ITP8 Season 3 Playoff Preview (Eastern Conference)
Mar 29, 2023 15:36:55 GMT -6
redrum741 likes this
Post by beatonz on Mar 29, 2023 15:36:55 GMT -6
Playoff time, so lets get into it. The West looks as powerful as ever while the East is slowly becoming more competitive with a couple real contenders.
1. Miami Heat (58-24) vs. 8. Washington Wizards (38-44)
The Miami Heat have really emerged as a true contended not only to win the East but to win the championship as well. The are anchored by a couple of big boys, Alex Len and Nerlens Noel providing some of the best overall defense from a starting C and PF combo in the league who should look to dominate the Washington Wizards less experienced players, specifically Jusuf Nurkic. Nurkic had a great rookie season but can he hold up in a seven game series?
Young star Jabari Parker has been a very solid and proving to be one of, if not the steal of the draft after being selected at 18 overall in last seasons draft. Putting up an impressive 19ppg and 7rpg as a rookie he has shown time and time again that he is capable of putting up big numbers. After being snubbed of the rookie of the year, Jabari may have a little extra chip on his shoulder. Let's see if he can come out firing.
Key Player of the Series: Michael Carter-Williams
A true MVP candidate, leading the league in assists and putting up a respectable 23ppg while doing so. He will be faced up against Eric Money who has a very solid season for the Wizards on the offensive and defensive end of the floor. This is the key match up of the series, the two star PGs going head to head. Whoever wants it more may decide the outcome of a couple of the games.
Series Prediction: Miami Heat win series 4-1
The young Washington Wizards will just don't have a defense ready to slow the offensive fire power of the Heat.
As mentioned above, the MCW vs. Money match up will be key. But even if MCW falters, the supporting cast of the Heat is just far superior in comparison to the Wizards.
2. Toronto Raptors (43-39) vs. 7. Milwaukee Bucks (40-42)
Considering this is a 2 seed vs a 7 seed, this match up is much closer than we are used to seeing in the first round. The weakness of the Central division allowed the Raptors to secure the #2 seed in the East and in turn play fellow Central division rival Milwaukee Bucks. The difference between these teams with respect to wins and losses was only three wins in large part due to the late season collapse of the Toronto Raptors going 2-8 in their last ten games. This slump aligns with the loss of second league defensive team anchor Theo Ratliff who will also be out for the entirety of the first round with a dislocated fucking knee. This injury couldn't have come at worse time because someone is going to have to stop start big Bill Walton. Is the young rookie of the year winner Joel Embiid ready for this task? Many have their doubts.
The Bucks are essentially a two man show with Walton and Westphal accommodating for approximately 50% of the teams scoring. Restraining both of their scoring capabilities will be critical for the Raptors. The Bucks do send out the fourth best defense in the league in terms of opponents ppg so if they can keep the Raptors to less than 100 ppg they have a good chance in this series.
Key Player of the Series: Joel Embiid
I think this series comes down to whether Embiid can maintain Walton. If not, this could be a long series for the Raptors getting embarrassed inside the paint without a true defensive big. Embiid has had foul troubles all season making it difficult for him to stay in games. If this is the case this series, a lot will be riding on Shelden Williams which could prove even more troublesome.
Series Prediction: Toronto Raptors win series 4-3
Overall, this is going to be a true offense vs. defense series. The Raptors are a scoring team while the Bucks are a top 5 defensive team.
If Theo Ratliff was not injured for this series, I would take the Raptors winning in 5 as Walton's output would be very limited against Theo. And outside of Walton there isn't much of a scoring presence on this team. As it stand, with Theo out, Walton is going to dominate the paint this series making it much close than many anticipate.
3. New York Knicks (55-27) vs. 6. Brooklyn Nets (45-37)
The Knicks fought it out all season for that number one seen in the East but just came up short at the end of the season to the Miami Heat. Led by start scoring wing Andrea Bargnani and stud PG Damon Stoudamire, scoring hasn't been much of an issue all season. Bill Robinzine and Brian Winters will have their hands full trying to contain the two dynamic Knicks. A player who could pop off this series is Walt Frazier. The Nets are weak at the SG position and a player with Walt's scoring ability could put up well above his season average of 13ppg. The Knicks may consider inserting David Thompson into the starting line up for a little extra offense considering defense wont be in high demand against the expected Nets starter of Wil Jones.
The Nets brought in Walter Herrman at the trade deadline to help solidify the starting line up. Since coming over he hasn't been getting much burn off the bench. The piece going back to Houston in the trade for Herrman was young up and comer Paul Millsap who has been dominating the Texas since the deal. With that being said, the Nets front court is pretty loaded with the likes of Leon Douglas, Andrew DeClercq, Wes Unseld, Truck Robinson and young Precious Achiuwa. I don't think Milsap will be greatly missed in this series but he may have been capable of providing a little extra bench scoring if it was needed.
