Post by Miami Heat on Oct 29, 2008 20:40:19 GMT -5
The field of 30 is now down to 16, as Summer is starting to creep up on people. This is the most exciting time of the year for NBA fans, and with only 9 games separating the top and bottom seed in the East this should get exciting.
1. Atlanta Hawks (53-29)
vs.
8. Washington Wizards (43-39)[/b]
Atlanta Hawks: Peja is probably out for the year, but it won't matter in this series. The guard tandem of Kobe Bryant and Dwayne Wade has carried the Hawks all year, and to the 2nd best record in the league. Wade appears to be comfortable at the point now, and with a hustling front court of Luke Walton, Chris Wilcox, and Brad Miller the Hawks look like they could go far in the Eastern Playoffs.
Keys for Atlanta vs. WAS:
1. Kobe get out of the way and let Wade take Juan Dixon: With the injury to Bibby, the Wizards turn to GM favorite Juan Dixon at the point. The Wizards might have been able to get in the playoffs with him, but there is no way they can beat Atlanta without Bibby. Kobe is going to have to realize the match up and get Wade the ball early and often.
2. Don't get over confident The Wizards look bad on paper BUT Dixon and Redd can go off from down town at any time. The Hawks have to show up to play ball EVERY game, especially in Washington.
3. Be aware of Lamarcus Aldridge: Aldridge is the best post player in this series, depending on where the Wizards GM puts him (maybe at PF since Kleiza is out as well to start off) the Hawks need to be aware of him at all times. I acutally think Miller can do a good job on him, but Wilcox maybe not. Not a huge concern but hey we had to have 3 points on here.
Washington Wizards: This was in the same situation last year, but this is a completely different roster. With Bibby and Kleiza out we don't really know for sure the Wizards starting 5. They have been going with Dixon at PG, and you imagine they will bring Dale Davis in at the 5 and put Aldridge at the 4. Deng could play some 4 and it might be worth a try, they have nothing to lose.
Keys for Washington vs. ATL:
1. JACK THE 3 Washington has to make a ton of 3's, it's that simple or they won't be able to score as much was Kobe and Wade. They have no chance to guard them so they have to out score them and that will be tough, if Aldridge can force double teams in the post then that should help.
2. Run run run: ONLY chance Washington has is to run the Hawks into the ground or get on fire from 3, but they have Kobe and Wade? Reason I say to run is they won't have to play as much defense and running will open up more 3's for Dixon and Redd. I think you need to go with Deng at 4 and Snyder at the 3 to get faster.
3. Never Give up: You never know, Wade or Kobe could get hurt? Even then it would be tough but you have to play hard and never say never, it is the NBA.
4. Detroit Pistons (49-33)
vs.
5. Orlando Magic (46-36)
Detroit Pistons: This team is nothing what it was a year ago. After having there legendary GM fired after "cheating" accusations last year, and then leaving the franchise to someone who had no idea what he was doing has left the Pistons are past there prime. This new GM has revamped them and they do look good, but not like they were. Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Jermaine O'neal, and Carmelo Anthony is plenty of star power, but can Jarret Jack be a starter in the league? That will be the question for the Pistons in this series, and beyond.
Keys for Detroit vs. ORL:
1. Contrasting styles, control the tempo This is the most evenly matched series in the East, and they are two very different teams. You are going to have Zach Randolph guarding Carmelo Anthony and vice versa. I believe that says it all, if Detroit will get out and run they win. If they let Orlando bang them inside then there not going to win.
2. Guarding Tony Parker Jarret Jack can NOT guard Tony Parker, they are going to have to play good team help defense in order to get the job done in this series. Orlando has great shooters in Hedo T. and Ben Gordon, so that could be a problem as well. Holding Parker under 30 will be a struggle every night.
3. Melo Guarding Randolph: There is NO way around it, Melo will have to get down and dirty and guard Randolph. Not only does he have to keep him from scoring, but he has to stay out of foul trouble. Zach might not be the best player in the league, but his big 260 pound butt can go dunk on Melo.
