Re: Eastern Conference Playoffs - First Round Discussion Thread
My analysis of the Eastern Conference playoffs so far:
Bulls/Pacers: Anyone who thinks the Bulls don't pose a threat because they are struggling against the Pacers is using flawed logic. The Pacers have played the Bulls tough all season. True enough some of the regular season games have been by double digits, but that was mostly due to 4th quarter heroics. Simply put, the Pacers are a scrappy and hustling team much like the Bulls...in fact, these are probably the most scrappy team in the entire Eastern Conference Playoffs. With that said, I actually believe the Bulls will have an easier time going forward. They seem to play their best against the good teams, and none of the other remaining teams have that combination of physicality and hustle like the Pacers. I'm not saying the Pacers would make it tough for EVERY remaining EC team, but the Bulls weaknesses (too reliant on Rose, Boozer's height) are somewhat negated by Indiana (tall defensive players to guard Rose, quick PG with an offensive game that Rose has to chase around, length in the front court to go along with athleticism). Still, the Bulls have been virtually unbeatable at home, so I expect them to close it out in big fashion on Tuesday. Bulls win series 4-1 on Tuesday.
Heat/76ers: These are two teams who like to get out on the break and run after turnovers. Problem is, the 76ers have no go-to guy (Miami has 3), and the Heat do their style better than them. Philly can play tough D, but has a problem scoring. Miami's big 3 alone is capable of putting up 80-90 points, and Philly can barely score that many as a team. Philly MIGHT show some pride and force a game 5 since actually 2 of the games came down to 4th quarter execution, but I expect Miami to close it out. Miami sweeps 4-0.
Celtics/Knicks: NY is showing why they are not contenders even with Melo and Amare. These two guys can score with the best, but have no hustle about them. If they aren't scoring points, NY is useless. For me, it's not so much what the Celtics are doing, but what NY isn't...because truth be told, Boston could very well have been down 2-1 if Melo's dumb shot goes in, or Jared Jeffries doesn't fumble the ball. Amare may not even play today due to his bad back, and I doubt Carmelo has another game 2 in him. Celtics sweep 4-0.
Magic/Hawks: For some reason, I am still not sold on the Hawks. I wouldn't be surprised if either team won. Atlanta showed that you can let Dwight score 40+ and still win the game with relative ease. The key to this series is Atlanta's execution down the stretch. It seems when things get tight, they resort back to iso ball. Orlando is too reliant on the 3, so if they get hot, they can beat anyone, but the 3pt shot is the most difficult shot in basketball, so Atlanta will try to render their main weapon (3s, not Howard) useless. I think the suspension affects Atlanta more than Orlando to be honest. Jason Richardson is a WAY better player than Zaza, but he's also expendable with JJ Redick and Gilbert Arenas on the bench. Zaza's physical play seemed to frustrate Howard, and without him, Collins will foul out in 10 min, and Horford may have to guard Dwight. Orlando ties the series 2-2
My analysis of the Eastern Conference playoffs so far:
Bulls/Pacers: Anyone who thinks the Bulls don't pose a threat because they are struggling against the Pacers is using flawed logic. The Pacers have played the Bulls tough all season. True enough some of the regular season games have been by double digits, but that was mostly due to 4th quarter heroics. Simply put, the Pacers are a scrappy and hustling team much like the Bulls...in fact, these are probably the most scrappy team in the entire Eastern Conference Playoffs. With that said, I actually believe the Bulls will have an easier time going forward. They seem to play their best against the good teams, and none of the other remaining teams have that combination of physicality and hustle like the Pacers. I'm not saying the Pacers would make it tough for EVERY remaining EC team, but the Bulls weaknesses (too reliant on Rose, Boozer's height) are somewhat negated by Indiana (tall defensive players to guard Rose, quick PG with an offensive game that Rose has to chase around, length in the front court to go along with athleticism). Still, the Bulls have been virtually unbeatable at home, so I expect them to close it out in big fashion on Tuesday. Bulls win series 4-1 on Tuesday.
Heat/76ers: These are two teams who like to get out on the break and run after turnovers. Problem is, the 76ers have no go-to guy (Miami has 3), and the Heat do their style better than them. Philly can play tough D, but has a problem scoring. Miami's big 3 alone is capable of putting up 80-90 points, and Philly can barely score that many as a team. Philly MIGHT show some pride and force a game 5 since actually 2 of the games came down to 4th quarter execution, but I expect Miami to close it out. Miami sweeps 4-0.
Celtics/Knicks: NY is showing why they are not contenders even with Melo and Amare. These two guys can score with the best, but have no hustle about them. If they aren't scoring points, NY is useless. For me, it's not so much what the Celtics are doing, but what NY isn't...because truth be told, Boston could very well have been down 2-1 if Melo's dumb shot goes in, or Jared Jeffries doesn't fumble the ball. Amare may not even play today due to his bad back, and I doubt Carmelo has another game 2 in him. Celtics sweep 4-0.
Magic/Hawks: For some reason, I am still not sold on the Hawks. I wouldn't be surprised if either team won. Atlanta showed that you can let Dwight score 40+ and still win the game with relative ease. The key to this series is Atlanta's execution down the stretch. It seems when things get tight, they resort back to iso ball. Orlando is too reliant on the 3, so if they get hot, they can beat anyone, but the 3pt shot is the most difficult shot in basketball, so Atlanta will try to render their main weapon (3s, not Howard) useless. I think the suspension affects Atlanta more than Orlando to be honest. Jason Richardson is a WAY better player than Zaza, but he's also expendable with JJ Redick and Gilbert Arenas on the bench. Zaza's physical play seemed to frustrate Howard, and without him, Collins will foul out in 10 min, and Horford may have to guard Dwight. Orlando ties the series 2-2
Comment