Dynast3 : A Miami Heat Association (2K13)

[Gronk4M13]

LeBron James sat in the locker room, long after everyone else left. After having the best NBA record, the Miami Heat lost the Eastern Conference Finals to the New York Knicks in six games. This wasn't the way it was supposed to be. LeBron was supposed to win his second championship, finally, after being a one-man team on the Cavaliers and then being traded to the Heat. Last season, the Heat lost the finals to the Dallas Mavericks. After that loss, LeBron James was furious, as were the rest of the Heat players. As a result, the team dominated the NBA with a vengeance in the 2011-2012 season. The Heat would win the 2012 NBA Finals, largely thanks to LeBron. Yet James was not satisfied, and wanted ring #2.

Again, in the 2012-2013 season, the Heat dominated the league. LeBron James won MVP, Erik Spoelstra won Coach of the Year, yet the fire that fueled the Heat to win the Finals last season was not there. As a result, the lesser team, the Knicks, defeated the Heat in that critical Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Ray Allen, a crucial role player for the Heat, tore his meniscus after the Heat swept the Raptors in the Semi-Finals. Allen's absence was the final blow to the Heat.

Now, LeBron sat, thinking. After next season, his contract would be up for negotiation. Should LeBron James stay on the aging Heat, uncertain to win another Championship, or should James test the waters, where every team would want him?

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Dynast3 : A Miami Heat Association (2K13)

Ray Allen Declines Player Option

Ray Allen has been a critical player for the Miami Heat, which is one of the reasons Allen's meniscus injury/absence in the Eastern Conference Finals led to the Heat losing to the soon-to-be NBA Champion Knicks. Allen has declined his player option, and will test Free Agency.

"I realize how important I was to this team. Key word is was. The Heat no longer need me. When I got hurt after the Semi-Finals, the diagnosis wasn't good. I knew I'd miss the Conference Finals. Yet my absence isn't why the team lost. You win some, you lose some. The Knicks won, and probably would have whether I was healthy or not. So, I'm testing Free Agency, probably for the last time. I want to be an NBA champion, so I want to go to a better team." Allen said at a press conference.

In other news:

Former Heat player Juwan Howard retires.

Jason Kidd retires, inducted into Hall of Fame.

Detroit Pistons land #1 overall selection for the Draft.

The Miami Heat fire Assistant Coach Bob McAdoo, Hire Maggette as Assistant Coach.

Miami Heat General Manager Pat Riley made a shocking announcement just days after Ray Allen decided to enter Free Agency. The Heat fired assistant coach Bob McAdoo and have hired his replacement. The new assistant coach for the Miami Heat will be Earl Maggette, an unknown.

"Defense wins championships, and Maggette specializes in coaching defense. It's a perfect fit." Riley said at Maggette's introductory press conference.

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Dynast3 : A Miami Heat Association (2K13)

Miami Heat Options, Free Agency Preview:

Mario Chalmers accepts team option.

Ray Allen declines player option, will test free agency.

Rashard Lewis "fed up" with lack of playing time, declines player option.

James Jones declines player option.

Free Agency Preview:

Andre Iguodala will enter Free Agency unrestricted.

JR Smith tests Free Agency, unrestricted.

Vince Carter and Ray Allen will test Free Agency.

"Birdman" Chris Anderson, formerly of the Heat, is "displeased", tests Free Agency. The Miami Heat will not pursue the aging Allen or Anderson.

Miami Heat Free Agency Crystal Ball

The Miami Heat can consider themselves lucky, as they have no pressing needs. However, this is a team that lost to the Knicks in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals, and a team that wants to be in the NBA Finals. Look for the team to add depth at most positions. Mainly, the Heat should focus on the power forward position, as the combination of aging veterans Shane Battier and Udonis Haslem can be upgraded.

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Dynast3 : A Miami Heat Association (2K13)

Pre-Draft Work-Outs

It appears the Heat will in fact target the power forward position in the draft. Below are summaries of the team's personal workouts with prospects.

PF Isaiah Austin:

Austin proved to be a good shooter in his workout, and looks to be an average, not bad yet not great power forward.

PF Patrick Young

Young does not have as much as a range in terms of shooting, compared to Austin. Young is a decent player, not bad but not good.

PF Mason Plumlee

Plumlee showed impressive dunking ability yet inconsistent shooting from outside. Plumlee does have playing abilities that should translate to the NBA.