Orlando Magic: This team can run a little, but I think they are most suited for half court and for sure in this series. Tony Parker is GREAT at coming off screens and getting easy shots for his team mates and himself. Hedo and Gordon can bring the house down from 3 range, and Randolph is a good option in the post. Throw in Biedrins in a center to eject some athleticism, and Bonzi Wells and Anthony Parker off the bench and this team is pretty good. Orlando gets lost in the shuffle a lot in the crowded SE division, but quietly this team is very nice.
Keys for Orlando vs. WAS:
1. Defense on the Perimeter: Randolph is going to give up points to Melo going to the hole, there NO way he can move his feet fast enough. What he has to do is keep trying and wait for the help, but he can NOT get in foul trouble. This team does have depth but not in the post. Joe Johnson and Paul Pierce will be tough covers for Ben Gordon and Hedo, this is going to be a concern for the Magic all series. The only comforting thing for the Magic is only one person can have the ball in there hands at a time.
2. Pound Melo Randolph has to play like a beast and make the Pistons double team him, which will open up shots for his 3 point shooters. If Randolph can do that, and maybe get Melo in foul trouble this will really help the Magic win.
3. Parker has to take over: Can Tony Parker over the game with a pretty favorable match up? This maybe the question for the Magic, if he can't Pierce, Johnson, Melo, and J.O. will be too much for the Magic.
3. Boston Celtics (51-31)
vs.
6. Charlotte Bobcats (45-37)
Boston Celtics: Boston has been one of the best teams all year, and looked like they were going to challenge for the #1 spot in the East. This team is lead by KG and he is a threat in the playoffs. They get up and down the floor well with TJ Ford running the point, but with him out can veteran Jamal Tinsley run the system? With Lewis and Dunleavy to kick out too he has a chance. Haslem is undersized but has been tough this whole year.
Keys for Boston vs. CHA:
1. Have effective Double Teams on Yao: If the Celts think Hasslem can guard Yao they are mistaken. If they do not double team him and make guys like Tyrus Thomas, Raja Bell, and Chris Paul hit 3's from the perimeter they won't win this series.
2. Run run run, especially the posts: CP3 and Terry are the only Bobcats that can run with the Celtics. KG and Hasslem will have to beat Lee and Yao down the court. Hasslem HAS to get some baskets in transition to wear Yao out, if not you may see him benched for Kendrick Perkins. Tinsley may not have the speed Ford has, but can hit KG and Hasslem breaking down the floor.
3. Help Tinsley out with CP3: This wouldn't be a key point if Ford was playing, but he isn't. Paul will HURT Tinsley if the Celtics don't play very good help Defense.
Charlotte Bobcats: This team has had some different looks over the year, but the team now has a lot of talent. Paul and Yao are the leaders of this team, and though they playing contrasting styles they have played well together since Paul was brought back from Golden State. Terry, Tyrus Thomas, Bell, and Lee are other key players for this team. Good depth and versatility make this team tough for anyone to play. I believe if this team had been together the whole year they would be a top 4 team, and that is bad news for the Celtics.
Keys for Charlotte vs. BOS:
1. Get Yao the ball: Hasslem can NOT guard Yao, they just need to get the big man the ball and let him go to work. The Celtics are either going to have to bring in Kendrick Perkins or the Bobcat shooters should have open 3's. This may make Raja Bell a lot more important than Tyrus Thomas in this series.
2. Get Chris Paul in the lane: When the Celtics keep Yao from getting the ball, Paul has to go to the hole. With Tinsley in the starting 5 in place of an injured TJ Ford, Paul can get his shot or dish and create. This is two huge glaring weakness for the Celtics, going to be tough.
3. Guarding KG: Lee can do a solid job, but it is KG. If KG gets going the Celtics may have to double team him, but at least to start off I wouldn't. I'm not even sure KG can beat the Cats by himself, and with the shooters the Celts have I would make him do it.
2. Miami Heat (53-29)
vs.
