I was busy last week and did not have any time during the weekend to write previews before the playoffs started, so I apologize for the empty promises. But really, the playoffs are about games 2 on since game 1 is more of a litmus test as players and coaches play their normal game and see what kind of adjustments they need to make for game 2 and the rest of the series. So I'll still be writing my general feelings for each matchup and then add a few adjustments that I think teams should make after game 1. I was so busy I also didn't even really have time to sit down and watch each game, which is a mortal sin for any real NBA fan to not watch every playoff game from start to finish. That's especially true for this season, the best and most exciting season I've personally witnessed with all the huge trades that completely changed the playoff landscape and made the West insanely competitive. I feel for Golden State, who would made a compelling 1st round series to watch, but I wouldn't put them in and take out Dallas or Denver as those two teams are ultimately better and aren't too shabby to watch either.
East
(1) Boston* vs. (8) Atlanta [*-won game 1]
Preview
I wonder how many people expected the Hawks to take even a game. Not many, if you followed either team and isn't a die-hard Atlanta fan. The Hawks get a pat on the beak for finally making the playoffs, but personally I find it meaningless if you're going to get swept in the first round. Yeah, our young players will get valuable experience, but how much experience if you're going to get humiliated for 4 games? I do hope this will build on the team and take them further in the season in future years. I also expected us to get outhussled, outplayed, and outcoached, and nothing in game 1 changes my opinion. And do I expect Mike Woodson to make any brilliant changes to his game-plan? Doc Rivers vs. Woodson chess match? That's like a 5-year-old missing all rooks, knights, and bishops going against an adult with 3 queens.
I do give mad props to Horford, seemingly the only big-time player on the Hawks (lookin' at you, Bibby) whose 2 NCAA championships and first NBA playoff game shows how mentally tough and talented my ROY is. He'll be a great player, All-Star caliber, for many years to come. Even Woodson can't screw that up because most of what Horford brings to the table he already had or developed himself (great hustle and smart rebounding, nice shooting touch, etc. etc. etc.).
Adjustments
Boston: Make sure KG doesn't have an aneurysm from the playoffs energy. That's about it. Both Ray Allen and Paul Pierce can go down and I still think KG, Rondo, and Cassell can beat the Hawks, though not in blowout-fashion as currently is the case.
Atlanta: Nothing that'll prevent losses, only the margin. Joe and Bibby's shooting won't stay dismal the entire series, but unless Joe can put up like 50/8/10 we have little chance. And there's really no chance of Joe scoring that much as the swarming Celtics defense would surely double- and triple-team to stop him. Other than some extremely hot shooting by the 2 starting guards, our role players (J-Chill, Marvin, Zaza) can't create enough plays or generate points on their own. I say we throw Salami and Jeremy in there and see if they can knock down a few 3's in playoff atmosphere. What's the loss? The Hawks can't possibly lose 5 in this series. I'm absolutely positive.
Bottom line: I mean, obviously I'd love for the Hawks to win, or at least take one game, but things aren't looking good.
Prediction: Boston in 4, I mean...5?
(2) Detroit vs. (7) Philadelphia*
Preview
I knew Philly was going to make it tough on Detroit, but I definitely did not expect them to take game 1 at the Palace. I thought the Detroit's great starting 5 and deep bench would nullify the quick and physical game A.M. and A.I. bring to the series. Detroit should come out stronger and stay that way for the rest of the series, and I still don't understand how Philly wins games, esp. against the likes of Detroit. This is a good test for Detroit in the first round as they would have beaten Washington, Toronto, or the Hawks very soundly. If they somehow lose to Mo Cheeks's Iverson-less Sixers, Boston is definitely in the finals.
Adjustments
Detroit: Turn up the intensity and stay focused. I don't see how the Pistons can underestimate Philly even though they're the only Eastern team that has given them trouble this season. Their guards will eventually get hot and I don't think Philly will be able to score enough points against a tough Detroit defense, that is, when they're focused.
Philadelphia: Continue the fast-paced, aggressive play. Get the rooks Thad and Lou Williams more involved, and continue the tight defense on Rip and Chauncey.
Bottom line: How many more playoff series and championships could the Pistons have won if they maintained focus for every game? I think they'll find their focus after losing the first game at home, and bring their A game which will ultimately be too much for Philly.
Prediction: Detroit in 7
(3) Orlando vs. (6) Toronto
Preview: I don't sound as smart saying it after game 1 happened, but I knew Jameer Nelson was going to be the X-factor for the series. He seriously outplayed Toronto's double-headed PG monster of Ford and Calderon after doing the opposite in the regular season, and along with the fact that no one can block out Superman led to an easy win. If Nelson continues his play, then along with Howard, Heeeedoooo, and Rashard, that team is too much for Toronto. Bosh is a spectacular player, but doesn't have enough help in the frontcourt which lets Magic defenders solely focus on him. I mean, did you really expect Bargnani or Nesterovic to do major damage (Rasho did have a nice 16/8 in game 1)? Both teams shoot lights-out from 3, but the frontcourt is what makes the difference in the matchup. And Stan Van Gundy vs. Sam Mitchell doesn't look so good for the Raptors either.