PF Cody Zeller

The Heat scheduled a special workout for Zeller, arguably the top power forward in this draft class. The Heat scheduled Zeller to go one-on-one with the team's current starting power forward Shane Battier. Zeller went toe-to-toe with Battier. Some highlights: Zeller absolutely dunked on Battier several times. Just when Battier thought he stopped Zeller, the big kid hit a spin move, and Battier fell to the court. "What an ankle breaker!" Zeller then hit a lay-up.

Anyone of these prospects would be a good choice for Miami, but Zeller would be a great fit. However, the Heat have the 29th overall pick, while Zeller is a projected lottery pick. Will the Heat take a chance and trade up?

[NewscasterNews4]

Re: Dynast3 : A Miami Heat Association (2K13)

I'm following but is this replacing your Timberwolves assosciation on YouTube or is this just for OS?

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Dynast3 : A Miami Heat Association (2K13)

I'm following but is this replacing your Timberwolves assosciation on YouTube or is this just for OS?

I don't know yet but thanks for following.

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Dynast3 : A Miami Heat Association (2K13)

NBA Draft - Round 1 Recap
Pick	Team	Player	Pos	Ht	Wt
1	Detroit Pistons	Steven Adams	C
2	Boston Celtics	Nerlens Noel	C
3	Sacramento Kings	Cody Zeller	PF
4	Orlando Magic	Ryan Harrow	PG
5	Orlando Magic	Kentavious Caldwell-Pope	SG
6	Cleveland Cavaliers	Isiah Austin	PF
7	Brooklyn Nets	Cody Zeller traded to Nets by Kings
8	Orlando Magic	Mason Plumlee	PF
9	New Orleans Hornets	Alec Brown	C
10	Atlanta Hawks	James McAdoo	SF
11	Dallas Mavericks	Rudy Gobert	C
12	Miami Heat	Patrick Young	PF
13	Los Angeles Clippers	Shabazz Muhammad	SG
14	Memphis Grizzlies	Otto Porter	SF
15	Toronto Raptors	Jamaal Franklin	SG/PG
16	Milwaukee Bucks	Lorenzo Brown	PG
17	Utah Jazz	Jordan Abodou	SG
18	Houston Rockets	Isaiah Canaan	PG
19	Denver Nuggets	CJ McCollum	PG
20	Golden State Warriors	Ben Mclemore	SG
21	Washington Wizards	Trey Burke	PG
22	Philadelphia 76ers	Ian Miller	PG
23	Indiana Pacers	Alex Poythress	SF
24	San Antonio Spurs	Alex Len	C
25	Chicago Bulls	Stanley Byars	SG
26	Los Angeles Lakers	Tony Mitchell	SF
27	Chicago Bulls	Doug McDermott	SF
28	Oklahoma City Thunder	Christian Watford	SF
29	Portland Trailblazers	Robert Covington	SF
30	New York Knicks	Rodney Williams	SF

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Dynast3 : A Miami Heat Association (2K13)

NBA Draft 2013 Recap: Trades, Trades and More Trades

This 2013 draft was very eventful, some highlights:

Detroit Pistons select center Steven Adams first overall.

Cody Zeller gets traded. Originally, the Kings selected Zeller third overall, then traded the power forward to the Brooklyn Nets for the seventh overall pick.

The Orlando Magic selected Kentavious Caldwell-Pope fifth overall, only to trade him to the Phoenix Suns for the eighth overall pick.

The Miami Heat traded center Norris Cole and their 29th overall pick to the Portland Trailblazers for the 12th overall pick.

Welcome to the Heat: Heat Introduce Draft Selections Young and Pierce

The Miami Heat wanted to get a power forward, and they got one. After watching their coveted choice Cody Zeller get selected earlier than expected (third overall) and their backup options Isiah Austin, Trevor Mbakwe, and Mason Plumlee get selected, Miami knew it had to trade up to get a decent power forward. The Heat traded center Norris Cole and their 29th overall pick to the Trailblazers for the 12th overall pick, to select power forward Patrick Young. In the last selection for the draft, the Heat selected PG/SG Dorell Pierce. The Heat scouted Young and hosted a private workout for him, and were impressed enough to trade up for him. On the other hand, the Heat had no idea who Pierce is, but he seemed to be the best player available. Welcome to Miami!