7. Chicago Bulls (43-39)
Miami Heat (53-29): A lot like Atlanta, they need to come in and not be ****y and play. "The Miami Fantastic 4" should be too much for a Chicago team who has had a rockie year. Lead by Lebron James this team had the best record for forever, until Marcus Camby went down and they played .500 ball during a tough stretch of there schedule. This team plays very good Defense, Rebounds well, and can score. They can do it all and a lot of people think no one can beat them.
Keys for Miami vs. CHI:
1. Make Chicago turn the ball over: Chicago only has one good ball handler in Billups, if the Heat get the turnovers in the 15's they will win this series handily.
2. Lebron dominating Artest: Lebron is the best player in the league hands down, he should have his way with Artest. Artest is crafty though and is the leader of the Bulls. If Artest can tie this match up then Chicago has a chance, but he has to perform almost as well as Lebron.
3. Don't get ****y: Miami has a swagger to them you have to love, but if they take the Bulls lightly they maybe fishing with Kenny the Jet sooner than they ever dreamed.
Chicago Bulls The Bulls GM ended up in the "Black Hole" as there GM said, and was ranting about how he was going to beat Atlanta. He now has just as big of a task against Miami, and The Bulls will have to put there jocks on to win this. It has been an up down year for them, lots of changes and there GM has been a distraction the whole year. This team has talent, but they will have to come to together to have a shot at beating Miami.
Keys for Chicago vs. MIA:
1. Winning on the glass: This is a very big team, even Billups there PG is a good rebounder for a PG. Chicago as a team has to beat Miami on the glass to have a shot at this series, it's going to be tough though because Miami is also very good on the glass.
2. Artest has to contain Lebron: Artest is the leader of this team, and probably there best source of offense. In this series though he will probably be too tired to play much offense, because Lebron is a tough cover. Artest is one of the best defenders in the league, but can he do it all? Artest has to keep Lebron from getting 25+ and still score in the 20's or this will be a very short series.
3. Play hard: I'm not sure Chicago always plays hard, if they don't play hard in this series they will have a big fat broom up there butts.
PREDICTIONS
Atlanta Hawks 4 Washington Wizards 1[/b]
Detroit Pistons 3 Orlando Magic 4[/b]
Boston Celtics 2 Charlotte Bobcats 4[/b]
Miami Heat 4 Chicago Bulls 1[/b]
1. Atlanta Hawks (53-29)
vs.
8. Washington Wizards (43-39)[/b]
Atlanta Hawks: Peja is probably out for the year, but it won't matter in this series. The guard tandem of Kobe Bryant and Dwayne Wade has carried the Hawks all year, and to the 2nd best record in the league. Wade appears to be comfortable at the point now, and with a hustling front court of Luke Walton, Chris Wilcox, and Brad Miller the Hawks look like they could go far in the Eastern Playoffs.
Keys for Atlanta vs. WAS:
1. Kobe get out of the way and let Wade take Juan Dixon: With the injury to Bibby, the Wizards turn to GM favorite Juan Dixon at the point. The Wizards might have been able to get in the playoffs with him, but there is no way they can beat Atlanta without Bibby. Kobe is going to have to realize the match up and get Wade the ball early and often.
2. Don't get over confident The Wizards look bad on paper BUT Dixon and Redd can go off from down town at any time. The Hawks have to show up to play ball EVERY game, especially in Washington.
3. Be aware of Lamarcus Aldridge: Aldridge is the best post player in this series, depending on where the Wizards GM puts him (maybe at PF since Kleiza is out as well to start off) the Hawks need to be aware of him at all times. I acutally think Miller can do a good job on him, but Wilcox maybe not. Not a huge concern but hey we had to have 3 points on here.
Washington Wizards: This was in the same situation last year, but this is a completely different roster. With Bibby and Kleiza out we don't really know for sure the Wizards starting 5. They have been going with Dixon at PG, and you imagine they will bring Dale Davis in at the 5 and put Aldridge at the 4. Deng could play some 4 and it might be worth a try, they have nothing to lose.
Keys for Washington vs. ATL:
1. JACK THE 3 Washington has to make a ton of 3's, it's that simple or they won't be able to score as much was Kobe and Wade. They have no chance to guard them so they have to out score them and that will be tough, if Aldridge can force double teams in the post then that should help.
