Post by BANNAK on Aug 13, 2014 18:00:18 GMT
As the trade deadline approaches, that can only mean one thing: playoff basketball is on the horizon. This article will take a look at each respective first round match-up, if the playoffs were to start today with the same seeding as you see in the current standings. This article will deal with the East, and if it gets a positive reception, I'll look at the West as well.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Toronto Raptors vs. #8 Orlando Magic
Season Match-Up: 1-0 to Orlando [2 games remaining]
Key Match-Up
vs. 
Can Jabari Parker keep up with the man many are believing will capture his first MVP honour? If Orlando is to challenge the Raptors, they will need Jabari to be able to match B.Roy blow for blow. Parker will also need to be on his game defensively, as he and Thaddeus Young will be charged with defending Roy out on the perimeter.
Series Analysis - Toronto: Look for Toronto to pressure the Magic in all areas of the floor. The Raps lead the league in steals per game, are 5th in PPG, and also 5th in opponent's PPG. They are spearheaded by the deadly combination of Roy and Oden, and with role players such as defensive stopper Ron Artest and sharpshooter Daniel Gibson, the Raptors are in a prime position to take advantage of the Magic in every aspect on the floor.
Series Analysis - Orlando: The Orlando Magic boast a strong defensive core, with the likes of Ibaka, Lawson, Parker, Young and Faried. However their biggest downfall comes in their inability to handle the basketball effectively. Currently the Magic turn over the rock 15.8 times per game, with only the abysmal Nuggets and the struggling Heat ahead of them in that department. If Orlando wants to have any chance of being competitive in this series, they need to take care of the basketball. Parker (3.6) and Faried (3.1) are the prime suspects, and they just so happen to be up against the likes of Roy and Oden in their respective positions.
Series Prediction: Raptors 4 def. Magic 2 -- The Raptor's defense will close and choke the life out of the struggling Magic, who will be able to steal away a few games owing to their own terrific defense. At the end of the day, however, the turnovers will prove costly.
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#2 Brooklyn Nets vs. #7 Philadelphia 76ers
Season Match-Up: 2-1 to Brooklyn [1 game remaining]
Key Match-Up
vs. 
They key to defeating the 76ers obviously lies with their best player. As they don't have the most depth in the league, the 76ers rely heavily on Curry's ability to create his own shot off the dribble, while also relying on his vision to set up Brook Lopez down low. George Hill needs to do his best to remain disruptive and essentially make Curry's life a living hell. But with Curry's unbelievable 47%FG and 42% 3PFG percentages to go along with 9.4 assists, that is something easier said than done.
Series Analysis - Brooklyn: As mentioned earlier, the hopes of the Nets advancing to the Conference Semi-Finals will ultimately come down to their gameplan to handle Steph Curry. With no notable perimeter defenders, this seems like a tall ask. They will need big series' from the likes of Aminu and DeRozan if they want any chance of advancing; as they will need to rely on their offense to try and simply keep up with the scoring threats the 76ers possess.
Series Analysis - Philadelphia: The one-two punch of Curry and Lopez will need to be on full display for the Sixers. They need to take advantage of the fact that the Nets don't have a "specialist" defender amongst their ranks. Look for Curry to create off the dribble, either for himself, or for the likes of Lopez or Valanciunas down low. Philly also has the perimeter threats of Waiters, Henderson and Dragic to ensure that the Brooklyn defenders have to stay honest and not double-down on the post.
Series Prediction: 76ers 4 def. Nets 2 -- The 76ers just have more weapons than the Nets; and they also boast the two best players in the series in Curry and Lopez. Despite giving up home-court advantage, expect the Sixers to have a strong showing and advance to the Semi-Finals in 6 hard fought games.
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#3 Atlanta Hawks vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks
Season Match-Up: 2-1 to Atlanta [1 game remaining]
Key Match-Up
vs. 
The match-up to watch in this series is the battle of the European Stretch-4s, Mirotic and Macvan. Both are capable of playing inside and out, both can block shots and also grab boards. With Macvan settling into his new team in Milwaukee, and with Mirotic able to play his more traditional stretch-4 role with Atlanta trading away Bosh, look for both players to be comfortable come playoff time. The man who is able to limit his counter-parts effectiveness will give their team a monumental advantage moving forward.
Series Analysis - Atlanta: Atlanta plays a very traditional, hard-nosed style of basketball. They rebound and defend well, and are able to get up and down the court on the fast break. While this is a culture of the club, the glaring analysis must be made about the injury to Dwyane Wade. As he is expected to miss the first round, Atlanta needs somebody to step up and take on the scoring burden left by Wade's absence. Look for Tyus Jones and Wayne Ellington to fit this role, while also trying to limit the effectiveness of Isaiah Thomas and DeAndre Kane.
