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The Game of Thrones characters that remind us of the NBA

The long NBA regular season is almost over, and the playoffs are about to begin. The long wait for the return of HBO's "Game of Thrones" is almost over, and the season premiere is about to begin.

Not sure about you, but we're excited about both. And while prepping for this week's debuts of GoT and the NBA postseason, we couldn't help but notice several names from the show reminded us of NBA players.

Can you tell we have both events on our minds?

The Brons: One was a mercenary in King's Landing. The other is a King who was a bit of a hoops mercenary in Miami. OK, so Tyrion's former right-hand man spells his name with two Ns. So what. A Bronn is a Bron, especially when they're pronounced the same.

The Walls: One is a Wall who hasn't quite broken through in the playoffs yet. The other is a Wall that doesn't allow anyone to break through. That could change in the future, though. The White Walkers do seem a great deal more intimidating than the Eastern Conference.

The Starks: One is a family that once ruled the North and were contenders for the throne. The other played for a team that once ruled the North and were contenders for the throne. But there isn't much left of the Starks. Frankly, there isn't much left of the Knicks either.

The Dragons: One is nicknamed "The Dragon," comes from a far-away land and has grown into quite a lethal weapon with the Suns and Heat. The others are dragons, come from a far-away land and have grown into quite a lethal weapon with their fire and heat.

The Greyjoys: One is tortured by a crazy person named Ramsay. The other is tortured by sideline reporters. OK, so "Popovich" doesn't sound like "Greyjoy." But the longtime Spurs coach is known for his grey hair and ever-present joy.