2. Run run run: ONLY chance Washington has is to run the Hawks into the ground or get on fire from 3, but they have Kobe and Wade? Reason I say to run is they won't have to play as much defense and running will open up more 3's for Dixon and Redd. I think you need to go with Deng at 4 and Snyder at the 3 to get faster.
3. Never Give up: You never know, Wade or Kobe could get hurt? Even then it would be tough but you have to play hard and never say never, it is the NBA.
4. Detroit Pistons (49-33)
vs.
5. Orlando Magic (46-36)
Detroit Pistons: This team is nothing what it was a year ago. After having there legendary GM fired after "cheating" accusations last year, and then leaving the franchise to someone who had no idea what he was doing has left the Pistons are past there prime. This new GM has revamped them and they do look good, but not like they were. Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Jermaine O'neal, and Carmelo Anthony is plenty of star power, but can Jarret Jack be a starter in the league? That will be the question for the Pistons in this series, and beyond.
Keys for Detroit vs. ORL:
1. Contrasting styles, control the tempo This is the most evenly matched series in the East, and they are two very different teams. You are going to have Zach Randolph guarding Carmelo Anthony and vice versa. I believe that says it all, if Detroit will get out and run they win. If they let Orlando bang them inside then there not going to win.
2. Guarding Tony Parker Jarret Jack can NOT guard Tony Parker, they are going to have to play good team help defense in order to get the job done in this series. Orlando has great shooters in Hedo T. and Ben Gordon, so that could be a problem as well. Holding Parker under 30 will be a struggle every night.
3. Melo Guarding Randolph: There is NO way around it, Melo will have to get down and dirty and guard Randolph. Not only does he have to keep him from scoring, but he has to stay out of foul trouble. Zach might not be the best player in the league, but his big 260 pound butt can go dunk on Melo.
Orlando Magic: This team can run a little, but I think they are most suited for half court and for sure in this series. Tony Parker is GREAT at coming off screens and getting easy shots for his team mates and himself. Hedo and Gordon can bring the house down from 3 range, and Randolph is a good option in the post. Throw in Biedrins in a center to eject some athleticism, and Bonzi Wells and Anthony Parker off the bench and this team is pretty good. Orlando gets lost in the shuffle a lot in the crowded SE division, but quietly this team is very nice.
Keys for Orlando vs. WAS:
1. Defense on the Perimeter: Randolph is going to give up points to Melo going to the hole, there NO way he can move his feet fast enough. What he has to do is keep trying and wait for the help, but he can NOT get in foul trouble. This team does have depth but not in the post. Joe Johnson and Paul Pierce will be tough covers for Ben Gordon and Hedo, this is going to be a concern for the Magic all series. The only comforting thing for the Magic is only one person can have the ball in there hands at a time.
2. Pound Melo Randolph has to play like a beast and make the Pistons double team him, which will open up shots for his 3 point shooters. If Randolph can do that, and maybe get Melo in foul trouble this will really help the Magic win.
3. Parker has to take over: Can Tony Parker over the game with a pretty favorable match up? This maybe the question for the Magic, if he can't Pierce, Johnson, Melo, and J.O. will be too much for the Magic.
3. Boston Celtics (51-31)
vs.
6. Charlotte Bobcats (45-37)
Boston Celtics: Boston has been one of the best teams all year, and looked like they were going to challenge for the #1 spot in the East. This team is lead by KG and he is a threat in the playoffs. They get up and down the floor well with TJ Ford running the point, but with him out can veteran Jamal Tinsley run the system? With Lewis and Dunleavy to kick out too he has a chance. Haslem is undersized but has been tough this whole year.
Keys for Boston vs. CHA:
1. Have effective Double Teams on Yao: If the Celts think Hasslem can guard Yao they are mistaken. If they do not double team him and make guys like Tyrus Thomas, Raja Bell, and Chris Paul hit 3's from the perimeter they won't win this series.