Series Analysis - Milwaukee: The Big 3 of Macvan, Kane and Thomas combined for an astounding 76 points per game. What the Bucks lack in positional depth, they more than make up for with star-power and effectiveness. Ever since the additional of Thomas and Macvan, the Bucks have looked simply unstoppable, rolling over their competition and looking far more impressive than a 6th seed. It helps when your three best players play both ends, and play them both extremely well.
Series Prediction: Bucks 4 def. Hawks 3 -- It is hard to see Atlanta overcoming the obstacle of not having the veteran Dwyane Wade active in the series. While the Bucks will likely see some large resistance come in from Atlanta defensively, they have the star-power and the momentum from the regular season to get them across the line in what will no doubt be an exciting and nail-biting series.
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#4 Chicago Bulls vs. #5 Indiana Pacers
Season Match-Up: 2-1 to Chicago [1 game remaining]
Key Match-Up
vs. 
The perennial All-Star Paul George will face one on one against the steal of the draft and favourite for Rookie of the Year, VJ King. King's arrival into the NBA has been a shock to many around the league, with expectations on his rookie campaign being set rather low. King has shocked the world, coming out as a rookie and nearly averaging 20 points per game, while helping lead his squad to an amazing rise through the Eastern Conference. However he finds himself up against the defensive juggernaut and the experience of Paul George, who will surely put young King through his paces.
Series Analysis - Chicago: Chicago is the best offensive team in the League; with many potential scoring threats 1 through 5. Look for them to establish a strong inside presence through Favors, to attempt to attack Indiana's weakest position at the Power Forward spot. Will Indian believe the offensive firepower Yi Jianlian brings them be worth his more than questionable defense? Chicago will attempt to run Indiana out of the gym with their up-tempo and exciting brand of basketball. But will their inexperience be their biggest downfall?
Series Analysis - Indiana: On the flipside, Indiana is the best defensive team in the League. Spearheaded by MCW, Harrison Barnes, Paul George and DeAndre Jordan, the Pacers will prove exceedingly difficult to score upon. Jordan will need to be at his roaming and helping best, to assist Noah or Jianlian battle down low against Favors. Also look for the likes of MCW, Barnes and George to play the passing lanes against the inexperience of Chicago, and look to convert mistakes into easy buckets and fast-break points.
Series Prediction: Pacers 4 def. Bulls 3 -- At the end of the day, despite their regular season struggles, Indiana just knows how to win when required. Their solid defense will disrupt and anger the inexperienced Bulls, who will find it difficult to get the rock in the basket. Expect this series to be a huge learning curve for the Bulls, who look by all accounts to be perennial Eastern Conference Finalists as their brilliant core continues to develop.
#1 Toronto Raptors vs. #8 Orlando Magic
Season Match-Up: 1-0 to Orlando [2 games remaining]
Key Match-Up
vs. Can Jabari Parker keep up with the man many are believing will capture his first MVP honour? If Orlando is to challenge the Raptors, they will need Jabari to be able to match B.Roy blow for blow. Parker will also need to be on his game defensively, as he and Thaddeus Young will be charged with defending Roy out on the perimeter.
Series Analysis - Toronto: Look for Toronto to pressure the Magic in all areas of the floor. The Raps lead the league in steals per game, are 5th in PPG, and also 5th in opponent's PPG. They are spearheaded by the deadly combination of Roy and Oden, and with role players such as defensive stopper Ron Artest and sharpshooter Daniel Gibson, the Raptors are in a prime position to take advantage of the Magic in every aspect on the floor.
Series Analysis - Orlando: The Orlando Magic boast a strong defensive core, with the likes of Ibaka, Lawson, Parker, Young and Faried. However their biggest downfall comes in their inability to handle the basketball effectively. Currently the Magic turn over the rock 15.8 times per game, with only the abysmal Nuggets and the struggling Heat ahead of them in that department. If Orlando wants to have any chance of being competitive in this series, they need to take care of the basketball. Parker (3.6) and Faried (3.1) are the prime suspects, and they just so happen to be up against the likes of Roy and Oden in their respective positions.
Series Prediction: Raptors 4 def. Magic 2 -- The Raptor's defense will close and choke the life out of the struggling Magic, who will be able to steal away a few games owing to their own terrific defense. At the end of the day, however, the turnovers will prove costly.
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#2 Brooklyn Nets vs. #7 Philadelphia 76ers
Season Match-Up: 2-1 to Brooklyn [1 game remaining]
Key Match-Up
vs. They key to defeating the 76ers obviously lies with their best player. As they don't have the most depth in the league, the 76ers rely heavily on Curry's ability to create his own shot off the dribble, while also relying on his vision to set up Brook Lopez down low. George Hill needs to do his best to remain disruptive and essentially make Curry's life a living hell. But with Curry's unbelievable 47%FG and 42% 3PFG percentages to go along with 9.4 assists, that is something easier said than done.