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Dynast3 : A Miami Heat Association (2K13)

Miami Heat Free Agency Preview

Team Needs

The Heat addressed a need at power forward in the draft, and otherwise just need to add depth to their very talented yet aging squad. Mainly, Miami should target a backup point guard.

Offers:

The Miami Heat offered contracts to the following players:

PG Donald Sloan

PG Ben Uzoh

SF Martell Webster

C Tiago Splitter

Accepted Offers:

The following players accepted the Heat's contract offers:

PG Donald Sloan

PG Ben Uzoh

Webster and Splitter accepted their offers, but Miami did not have enough cap room to sign either.

League Wide News:

New Faces, New Places:

Vince Carter and Andray Blatche sign with San Antonio Spurs

Andre Iguodala signs with the Milwaukee Bucks

JR Smith signs with the Cleveland Cavaliers

JJ Hickson signs with the Atlanta Hawks

Ray Allen signs with the L.A. Clippers

David West signs with the L.A. Clippers

Chris Paul signs with the Detroit Pistons

Nate Robinson signs with the Utah Jazz

Nikola Pekovic signs with the New Orleans Hornets

Dwight Howard signs with the Houston Rockets

Preseason News

OKC Thunder start season #1 ranked.

The New York Knicks want a second consecutive championship.

Miami Heat ranked #6 in power rankings.

[NewscasterNews4]

Re: Dynast3 : A Miami Heat Association (2K13)

Paul to the Pistons? Wasn't expecting that.

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Dynast3 : A Miami Heat Association (2K13)

NBA Preseason Power Rankings: Top 10

#1: OKC Thunder: All around, the Thunder have progressed in terms of talent, while not wasting money in free agency. The team drafted SF Christian Watford to back up Kevin Durant, who hopes to lead this team to the Finals.

#2: Milwaukee Bucks: The Bucks made one of the off season's biggest splashes, signing Andre Iguodala. Iguodala will start over Monta Ellis. The team drafted talented Lorenzo Brown to back up Brandon Jennings.

#3: San Antonio Spurs: Though Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Tim Duncan aren't getting younger, none of the three are regressing yet. This team looks better than last season, with the additions of Vince Carter and Andray Blatche. The team also drafted Alex Len, who will develop behind Blatche.

#4: New York Knicks: The defending NBA champion Knicks added a few pieces to compensate for losing JR Smith. Darren Collison, Chauncey Billups and Ishmael Smith are all on the team now. It'll be interesting to see if these three can make up for the loss of Smith.

#5: Portland Trailblazers: The Trailblazers traded for the Heat's Norris Cole, and also signed center Tiago Splitter. Otherwise, the in-house talent has developed nicely.

#6: Miami Heat: The Heat lost Ray Allen, but shouldn't be hurt too badly. Mario Chalmers has a lot of potential, and will start at point guard. Additions Donald Sloan and Ben Uzoh will be good players off the bench. Dwayne Wade is improving, yet aging. The team drafted Dorell Pierce in the second round to back up Wade, but Pierce probably won't see the court too much very soon. LeBron James is the reigning MVP. 'Nuff said. The aging Shane Battier is backed up at power forward by trade-acquisition Josh McRoberts and draft choice Patrick Young. Chris Bosh is still here, but not much depth at center is concerning.

#7: Utah Jazz: Free agent addition Nate Robinson is a new starter. Draft selection Jordan Aboudou completes a depth-filled SG slot, with Alec Burks, Gordon Hayward and Randy Foye all fighting for minutes.

#8: Sacramento Kings: Nothing to really say but the developed talent of this team is startling. No free agent additions, and no impact-ful rookies, but this team should make some noise in the postseason.

#9: Chicago Bulls: The big story for the Bulls, former league MVP Derrick Rose returns, and this team is instantly a contender.

#10: Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets lost Iguodala, which hurts. Yet the team signed talented and young Dorell Wright, and have a strong core of small forwards in Wilson Chandler, Danilo Galanari and Jordan Hamilton.

Bottom 10: Worst Teams in the NBA [Preseason]

#20: Houston Rockets: This is the only ranking I flat out disagree with. Jeremy Lin and Aaron Brooks are a good combo at point guard, James Harden is getting even better, which is scary, Chandler Parsons is developing nicely as is Thomas Robinson. The Rockets made one of the biggest splashes in free agency, signing Dwight Howard. I'm stumped; I don't see any reason why this team is ranked so low.

