us the best chance of avoiding them entirely or facing them at home.
If we make the finals, I still think we're a dog to a healthy Buck or Celtic team, but not unwinnable.