Key Player of the Series: Brian Winters
If the Nets stand any sort of chance, they need their start player to show up and in a big way. Shouldering the team all season has been Winters with a solid 26ppg and 9apg putting him in the tops of the league in both categories. If Winters doesnt Ball out this series the Nets will go down quickly. He is up against a good but not great defender in Stoudamire. This will be a very entertaining PG matchup which everyone should keep an eye on. These two will be going hard at each other, and expect big numbers from both.
Series Prediction: New York Knicks win series 4-1
The Knicks have two start players capable of 30ppg+ on any given night, the Nets have one. On top of the, the Knicks line up is better filled out and their bench has the edge. Simply put, the Knicks are just a better team. Don't expect much of a fight this series, but again if Winters can go on a tear, you never know.
4. Philadelphia 76ers (48-34) vs. 5. Orlando Magic (45-37)
The 76ers started this season off HOT, playing some of the leagues best defense while putting up decent offensive numbers as well. This formula had them near the top of the East for the first half of the year but they had been on the decline since. The defense has slipped from ~95ppg to the current 100ppg and the offense has remained stagnant. This resulted in the 76ers dropping to the four seed in a much tighter first round match up than they would have liked to see. Greg Ostertag blew up this season and was rewarded with the defensive player of the year award for his efforts, bolstering an incredible 3.8bpg and 12rpg the Magic need to figure out how to score by keeping the ball away from Ostertag. The 76ers are a balanced scoring team, seeing solid contributions from the majority of the starting five but struggle when the second unit hits the floor.
The Magic ended up only three games back from the 76ers in large part due to the play of their starting backcourt of John Drew and Charlie Scott. Similar to the 76ers, the bench is weak and over reliance on scoring from the starting five is a concern. The key here for the Magic is how their backcourt takes advantage of the far worse backcourt of the 76ers. The 76ers backcourt of Respert (can barely score) and Jo Jo White (refuses to play defense) are a glaring weakness against the shining strength of the Magic.
Key Player of the Series: Charlie Scott
Charlie Scott is an underrated player across the league, averaging 20ppg and 8apg, he is the real deal. This will become even more evident as he picks apart the offensive minded Jo Jo White. White is going to struggle heavily in this series and Scott is going to excel. Charlie could win this series single handedly and I think the Magic will be relying on him to do so.
Series Prediction: 76ers win series 4-2
The Orlando Magic heavily rely on inside scoring which has generally been effective all season for them. But against the top defensive C in the league this could prove problematic. The Magic are going to have to get creative with their x's and o's in order to score inside, and unfortunately for them I just don't think it will be enough.
1. Miami Heat (58-24) vs. 8. Washington Wizards (38-44)
The Miami Heat have really emerged as a true contended not only to win the East but to win the championship as well. The are anchored by a couple of big boys, Alex Len and Nerlens Noel providing some of the best overall defense from a starting C and PF combo in the league who should look to dominate the Washington Wizards less experienced players, specifically Jusuf Nurkic. Nurkic had a great rookie season but can he hold up in a seven game series?
Young star Jabari Parker has been a very solid and proving to be one of, if not the steal of the draft after being selected at 18 overall in last seasons draft. Putting up an impressive 19ppg and 7rpg as a rookie he has shown time and time again that he is capable of putting up big numbers. After being snubbed of the rookie of the year, Jabari may have a little extra chip on his shoulder. Let's see if he can come out firing.
Key Player of the Series: Michael Carter-Williams
A true MVP candidate, leading the league in assists and putting up a respectable 23ppg while doing so. He will be faced up against Eric Money who has a very solid season for the Wizards on the offensive and defensive end of the floor. This is the key match up of the series, the two star PGs going head to head. Whoever wants it more may decide the outcome of a couple of the games.
Series Prediction: Miami Heat win series 4-1
The young Washington Wizards will just don't have a defense ready to slow the offensive fire power of the Heat.
As mentioned above, the MCW vs. Money match up will be key. But even if MCW falters, the supporting cast of the Heat is just far superior in comparison to the Wizards.
2. Toronto Raptors (43-39) vs. 7. Milwaukee Bucks (40-42)
Considering this is a 2 seed vs a 7 seed, this match up is much closer than we are used to seeing in the first round. The weakness of the Central division allowed the Raptors to secure the #2 seed in the East and in turn play fellow Central division rival Milwaukee Bucks. The difference between these teams with respect to wins and losses was only three wins in large part due to the late season collapse of the Toronto Raptors going 2-8 in their last ten games. This slump aligns with the loss of second league defensive team anchor Theo Ratliff who will also be out for the entirety of the first round with a dislocated fucking knee. This injury couldn't have come at worse time because someone is going to have to stop start big Bill Walton. Is the young rookie of the year winner Joel Embiid ready for this task? Many have their doubts.