#21: New Orleans Hornets: Greivis Vasquez needs to step up, as he's the team's only viable option at PG. Same goes for Al-Farouq Aminu at small forward. Anthony Davis has to develop well, otherwise this team is in trouble. The addition and new starter Nikola Pekovic should work nicely.

#22: L.A. Clippers: The addition of Ray Allen causes a very competitive position battle at SG: Jamal Crawford, Ray Allen and Shabazz Muhammad are all fighting for minutes. Grant Hill is expected to retire at the end of the season, and has regressed. The biggest blow to the team is the loss of Chris Paul, which can't be helped totally by Ray Allen.

#23: Toronto Raptors: the draft selection of Jamaal Franklin seemed very promising until Franklin got hurt in practice, with a bruised heel. Franklin isn't out, but the injury will affect him for two weeks or so. Overall, the Raptors just aren't talented.

#24: Charlotte Bobcats: The additions of Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem will help. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist continues to develop. Bismarc Biyombo is not the answer center, but he's all the team has. Expect Charlotte to have a lottery pick.

#25: Orlando Magic: Holy point guards, Batman! The Magic stocked up on point guards, now having Jarrett Jack, Jameer Nelson, E'twaun Moore, Beno Udrih and Shawn Rush. The Magic could develop and be good next year. Until then, expect the Magic to have a lottery pick.

#26: Minnesota Timberwolves: The Timberwolves also loaded up on point guards, now having Ricky Rubio, Kirk Hinrich, Luke Ridnour and a regressing J.J. Barea. The 'Wolves need an upgrade at shooting guard as Alexey Shved hasn't proved himself. Greg Steisma is the team's only center, and a bad one at that. This team won't make the playoffs after making the Finals last year.

#27: Detroit Pistons: The addition of Chris Paul makes this team better, but a drop off in depth is concerning. Brandon Knight or Rodney Stuckey need to develop. Kyle Singler/ Khris Middleton do not form a good combo at SF. Same goes for PF, with Jason Maxiell and Jonas Jerebko. Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond give this team hope.

#28: Washington Wizards: John Wall is the star of this team, but he needs help from his teammates. All around lack of depth is concerning. Bradley Beal is a good young player. Nene is ok but aging. His backups, Trevor Booker or Chris Singleton need to step up. Trevor Ariza/Cartier Martin do not make a good SF combo. Lottery pick.

#29: L.A. Lakers: This team is aging. Steve Nash, Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant are all on their last wheels. Even worse, the Lakers do not have good depth behind these old players. The loss of Dwight Howard really hurts, as Jordan Hill starts at center. Rookie Tony Mitchell starts at SF. I'm thinking...lottery pick, if not this team is definitely not play-off bound.

#30: Boston Celtics: Shocking yet not shocking ranking here. Did the Celtics lose an important player? No. Is an important player lost to injury? No. Then why are the Celtics ranked last before the season has even started? Regression. Star Rajon Rondo has regressed slightly. Brandon Bass regressed a lot, and the big question: can Nerlens Noel, second overall pick, develop quick enough to replace Kevin Garnett when the time comes?

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Dynast3 : A Miami Heat Association (2K13)

2013: Game 1 vs. 76ers

Pre-Game:

Before officially opening the season, the Heat made a trade.



Charlotte Bobcats receive: Mike Miller, Udonis Haslem and a second round pick (2015)

Miami Heat receives: Josh McRoberts, second round pick (2014)



The trade gets rid of the aging Miller and Haslem for the Heat.

The Game:

Heat Starting Line Up:

Mario Chalmers
Dwayne Wade
Chris Bosh
Shane Battier
LeBron James

The first quarter saw all around sloppy play, especially from the 76ers, including bad shots and turnovers. The second quarter was more of the same. LeBron James and Dwayne Wade were dunking all over the 76ers. Mario Chalmers was playing well, making a lot of shots. LeBron James started going off, scoring all over. After one half, the score was 56-47 Miami. The Heat used good team work, and good play by LeBron and Chalmers, to hold the lead. The 76ers kept trying to force shots.


