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NBA Playoffs
April 25, 2003:
Who will get out of the East? There is no clear favorite; that much is definite. Beyond that, every game is up for grabs. The Pistons, Nets, Pacers, Sixers, Hornets, Celtics, Bucks, and Magic will battle for the chance to take on the West's top team. In order to make an accurate predication of who will win a series, I feel it is essential to let two games go by before analyzing the series. Here is a look at what I see happening in the First Round of the 2002-2003 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs.
1. Pistons vs. Magic:
I feel like this is the best first round series. The Magic will have to contend with the Piston's up tempo game and tight defense. On the other hand, the Pistons will have to deal with McGrady and his scoring rampages.
The key for the Magic is support for McGrady. Gooden and Girieck, both inexperienced rookies, will need to play there best in order for the Magic to come out on top. Also, Armstrong's performance is important. If Armstrong can control the offensive tempo, make hustle plays, and play good defense on Hamilton, the Magic have a chance of winning. For the Pistons, the key is to spread the court and use all of their offensive weapons. The Pistons can score from any place on the court, which makes their team difficult to defend. If Hamilton can produce big scoring efforts and Wallace can stay healthy, the Pistons have a good chance of winning the series.
Prediction - Although it does not happen often, I predict the 8 seed over the 1 seed. The Magic are tough to match up with, even for top-notch defense of the Pistons.
2. Nets vs. Bucks:
Despite the overall feeling that the Bucks will be blown out of this series, I think they can give the Nets a run.
The Bucks can create some match up problems with the backcourt of Cassell and Payton. Also, Kidd will be slowed down by Payton's defense. On the interior, Thomas will defend Martin. I think Martin and Jefferson can turn out to be big problems for the Bucks. In order for the Bucks to win, Payton will need to do it all on both ends of the floor. He will also need a lot of help from Cassell, Thomas, and other role players. Although it is a far shot, the Bucks have potential to push the Nets to the limit.
Prediction - The Nets will be too much for the Bucks. However, I think this series will go six or even seven games.
3. Pacers vs. Celtics:
I hate the way the Celtics play, but the combination of Walker and Pierce will give the Pacers problems. After the horrible finish to the season, it will be difficult for the Pacers to regroup and defeat the Celtics. For the Celtics, all they need to do is play to their potential. That hasn't been easy
for them this season, but I think they will be able to rise to the occasion in the playoffs. The Pacers must have Artest on the court and playing well. He must be focused and be a contributing factor on both ends of the court. Reggie Miller will need to be on his game. That should not be a problem considering this could be his last playoff series. Jermaine O'Neal must play well. The one advantage the Pacers have is interior offense. O'Neal must capitalize on the Celtics weak interior defense. If the Pacers can work inside out and create open shots, the have a chance.
Predication - The Pacers are too out of sink the win this series. The Celtics will have their way with the 3rd place team and win the series in 5 or possible 6 games.
4. 76ers vs. Hornets:
The Hornets have a good team. However, they are catching the Sixers at the wrong time. The Sixers ended the season on a role and have had no let down in the post season. No
one on the Hornets can defend Iverson. I think the Hornets will have a tough time stopping the Sixers full team assault. The Sixers will need their secondary players to step up. If Iverson looks to get his teammates involved early, the Sixers should have no problem. If the Hornets want to make this series interesting, they will need go performances from Mashburn and Davis. The Hornets' backcourt could use their strength to throw the Sixers' defense off pace. While that may work for a short time, Snow will eventually adjust, making it more difficult for the Hornets to come out of this series alive.
Prediction - The Hornets will see their first and last home playoff games in the first round. That is not to say the Hornets do not have a good team, but the Sixers create too many match up problems. I would say the Hornets last no more than five games.
by jay@knicksonline.tk
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