TNT NBA analyst Greg Anthony talks about the Heat’s “grave concern,” the stacked Western Conference and more with The Post’s Justin Terranova. TNT’s coverage of the playoffs begin on Sunday.
Q: Can anyone outside the Heat or Pacers come out of the Eastern Conference?
A: Chicago and Brooklyn pose significant threats. And while I don’t think Toronto can make the finals, they are significantly improved and are playing really good basketball. We got caught up early in the season with how bad the East was, but it’s not that bad anymore.
Q: What’s the biggest concern for the Heat?
A: Dwyane Wade’s health is of grave concern. Can he get back to that elite level? I don’t see any scenario that Miami can win it all without getting significant contributions from Wade. I don’t think Miami is as good as they were a year or two ago because they are older and not as deep. That puts even more importance on Wade’s performance in the postseason.
Q: Are the Heat still the favorites?
A: I always consider the champs the team to beat until they are beaten, but San Antonio has been the best team in the NBA. They had the best record and used 28 different starting lineups, which still amazes me. But they have to get through the Western Conference, which is loaded.
Q: Should San Antonio be concerned that they were swept by the Thunder in the regular season?
A: Not at all. I think the Thunder are capable of beating them in a seven-game series, but it has nothing to do with what happened in the regular season. Those are the favorites to get back to the Western finals, but the Rockets and the Clippers are very dangerous teams. All four feel like they have a legitimate chance to win the Western Conference.
Q: How much of a difference can Doc Rivers make this time of year for the Clippers?
A: It means a lot to have a championship-caliber coach. From a personality standpoint he has one of those unique abilities to reach guys, connect with them individually, which helps them buy in collectively. They are going to be a tremendous threat in the West because of him. There’s no longer a concern as to whether they are good enough at the helm to win it and that’s important for a young team.