The Bucks are essentially a two man show with Walton and Westphal accommodating for approximately 50% of the teams scoring. Restraining both of their scoring capabilities will be critical for the Raptors. The Bucks do send out the fourth best defense in the league in terms of opponents ppg so if they can keep the Raptors to less than 100 ppg they have a good chance in this series.
Key Player of the Series: Joel Embiid
I think this series comes down to whether Embiid can maintain Walton. If not, this could be a long series for the Raptors getting embarrassed inside the paint without a true defensive big. Embiid has had foul troubles all season making it difficult for him to stay in games. If this is the case this series, a lot will be riding on Shelden Williams which could prove even more troublesome.
Series Prediction: Toronto Raptors win series 4-3
Overall, this is going to be a true offense vs. defense series. The Raptors are a scoring team while the Bucks are a top 5 defensive team.
If Theo Ratliff was not injured for this series, I would take the Raptors winning in 5 as Walton's output would be very limited against Theo. And outside of Walton there isn't much of a scoring presence on this team. As it stand, with Theo out, Walton is going to dominate the paint this series making it much close than many anticipate.
3. New York Knicks (55-27) vs. 6. Brooklyn Nets (45-37)
The Knicks fought it out all season for that number one seen in the East but just came up short at the end of the season to the Miami Heat. Led by start scoring wing Andrea Bargnani and stud PG Damon Stoudamire, scoring hasn't been much of an issue all season. Bill Robinzine and Brian Winters will have their hands full trying to contain the two dynamic Knicks. A player who could pop off this series is Walt Frazier. The Nets are weak at the SG position and a player with Walt's scoring ability could put up well above his season average of 13ppg. The Knicks may consider inserting David Thompson into the starting line up for a little extra offense considering defense wont be in high demand against the expected Nets starter of Wil Jones.
The Nets brought in Walter Herrman at the trade deadline to help solidify the starting line up. Since coming over he hasn't been getting much burn off the bench. The piece going back to Houston in the trade for Herrman was young up and comer Paul Millsap who has been dominating the Texas since the deal. With that being said, the Nets front court is pretty loaded with the likes of Leon Douglas, Andrew DeClercq, Wes Unseld, Truck Robinson and young Precious Achiuwa. I don't think Milsap will be greatly missed in this series but he may have been capable of providing a little extra bench scoring if it was needed.
Key Player of the Series: Brian Winters
If the Nets stand any sort of chance, they need their start player to show up and in a big way. Shouldering the team all season has been Winters with a solid 26ppg and 9apg putting him in the tops of the league in both categories. If Winters doesnt Ball out this series the Nets will go down quickly. He is up against a good but not great defender in Stoudamire. This will be a very entertaining PG matchup which everyone should keep an eye on. These two will be going hard at each other, and expect big numbers from both.
Series Prediction: New York Knicks win series 4-1
The Knicks have two start players capable of 30ppg+ on any given night, the Nets have one. On top of the, the Knicks line up is better filled out and their bench has the edge. Simply put, the Knicks are just a better team. Don't expect much of a fight this series, but again if Winters can go on a tear, you never know.
4. Philadelphia 76ers (48-34) vs. 5. Orlando Magic (45-37)
The 76ers started this season off HOT, playing some of the leagues best defense while putting up decent offensive numbers as well. This formula had them near the top of the East for the first half of the year but they had been on the decline since. The defense has slipped from ~95ppg to the current 100ppg and the offense has remained stagnant. This resulted in the 76ers dropping to the four seed in a much tighter first round match up than they would have liked to see. Greg Ostertag blew up this season and was rewarded with the defensive player of the year award for his efforts, bolstering an incredible 3.8bpg and 12rpg the Magic need to figure out how to score by keeping the ball away from Ostertag. The 76ers are a balanced scoring team, seeing solid contributions from the majority of the starting five but struggle when the second unit hits the floor.
The Magic ended up only three games back from the 76ers in large part due to the play of their starting backcourt of John Drew and Charlie Scott. Similar to the 76ers, the bench is weak and over reliance on scoring from the starting five is a concern. The key here for the Magic is how their backcourt takes advantage of the far worse backcourt of the 76ers. The 76ers backcourt of Respert (can barely score) and Jo Jo White (refuses to play defense) are a glaring weakness against the shining strength of the Magic.
Key Player of the Series: Charlie Scott
Charlie Scott is an underrated player across the league, averaging 20ppg and 8apg, he is the real deal. This will become even more evident as he picks apart the offensive minded Jo Jo White. White is going to struggle heavily in this series and Scott is going to excel. Charlie could win this series single handedly and I think the Magic will be relying on him to do so.
Series Prediction: 76ers win series 4-2
The Orlando Magic heavily rely on inside scoring which has generally been effective all season for them. But against the top defensive C in the league this could prove problematic. The Magic are going to have to get creative with their x's and o's in order to score inside, and unfortunately for them I just don't think it will be enough.