Adjustments
Orlando: Keep up whatever they're doing to mess with Ford and Calderon, because if those two go off then the entire team feeds off their passing and the Raptors instantly become more dangerous. The Magic can also improve their defense of 3-pointers.
Toronto: Get Ford and Calderon going! That opens up room for Bosh, who should also be more aggressive and go at Dwight Howard. In fact, the entire team needs to go straight for Howard and get him in foul trouble so that he doesn't corral every rebound that lands within 8 feet of him.
Bottom line: With ineffective PGs, Toronto doesn't have enough firepower to match Orlando. If Ford and Calderon can be effective, the matchup is a different story. Ultimately, Howard is an unstoppable beast and the guys around him, Hedo and Rashard, are too good.
Prediction: Orlando in 6
(4) Cleveland* vs. (5) Washington
Preview: What's with all the trash talk? Who does DeShawn Stevenson think he is? His idiotic attacks on the Cavs will only fuel them and make them focus and play harder, though it does make for a more interesting series. 1-for-9 shooting doesn't help your case, it only makes you a laughingstock in the opposing arena. Without the distractions, and the return of Agent Zero and a healthy Butler, I thought the Wizards would take a close series. After all, you can't lose 3 straight years, right? Sorry, Agent Zero, but after game 1 I have to swing my prediction to Cleveland. I expected the Cavs' traded players to be somewhat ineffective in their first playoff series with the team, but I guess it doesn't matter if you have the King. And even if West, Szczerbiak, Big Ben, or Joe Smith are ineffective, Cleveland still has Varejao and Gibson on the bench, both guys who were important to their Finals run last year. With Arenas coming off the long injury and coming off the bench, the Wizards don't have that go-to guy who'll score important buckets or get fouled to match Lebron.
Adjustments
Cleveland: Get everyone around the King going offensively. It seems every night only half of the role players are on their game while the other half is floundering and missing easy shots.
Washington: Give Brendan Haywood more touches. He's been very effective against Big Ben and Ilgauskas, and can follow up his own shot. Also get at least 2 of the big 3 going. Butler and Jamison seem content to launch 3's, and need to be more aggressive and get Lebron or the Cavs big men in foul trouble. Esp. Butler, who has not been close to putting up the numbers before his late-season injury. He can swing a close game by himself, and needs to establish himself more in the series. Defensively, no one can guard Lebron so the Wiz have to focus on every other player and make sure they can't support Lebron and thus force him to do all the work himself.
Bottom line: The Wizards trash-talking was a bad idea. They haven't backed it up at all. Lebron is unstoppable and we are all witnesses.
Prediction: Cleveland in 7
(1) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland - Prediction: Boston in 5
(2) Detroit vs. (3) Orlando - Prediction: Orlando in 7
(1) Boston vs. (3) Orlando - Prediction: Boston in 6
West previews coming up tomorrow, hopefully before the 3 game 2s start.
East
(1) Boston* vs. (8) Atlanta [*-won game 1]
Preview
I wonder how many people expected the Hawks to take even a game. Not many, if you followed either team and isn't a die-hard Atlanta fan. The Hawks get a pat on the beak for finally making the playoffs, but personally I find it meaningless if you're going to get swept in the first round. Yeah, our young players will get valuable experience, but how much experience if you're going to get humiliated for 4 games? I do hope this will build on the team and take them further in the season in future years. I also expected us to get outhussled, outplayed, and outcoached, and nothing in game 1 changes my opinion. And do I expect Mike Woodson to make any brilliant changes to his game-plan? Doc Rivers vs. Woodson chess match? That's like a 5-year-old missing all rooks, knights, and bishops going against an adult with 3 queens.
I do give mad props to Horford, seemingly the only big-time player on the Hawks (lookin' at you, Bibby) whose 2 NCAA championships and first NBA playoff game shows how mentally tough and talented my ROY is. He'll be a great player, All-Star caliber, for many years to come. Even Woodson can't screw that up because most of what Horford brings to the table he already had or developed himself (great hustle and smart rebounding, nice shooting touch, etc. etc. etc.).
Adjustments
Boston: Make sure KG doesn't have an aneurysm from the playoffs energy. That's about it. Both Ray Allen and Paul Pierce can go down and I still think KG, Rondo, and Cassell can beat the Hawks, though not in blowout-fashion as currently is the case.
Atlanta: Nothing that'll prevent losses, only the margin. Joe and Bibby's shooting won't stay dismal the entire series, but unless Joe can put up like 50/8/10 we have little chance. And there's really no chance of Joe scoring that much as the swarming Celtics defense would surely double- and triple-team to stop him. Other than some extremely hot shooting by the 2 starting guards, our role players (J-Chill, Marvin, Zaza) can't create enough plays or generate points on their own. I say we throw Salami and Jeremy in there and see if they can knock down a few 3's in playoff atmosphere. What's the loss? The Hawks can't possibly lose 5 in this series. I'm absolutely positive.
Bottom line: I mean, obviously I'd love for the Hawks to win, or at least take one game, but things aren't looking good.
Prediction: Boston in 4, I mean...5?
