SBL Playoff News

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This thread will show whats been happening around the league when it matters the most, the PLAYOFFS!

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Re: SBL Playoff News

SBL Season 2 Playoff Preview





Toronto Raptors (1)
King James and the Raptors managed to put up a record of 21-8, landing them the best record in the east. This may have surprised a few after a disappointing first season. Can LeBron (11.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.9 APG) and his supporting staff who lead the league in three pointers made (7.6) win Toronto their first ever championship? Only time will tell.



Brooklyn Nets (2)
The reigning champion Brooklyn Nets led by former MVP Steph Curry finished the season with a total of 20 wins. Steph’s numbers were slightly down from last season but still led the league with 18.1 PPG. The Nets will look to use previous championship experience to pull off the repeat.



Orlando Magic (3)
The Orlando Magic started the 2017-2018 season hot but have slightly cooled off since. Despite that they still played well enough to secure the 3rd seed in the east. The Magic are led by sharpshooter Klay Thompson and his sidekick Rudy Gay. The Magic finished the season with the top offense (69.2 PPG) and will look to outscore their opponent throughout the playoffs.

Miami Heat (4)
Don’t let the lack of a superstar on this Miami Heat team fool you. Michael Beasley (10.3 PPG) is showing the league why he was selected 2nd overall back in the 2008 draft. With other emerging youngsters in Ben Simmons and Julius Randle, lack of experience may be an issue. Let’s see if the Heat’s grind it out style can land them a spot in the 2nd round.

Milwaukee Bucks (5)
The Milwaukee Bucks had a solid season finishing with 17 wins this season. They don’t have a clear cut star on their team but Mike Conley (5.8 APG) has done a nice job filling the void. With a young front court in Myles Turner and recently acquired Jonas Valancuinas, the Bucks will look to bang down low. It’s safe to say their first round matchup with the Heat will be tough.

Boston Celtics (6)
In many eyes, the Boston Celtics appear to be the under dogs of the east. Undeterred by the 6th seed, they pulled off some big wins against top tier teams. The Celtics have a bright and promising core with Drummond (10.8 RPG), Booker, Wiggins and Rose. With a balanced attack, the opponent better bring their A game on defense.

Washington Wizards (7)
The Washington Wizard had a mediocre season finishing 16-13. Russell Westbrook (14.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.4 APG) had a monstrous season as we’ve come to expect. The Wizards have a couple nice supporting pieces in Jabari Parker and Kris Middleton, although it’s safe to say that Westbrook single handedly led this team to the playoffs.

Detroit Pistons (8)
The Detroit Pistons slipped into the final spot in the east with a record of 16-13. Led by Gordon Hayward (12.6 PPG), it will definitely be tough for them to slow down LeBron and the Raptors. If they want to even consider a shot, they will need their role players to step it up and play a huge role.





Portland Trailblazers (1)
The Portland Trailblazers took the league by storm finishing with the best record of 27-2. At the start of the season this team appeared to be a mediocre team, as many blockbuster trades were made. With the Blazers big 3 consisting of Anthony Davis, DeMar DeRozan, and Isiah Thomas, they will be a force to be reckoned with and favourites to hoist the Larry O’Brien.

Oklahoma City Thunder (2)
The Oklahoma City Thunder had themselves a stellar season finishing 25-4. MVP Kyrie Irving showed his improved facilitating skills as he led the league is Assists (7.4 APG). The chemistry this team plays with makes them one of the most entertaining teams in the NBA. With their high octane offense (.521 FG%, .421 3P%), and stifling defense (.394 oFG%), watch out.



New Orleans Pelicans (3)
The New Orleans Pelicans also had a great season finishing with 20 wins in a very tough western conference. Led by Kawhi Leonard (14.9 PPG, 4.0 RPG 2.1 SPG), who arguably should have been the 2017-2018 MVP. Along with big man Enes Kanter and young point guard Kris Dunn, the Pelicans definitely aren’t a team to be forgotten.

Denver Nuggets (4)
The Denver Nuggets finished the season 19-10 and got themselves a first round matchup against rival Dallas Mavericks. This series should be interesting to see how it plays out, as a full on bloodbath in expected. The Nuggets have a solid big 3 of their own with Chris Bosh, Kemba Walker, and C.J. McCollum. Time will tell to see how well these 3 handle playoff adversity.

Dallas Mavericks (5)
After a hot start to the season, the Dallas Mavericks shook things up in the head office replacing their General Manager. With that adjustment made, the move was persevered as very controversial. Despite the controversy the Mavs pulled off an 18 win season. Let’s see if star studded frontcourt in Draymond Green and Dwight Howard can silence the critics.

Los Angeles Clippers (6)
With Early season struggles, The LA Clippers GM was forced to get into the lab and mix things up in the locker room. After realizing Paul George was not the best fit for the team, The Clippers brought in big man Karl-Anthony Towns in a blockbuster trade. This move had immediate impact on the team’s success as they ended the season scorching and an 18-11 record.

Utah Jazz (7)
The Utah Jazz quietly obtained the 7th seed in the west with a record of 17-2. The leagues 2nd leading scorer in Damian Lillard (16.4 PPG, 4.4 APG) did a fantastic job of leading this team to the playoffs. This first round matchup against the Thunder will be worth marking on your calendars as star PG’s Lillard and Irving duke it out.

Sacramento Kings (8)
The fact that the Sacramento Kings are even on this list is surprising to all. After beginning the season 0-12 this team looked like they were on route for the worst record in the league. After a Midseason trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Trailblazers for John Wall, the attitude in the locker room instantly shifted as the Kings went on an impressive win streak and finished 16-13.