The third quarter had the 76ers' Thaddeus Young going off, scoring all over the Heat. Chalmers got a steal and took it all the way to score. The Heat started to play poorly, though, missing shots as the 76ers mounted a comeback. At the start of the fourth quarter, the game was tied 80-80. The fourth quarter was full of highlights. Shane Battier had a blocked pass for the steal. Dwayne Wade had several nice dunks. Chris Bosh grabbed a rebound, and scored on the and-one. Chris Bosh wasn't done, as he blocked a shot. Mario Chalmers was very impressive. Bosh showed good rebounding but got scored on several times. The Heat would win, though, 126-109. LeBron James was the Player of the Game with 34 points and 11 rebounds.

Next game is @ the Toronto Raptors, who are 0-1. The Heat should easily walk away with a victory.

Rumors:

CJ Watson wants out of Brooklyn Nets.

Dwayne Wade undecided on player option.

The Heat resign Mario Chalmers.

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Dynast3 : A Miami Heat Association (2K13)

2013 Game 2: @ Raptors

The Heat move to 5th in the NBA Power Rankings.

This game started easy for the Heat, but ended much differently. Mario Chalmers was impressive again, with a three point shot scoring on the first possession. Toronto didn't have an answer for the Heat, as Miami went on a 12-4 run early. Chalmers was double-teamed, only to pass it to LeBron who dunked it over two defenders. Shane Battier is playing well for his age, getting a block. The Heat had several alley-oops, first Chalmers oop-ing to Jones. LeBron was unstoppable, scoring all over the Raptors. Wade played well eaely but then kept missing. At the end of one, the Heat led 32-26. Josh McRoberts had his first Heat highlight with a dunk. Wade alley-ooped to Lebron in a nice highlight. The Heat went on a 14-6 run. LeBron alley-ooped to Chalmers in another cool play. LeBron continued to be a beast. Sloan scored on multiple possessions. Bosh had a sick block. After the first half, the Heat were up 71-46.

Bosh had another block to start the second half. Chalmers scored on an and-one. On a controversial call, Dwayne Wade was called for charging which erased his layup, infuriating the Miami bench. Bosh was 1/6 in field goals at one point. Yet Bosh had three blocks. LeBron absolutely dunked on Rudy Gay. Dwayne Wade was having an off game, going 3/14 in field goals at one point. Then Wade dunked on the defenders to make up for it. A thirty point lead for the Heat vanished as Toronto started a comeback. The rookie Patrick Young shocked everyone by alley-oop dunking it to himself. Bosh scored on a lot of free throws, but not a lot of field goals. Derozan, Bargnani and Gay kept fighting to keep the Raptors in the game. Wade had a good fourth quarter as the Heat won 129-117 in a game that shouldn't have been so close. LeBron won Player of the Game for the second week in a row with 35 points and 13 rebounds. Mario Chalmers was the second lead scorer with 29 points,

News:

LeBron James and Kevin Durant named Players of the Week

This will restart the "who's better" debate of James vs. Durant.

Next week, Miami returns home to host the also 2-0 Utah Jazz in a good matchup.

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Dynast3 : A Miami Heat Association (2K13)

2013 Game 3 vs. Utah Jazz

Pre-Game News:

The Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, and Brooklyn Nets are all tied at 2-0 for first place in the Eastern Conference. The Heat move to #2 in the power rankings.

The Utah Jazz, like the Heat, are off to a 2-0 start and are ranked #3 in the NBA. The Jazz signed Nate Robinson, who is a new starter for the team.


The Jazz took an early lead, and were off to a hot start. The Heat just didn't have an answer, and fell behind. LeBron and Chalmers brought the game back to a closer contest. The Utah Jazz, though holding an early lead, fouled the Heat early and often, allowing the Heat to earn the bonus with eight minutes to go in the first quarter. For the second week in a row, Josh McRoberts found himself on the highlight reel, again with a nasty dunk. Similarly, the rookie Patrick Young capitalized on his minutes with a vicious dunk. Yet the Jazz were up 32-19 at one point in the first quarter. The Jazz were unstoppable, and were up 41-27 after one quarter.

LeBron James all game long tried to rally his team. Yet his teammates were not playing well, and the Jazz had the lead, 71-57, after one half. In the second half, the Heat woke up. Chris Bosh had a block, which Mario Chalmers picked up and took it all the way to score. Dwayne Wade starting scoring left and right, as he and James brought the team back. Bosh played decently, with a putback layup. Dwayne Wade was doing it all, getting a block. After three quarters, though, the Jazz still led 100-94.

