Sound Off: How Important is the #1 Seed, Really?

[RaychelSnr]

When it's all said and done, no one really cares if the NBA champions were a one seed or not. Champs are champs.

But leave no doubt, the fact that the Indiana Pacers have supplanted the defending kings as the top seed in the East isn't something to completely ignored. The NBA playoffs are typically back-and-forth contests where the slightest advantage can make a huge difference especially as we get closer to the Finals.

Of course, many are jumping to conclusions that Miami and Indiana will meet on the doorstep to the Finals from a weak contingency out East, but should assumptions hold true a single win or loss during an 82-game season may be the advantage the Pacers (or someone else?) needs to reach the top.

Sound Off: How much of an advantage is being a No. 1 seed in the NBA playoffs?

[EAGLESFAN10]

I don't think its as big of an advantage like people make it seem

It's not like it Guranttees you a trip to the Finals

[BringTheHeat]

Don't really think so, not in Miami's case for sure..if anything they seem to play better on the road in a hostile environment.

The truly great teams will find a way to get it done at home or on the road.

[Majingir]

Only advantage of #1 seed is that 1 extra home game in 3rd round and possibly finals too. But that 1 extra game could make all the difference.

In terms of this year....It's hard to tell if you'd rather be 1 or 2 in either conference.

1 in west would mean Houston in 2nd round
2 in west would mean Clippers in 2nd round

1 and 2 in the east would mean Toronto/Chicago in 2nd round(for the Pacers,both teams aren't great news as both have split season series,for Heat,they'd rather face Raptors,but at same time,they've never faced this new Raptors team at the ACC yet,or a Raptors team with their backs against the wall,so even a series that looks like a 4-0 sweep could get interesting)

[skywalkah]

Depends on the team, opposition. This year, a team like Indiana needs it more than Miami, at least with how the Eastern Conference presently stands..

Sent from my XT1056

[z Revis]

I don't think it matters so much that we should put a ton of emphasis on it, but it's still important and something teams should strive for. Would you rather play a game 7 on the road or at home?

[grodbetatted]

Depends on the team. Some teams don't let where they play dictate how they play... It's not a big of a deal as people make it seem

[Gramps91]

I think it matters in a way but maybe not all that much, but when you look at it the teams with the Home advantage do usually win the series.