Series Analysis - Brooklyn: As mentioned earlier, the hopes of the Nets advancing to the Conference Semi-Finals will ultimately come down to their gameplan to handle Steph Curry. With no notable perimeter defenders, this seems like a tall ask. They will need big series' from the likes of Aminu and DeRozan if they want any chance of advancing; as they will need to rely on their offense to try and simply keep up with the scoring threats the 76ers possess.
Series Analysis - Philadelphia: The one-two punch of Curry and Lopez will need to be on full display for the Sixers. They need to take advantage of the fact that the Nets don't have a "specialist" defender amongst their ranks. Look for Curry to create off the dribble, either for himself, or for the likes of Lopez or Valanciunas down low. Philly also has the perimeter threats of Waiters, Henderson and Dragic to ensure that the Brooklyn defenders have to stay honest and not double-down on the post.
Series Prediction: 76ers 4 def. Nets 2 -- The 76ers just have more weapons than the Nets; and they also boast the two best players in the series in Curry and Lopez. Despite giving up home-court advantage, expect the Sixers to have a strong showing and advance to the Semi-Finals in 6 hard fought games.
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#3 Atlanta Hawks vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks
Season Match-Up: 2-1 to Atlanta [1 game remaining]
Key Match-Up
vs. The match-up to watch in this series is the battle of the European Stretch-4s, Mirotic and Macvan. Both are capable of playing inside and out, both can block shots and also grab boards. With Macvan settling into his new team in Milwaukee, and with Mirotic able to play his more traditional stretch-4 role with Atlanta trading away Bosh, look for both players to be comfortable come playoff time. The man who is able to limit his counter-parts effectiveness will give their team a monumental advantage moving forward.
Series Analysis - Atlanta: Atlanta plays a very traditional, hard-nosed style of basketball. They rebound and defend well, and are able to get up and down the court on the fast break. While this is a culture of the club, the glaring analysis must be made about the injury to Dwyane Wade. As he is expected to miss the first round, Atlanta needs somebody to step up and take on the scoring burden left by Wade's absence. Look for Tyus Jones and Wayne Ellington to fit this role, while also trying to limit the effectiveness of Isaiah Thomas and DeAndre Kane.
Series Analysis - Milwaukee: The Big 3 of Macvan, Kane and Thomas combined for an astounding 76 points per game. What the Bucks lack in positional depth, they more than make up for with star-power and effectiveness. Ever since the additional of Thomas and Macvan, the Bucks have looked simply unstoppable, rolling over their competition and looking far more impressive than a 6th seed. It helps when your three best players play both ends, and play them both extremely well.
Series Prediction: Bucks 4 def. Hawks 3 -- It is hard to see Atlanta overcoming the obstacle of not having the veteran Dwyane Wade active in the series. While the Bucks will likely see some large resistance come in from Atlanta defensively, they have the star-power and the momentum from the regular season to get them across the line in what will no doubt be an exciting and nail-biting series.
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#4 Chicago Bulls vs. #5 Indiana Pacers
Season Match-Up: 2-1 to Chicago [1 game remaining]
Key Match-Up
vs. The perennial All-Star Paul George will face one on one against the steal of the draft and favourite for Rookie of the Year, VJ King. King's arrival into the NBA has been a shock to many around the league, with expectations on his rookie campaign being set rather low. King has shocked the world, coming out as a rookie and nearly averaging 20 points per game, while helping lead his squad to an amazing rise through the Eastern Conference. However he finds himself up against the defensive juggernaut and the experience of Paul George, who will surely put young King through his paces.
Series Analysis - Chicago: Chicago is the best offensive team in the League; with many potential scoring threats 1 through 5. Look for them to establish a strong inside presence through Favors, to attempt to attack Indiana's weakest position at the Power Forward spot. Will Indian believe the offensive firepower Yi Jianlian brings them be worth his more than questionable defense? Chicago will attempt to run Indiana out of the gym with their up-tempo and exciting brand of basketball. But will their inexperience be their biggest downfall?
Series Analysis - Indiana: On the flipside, Indiana is the best defensive team in the League. Spearheaded by MCW, Harrison Barnes, Paul George and DeAndre Jordan, the Pacers will prove exceedingly difficult to score upon. Jordan will need to be at his roaming and helping best, to assist Noah or Jianlian battle down low against Favors. Also look for the likes of MCW, Barnes and George to play the passing lanes against the inexperience of Chicago, and look to convert mistakes into easy buckets and fast-break points.
Series Prediction: Pacers 4 def. Bulls 3 -- At the end of the day, despite their regular season struggles, Indiana just knows how to win when required. Their solid defense will disrupt and anger the inexperienced Bulls, who will find it difficult to get the rock in the basket. Expect this series to be a huge learning curve for the Bulls, who look by all accounts to be perennial Eastern Conference Finalists as their brilliant core continues to develop.