The fourth quarter is where games are won and lost, and the Heat proved it. After a sloppy first half and a decent third quarter, the Heat came alive in the fourth. Wade and LeBron rallied and gave the Heat their first lead of the game. The Jazz were still playing well, though. Yet LeBron gave the Heat a 127-125 lead with 1:31 to go in the fourth. Al Jefferson, who had been scoring all game long, missed an easy shot with ten seconds to go, and the Heat would win, 135-131 in an instant classic of a game. The Heat advance to 3-0. LeBron was player of the game again, with 48 points and a career-high 20 rebounds. Dwayne Wade was also crucial to the win with 35 points, as was Chalmers with 25. The Heat take first place in the conference.

News

The news keeps getting worse for the Boston Celtics. Originally ranked last in the power rankings, the Celtics have much bigger problems now. Their second overall draft choice, center Nerlens Noel, is out for the season 3 games in with a torn MCL. Boston was hoping Noel would develop behind Kevin Garnett and succeed him when Garnett retires.

The Hawks' star player Josh Smith is incapacitated with a torn hamstring for at least six weeks.

The next game for the Heat is still at home, but against another 3-0 team, the Sacramento Kings, who are ranked fourth in the power rankings.

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Dynast3 : A Miami Heat Association (2K13)



[simmed to February]

The Heat stand at 23-20, second in the division. Somehow, the Wizards have shocked the lead and hold first place in the division. The Heat are ranked 5th in the conference. Currently, the Heat hold the sixth seed in the playoffs, and are ranked 13th in the power rankings.


[simmed to playoffs]

The Heat finished the season strong, winning the division and making the playoffs. Shockingly, the Heat and Wizards tied for first place in the division but the tiebreaker went to the Miami Heat, with a 52-30 record. The 2013 season was overall a good one for Miami; the team led the league in FG %, LeBron James won the scoring title. Kevin Durant, though, won MVP. The Bulls' Thibodeau won Coach of the Year, largely due to Derrick Rose's return and resurgence. LeBron James made the NBA first team as well as the defensive first team.

The Heat would begin the playoffs against a familiar foe. Last season, the Knicks defeated the Heat in 6 games in the semi-finals. Now, the defending champions will face the Heat again in round one. The Heat hold the fourth seed in the playoffs.

Injury report:

Heat: Shane Battier- sore knee. Josh McRoberts will start.

Knicks: Tyson Chandler- sore knee.

Playoffs Preview:

Eastern Conference:

#1 seed Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers

Injuries: Derrick Rose is suffering from a dislocated finger but will still play. Teague is out with a broken arm for two weeks. The Pacers are dealing with George Hill, who is suffering back spasms but playing, and Tyler Hansbrough who is out with a broken jaw for 3 weeks.

#3 seed Washington Wizards vs. Brooklyn Nets

The Wizards shocked the league by making the playoffs. They enter the playoffs healthy, while the Nets are without Gerald Wallace (broken foot, day to day.)

#2 seed Philadelphia 76ers vs. #7 seed Milwaukee Bucks

The 76ers exceeded expectations by earning the #2 seed and are healthy. Andre Iguodala and Brandon Jennings have led the Bucks to the post season. CJ Watson is hurt, with a dislocated finger, but still playing.



#1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #8 seed Utah Jazz

NBA MVP- Kevin Durant leads the Thunder into the playoffs without Al Harrington (separated shoulder, two weeks) against the Utah Jazz, who are without rookie Aboudou (broken ankle, five weeks.) The Thunder should not have a problem advancing here.

#2 seed Houston Rockets vs. #5 seed Portland Trailblazers

The Dwight Howard led Rockets shocked the league by making the playoffs. The Trailblazers were also not projected to make the postseason but they have. No major injuries for either team should make for a good series.

#3 seed Minnesota Timberwolves vs. #6 seed Denver Nuggets

Both of these teams were surprise teams this season. This will be a good one.

#2 seed Golden State Warriors vs. #7 seed Sacramento Kings

The Warriors are very banged up, with star Stephen Curry hurt with a bruised sternum and Richard Jefferson out with a torn hand ligament. The upstart Kings are just as rattled by injuries with star Tyreke Evans out with a torn meniscus and scorer Marcus Thornton out with a torn MCL. This will be competitive.