[Cactus Jack]

Imagine that there'll be more interest in this than we'll see for the Eastern Conference Finals.

Minnesota's identity is rooted in their ability to defend. Three players in their frontcourt stand over 7 feet tall and are mobile, so they can clean things up by funneling you to the rim and challenging you there. 

Offensively, this may be Anthony Edwards' coronation-- more on that in the Nuggets vs. T'wolves Semis thread. 

This series may hinge on exactly how much Minny gets from Town and Jaden McDaniels. 


Dallas will need a healthy Luka, and it's been fairly obvious that he's been pretty banged-up over the past series. 

I think Kyrie provides solid veteran presence; I get the feeling that he knows that this may be one of his last great opportunities at another title and will have at least one or two games where he rises to the occasion. 

I'm still not sold on PJ Washington; not trying to say he's terrible, just that I don't always buy the hype. I'll admit there may be some bias there, as I would probably like him more if he toned down the celebrations and acted like he's scored before. 

Aside from Luka's health, I will be monitoring how much the Mavs can get from Derrick Jones Jr. and Lively, especially on the boards and in transition.