Western Conference Finals: (3) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (5) Dallas Mavericks

[tpols]

I like the way the Mavs matchup with the Timberwolves so going with Mavs in 6 again

So I'm guessing

DJJ will pick up Ant
PJ on KAT
Kyrie and Conley
Luka on McDaniels
Lively / Gafford vs Tooty / Naz

That's evenly matched as it gets. That center battle is going to be very important. Dallas doesn't have to double Ant like Denver did. Because DJJ and PJ can guard 1v1 and they actually have real shot blocking centers unlike the nuggets.

[ArbitraryWater]

There is no way that's true atm. Not just on form either, Edwards might be a better player period. He keeps getting better also. Luka keeps getting fatter.

Fat chance buddy.

[Xiao Yao You]

So I'm guessing

DJJ will pick up Ant
PJ on KAT
Kyrie and Conley
Luka on McDaniels
Lively / Gafford vs Tooty / Naz

That's evenly matched as it gets. That center battle is going to be very important. Dallas doesn't have to double Ant like Denver did. Because DJJ and PJ can guard 1v1 and they actually have real shot blocking centers unlike the nuggets.

Conley guarding someone closer to his size is good

[Phoenix]

Whoever you got Ant vs Luka and/or Kyrie is box office. Can't wait and I'm a bit torn on who I want to win. Luka's my current favorite but Ant is climbing that list ( very similar to how Wade grew into my favorite player in the mid 2000s following his first few playoff runs).

[tpols]

Conley guarding someone closer to his size is good

Gonna be way tougher guarding kyrie than KCP.

[Xiao Yao You]

Gonna be way tougher guarding kyrie than KCP.

Actually ant will probably be mostly on kyrie

[tpols]

Actually ant will probably be mostly on kyrie

Then Conley will be stuck on 6'7 DJJ. I guess we'll see what happens. Not sure whose guarding Luka. Mcdaniels is nice but compared to Dort he's a lightweight and exactly the type Luka can body.

[warriorfan]

Damn this one is tough. First instinct wants to say Mavs in 6.

I’ll think about it more later.

[FultzNationRISE]

Then Conley will be stuck on 6'7 DJJ. I guess we'll see what happens. Not sure whose guarding Luka. Mcdaniels is nice but compared to Dort he's a lightweight and exactly the type Luka can body.

Not really a big deal, Jones Jr isnt much of a threat to punish guys 1 on 1.

[tpols]

Not really a big deal, Jones Jr isnt much of a threat to punish guys 1 on 1.

I'm not saying it's gonna make or break the series but Dallas doesn't have anybody tiny to hide Conley on. Unless he guards kyrie.

[Xiao Yao You]

Bobby Marks: On Minnesota: As one team executive told ESPN, “only dysfunctional ownership can break up this team.” – via x.com
Minnesota Timberwolves

[Im Still Ballin]

I think Rudy's going to have a big series.

[Xiao Yao You]

Towns showing up will be key

[highwhey]

Towns showing up will be key

KAT is an xfactor. he seems to be sensitive to comments about his softness which worries me bc dallas is going to be more hostile than denver and should they make it past dallas, boston is going to be even worse. i'm following them to dallas but i don't think i'd go to boston with them extremely trashy and all, may have to go to Minneapolis.

[BarberSchool]

This is actually the series I think the Mavs really miss Kleber.

They can play some big defensive lineups with him at the four without losing spacing. Hes got the size and quickness to guard guys like KAT and Reid. But it sounds like a near-zero chance he’ll be back this season.

Im not saying it makes a huge difference, but I do think it makes a subtle one.

Check the size on this lineup:

C - Lively
PF - Kleber
SF - Washington
SG - DJJ
PG - Luka

Everyone is 6’7” - 7’1”
Everyone can get hit the offensive glass.
Everyone besides Lively can hit the 3 well.

I think Woj said Kleber is slated to come back sometime during this WCF.