2. Run run run, especially the posts: CP3 and Terry are the only Bobcats that can run with the Celtics. KG and Hasslem will have to beat Lee and Yao down the court. Hasslem HAS to get some baskets in transition to wear Yao out, if not you may see him benched for Kendrick Perkins. Tinsley may not have the speed Ford has, but can hit KG and Hasslem breaking down the floor.
3. Help Tinsley out with CP3: This wouldn't be a key point if Ford was playing, but he isn't. Paul will HURT Tinsley if the Celtics don't play very good help Defense.
Charlotte Bobcats: This team has had some different looks over the year, but the team now has a lot of talent. Paul and Yao are the leaders of this team, and though they playing contrasting styles they have played well together since Paul was brought back from Golden State. Terry, Tyrus Thomas, Bell, and Lee are other key players for this team. Good depth and versatility make this team tough for anyone to play. I believe if this team had been together the whole year they would be a top 4 team, and that is bad news for the Celtics.
Keys for Charlotte vs. BOS:
1. Get Yao the ball: Hasslem can NOT guard Yao, they just need to get the big man the ball and let him go to work. The Celtics are either going to have to bring in Kendrick Perkins or the Bobcat shooters should have open 3's. This may make Raja Bell a lot more important than Tyrus Thomas in this series.
2. Get Chris Paul in the lane: When the Celtics keep Yao from getting the ball, Paul has to go to the hole. With Tinsley in the starting 5 in place of an injured TJ Ford, Paul can get his shot or dish and create. This is two huge glaring weakness for the Celtics, going to be tough.
3. Guarding KG: Lee can do a solid job, but it is KG. If KG gets going the Celtics may have to double team him, but at least to start off I wouldn't. I'm not even sure KG can beat the Cats by himself, and with the shooters the Celts have I would make him do it.
2. Miami Heat (53-29)
vs.
7. Chicago Bulls (43-39)
Miami Heat (53-29): A lot like Atlanta, they need to come in and not be ****y and play. "The Miami Fantastic 4" should be too much for a Chicago team who has had a rockie year. Lead by Lebron James this team had the best record for forever, until Marcus Camby went down and they played .500 ball during a tough stretch of there schedule. This team plays very good Defense, Rebounds well, and can score. They can do it all and a lot of people think no one can beat them.
Keys for Miami vs. CHI:
1. Make Chicago turn the ball over: Chicago only has one good ball handler in Billups, if the Heat get the turnovers in the 15's they will win this series handily.
2. Lebron dominating Artest: Lebron is the best player in the league hands down, he should have his way with Artest. Artest is crafty though and is the leader of the Bulls. If Artest can tie this match up then Chicago has a chance, but he has to perform almost as well as Lebron.
3. Don't get ****y: Miami has a swagger to them you have to love, but if they take the Bulls lightly they maybe fishing with Kenny the Jet sooner than they ever dreamed.
Chicago Bulls The Bulls GM ended up in the "Black Hole" as there GM said, and was ranting about how he was going to beat Atlanta. He now has just as big of a task against Miami, and The Bulls will have to put there jocks on to win this. It has been an up down year for them, lots of changes and there GM has been a distraction the whole year. This team has talent, but they will have to come to together to have a shot at beating Miami.
Keys for Chicago vs. MIA:
1. Winning on the glass: This is a very big team, even Billups there PG is a good rebounder for a PG. Chicago as a team has to beat Miami on the glass to have a shot at this series, it's going to be tough though because Miami is also very good on the glass.
2. Artest has to contain Lebron: Artest is the leader of this team, and probably there best source of offense. In this series though he will probably be too tired to play much offense, because Lebron is a tough cover. Artest is one of the best defenders in the league, but can he do it all? Artest has to keep Lebron from getting 25+ and still score in the 20's or this will be a very short series.
3. Play hard: I'm not sure Chicago always plays hard, if they don't play hard in this series they will have a big fat broom up there butts.
PREDICTIONS
Atlanta Hawks 4 Washington Wizards 1[/b]
Detroit Pistons 3 Orlando Magic 4[/b]
Boston Celtics 2 Charlotte Bobcats 4[/b]
Miami Heat 4 Chicago Bulls 1[/b]