(2) Detroit vs. (7) Philadelphia*
Preview
I knew Philly was going to make it tough on Detroit, but I definitely did not expect them to take game 1 at the Palace. I thought the Detroit's great starting 5 and deep bench would nullify the quick and physical game A.M. and A.I. bring to the series. Detroit should come out stronger and stay that way for the rest of the series, and I still don't understand how Philly wins games, esp. against the likes of Detroit. This is a good test for Detroit in the first round as they would have beaten Washington, Toronto, or the Hawks very soundly. If they somehow lose to Mo Cheeks's Iverson-less Sixers, Boston is definitely in the finals.
Adjustments
Detroit: Turn up the intensity and stay focused. I don't see how the Pistons can underestimate Philly even though they're the only Eastern team that has given them trouble this season. Their guards will eventually get hot and I don't think Philly will be able to score enough points against a tough Detroit defense, that is, when they're focused.
Philadelphia: Continue the fast-paced, aggressive play. Get the rooks Thad and Lou Williams more involved, and continue the tight defense on Rip and Chauncey.
Bottom line: How many more playoff series and championships could the Pistons have won if they maintained focus for every game? I think they'll find their focus after losing the first game at home, and bring their A game which will ultimately be too much for Philly.
Prediction: Detroit in 7
(3) Orlando vs. (6) Toronto
Preview: I don't sound as smart saying it after game 1 happened, but I knew Jameer Nelson was going to be the X-factor for the series. He seriously outplayed Toronto's double-headed PG monster of Ford and Calderon after doing the opposite in the regular season, and along with the fact that no one can block out Superman led to an easy win. If Nelson continues his play, then along with Howard, Heeeedoooo, and Rashard, that team is too much for Toronto. Bosh is a spectacular player, but doesn't have enough help in the frontcourt which lets Magic defenders solely focus on him. I mean, did you really expect Bargnani or Nesterovic to do major damage (Rasho did have a nice 16/8 in game 1)? Both teams shoot lights-out from 3, but the frontcourt is what makes the difference in the matchup. And Stan Van Gundy vs. Sam Mitchell doesn't look so good for the Raptors either.
Adjustments
Orlando: Keep up whatever they're doing to mess with Ford and Calderon, because if those two go off then the entire team feeds off their passing and the Raptors instantly become more dangerous. The Magic can also improve their defense of 3-pointers.
Toronto: Get Ford and Calderon going! That opens up room for Bosh, who should also be more aggressive and go at Dwight Howard. In fact, the entire team needs to go straight for Howard and get him in foul trouble so that he doesn't corral every rebound that lands within 8 feet of him.
Bottom line: With ineffective PGs, Toronto doesn't have enough firepower to match Orlando. If Ford and Calderon can be effective, the matchup is a different story. Ultimately, Howard is an unstoppable beast and the guys around him, Hedo and Rashard, are too good.
Prediction: Orlando in 6
(4) Cleveland* vs. (5) Washington
Preview: What's with all the trash talk? Who does DeShawn Stevenson think he is? His idiotic attacks on the Cavs will only fuel them and make them focus and play harder, though it does make for a more interesting series. 1-for-9 shooting doesn't help your case, it only makes you a laughingstock in the opposing arena. Without the distractions, and the return of Agent Zero and a healthy Butler, I thought the Wizards would take a close series. After all, you can't lose 3 straight years, right? Sorry, Agent Zero, but after game 1 I have to swing my prediction to Cleveland. I expected the Cavs' traded players to be somewhat ineffective in their first playoff series with the team, but I guess it doesn't matter if you have the King. And even if West, Szczerbiak, Big Ben, or Joe Smith are ineffective, Cleveland still has Varejao and Gibson on the bench, both guys who were important to their Finals run last year. With Arenas coming off the long injury and coming off the bench, the Wizards don't have that go-to guy who'll score important buckets or get fouled to match Lebron.
Adjustments
Cleveland: Get everyone around the King going offensively. It seems every night only half of the role players are on their game while the other half is floundering and missing easy shots.
Washington: Give Brendan Haywood more touches. He's been very effective against Big Ben and Ilgauskas, and can follow up his own shot. Also get at least 2 of the big 3 going. Butler and Jamison seem content to launch 3's, and need to be more aggressive and get Lebron or the Cavs big men in foul trouble. Esp. Butler, who has not been close to putting up the numbers before his late-season injury. He can swing a close game by himself, and needs to establish himself more in the series. Defensively, no one can guard Lebron so the Wiz have to focus on every other player and make sure they can't support Lebron and thus force him to do all the work himself.
Bottom line: The Wizards trash-talking was a bad idea. They haven't backed it up at all. Lebron is unstoppable and we are all witnesses.
Prediction: Cleveland in 7
(1) Boston vs. (4) Cleveland - Prediction: Boston in 5
(2) Detroit vs. (3) Orlando - Prediction: Orlando in 7
(1) Boston vs. (3) Orlando - Prediction: Boston in 6
West previews coming up tomorrow, hopefully before the 3 game 2s start.
1 comment:
I isn't a die hard fan
sorry, couldn't resist
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