JJ Smooth
I never sleep
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2008
- Messages
- 997
- Reaction score
- 1,857
- Points
- 93
Series Schedule
Game 1 (Tuesday 5/4) - 8pm
Game 2 (Thursday 5/6) - 8pm
Game 3 (Saturday 5/8) - 5 pm
Game 4 (Monday 5/10) - 8pm
Game 5 (Wednesday 5/12) -TBD (if necessary)
Game 6 (Friday 5/14) - TBD (if necessary)
Game 7 (Sunday 5/16) - TBD (if necessary)
Game 1 (Tuesday 5/4) - 8pm
Game 2 (Thursday 5/6) - 8pm
Game 3 (Saturday 5/8) - 5 pm
Game 4 (Monday 5/10) - 8pm
Game 5 (Wednesday 5/12) -TBD (if necessary)
Game 6 (Friday 5/14) - TBD (if necessary)
Game 7 (Sunday 5/16) - TBD (if necessary)
Amway Arena (Magic)
Philips Arena (Hawks)
Jameer Nelson ~~(PG)~~ Mike Bibby
Vince Carter ~~(SG)~~ Joe Johnson
Matt Barnes ~~(SF)~~ Marvin Williams
Rashard Lewis ~~(PF)~~ Josh Smith
Dwight Howard ~~(C)~~ Al Horford
Stan Van Gundy ~~(Coach)~~Mike Woodson
Bench Notables:
Orlando
Ryan Anderson / Marcia Gortat / JJ Redick / Jason Williams / Mickael Pietrus / Jason Williams
Atlanta
Jamal Crawford / Maurice Evans / Joe Smith / Zaza Pachulia / Jamal Crawford / Mario West / Jeff Teague
Tips to Victory:
Magic:
(1) Control the pace of the game and make the Hawks play half-court. Atlanta likes to push the ball and play at a much faster tempo than the slow, grindout games. While the Hawks do have the talent to make a half-court game competitive , its certainly not their strength and something that favors a defensive oriented team like Orlando. Also note that in defensive statistics Atlanta ranks #17 overall, while the Magic rank #5.
(2) Feeding Dwight Howard consistently will prove a nightmare for the Atlanta team. While Charlotte had the right idea of bringing in three tough bigs to battle Howard, it opened them up to the three-pointer barrage. Atlanta will be the opposite as they lack both size and strenght against the East's best center. If Dwight keeps the dumb fouls to a minimum he'll be able to have a field day in the paint on the offensive end of the floor. If Dwight does stay in the game not only will it neutralize Horford and Josh Smith, but put the pressure solely on Joe Johnson; and let's face it Joe Joe can't go 1-on-5 against this elite team.
(3) I'm quite positive that Vince Carter can't check Joe Johnson, so some defensive help might be beneficial. If Johnson is kept in check it'll be up to the other Hawks to beat a strong Magic team. Bibby is fading, Horford has to contend with Dwight, and Josh Smith has a suspectible jump shot. No Joe Johnson, no chance.
Atlanta:
(1) The Hawks will need to attack the basket as much as possible to get Dwight in foul trouble. The Magic center is too strong and too much for the Atlanta bigs to handle. Consistent drives to the basket (even if unsuccessful) might net Howard a costly foul; or even better frustrate him into sub-par play. The more Dwight is in the game the more it favors the Magic's game and chances.
(2) As was seen in the Charlotte series Jameer Nelson was a monster and Vince Carter was typical Vince Carter. Locking down on Jameer will likely put the ball in VC's hands, and with the way he's been shooting lately (especially his absymal 3pt shooting) the better for Atlanta. For Atlanta's sake, let them hope that Carter's playoff slump continues for one more series.
(3) As it seems with all Magic games be ready for the 3pt rain. There seems to be a stretch where the Magic seem to hit three ball after three ball, and when it happens it becomes very daunting. The important thing is to maintain poise and get back to tight perimeter defensive assignments. The wrong move would be to try and match those shots on the other end and try to rally qucikly. Look for the best shot, not the first shot and don't forget to play your game.
Prediction: Orlando Magic in 5
Two things tell me this series won't even be close and a Magic ECF berth. First, the Hawks were destroyed several times in the regular season by Orlando; with the only victory being a last second putback by Josh Smith. Also, the Hawks have only won two (!) playoff games on the road in 20 games total. In the playoffs a winning road team is imperative, and since the Hawks lack that along with the homecourt advantage I expect them to slide to an 0-2 hole. Equally alarming is the banged up Bucks taking Atlanta to seven, with one of those losses being at Philips Arena. The Hawks thrive at home (allegedly, but stats have them nearly the same) but that Buck road win was a red flag, what would happen if a championship level team like Orlando comes around?
I do expect Atlanta to win one though in the series. I believe that no team can play perfect for four straight, and I expect the Magic to die by the three at least once. Besides, even though they did sweep Charlotte the team seen in the opening round wasn't the elite Magic from the regular season. If that kind of play continues, the Hawks have a chance of netting that one victory.
While I am 99.99% sure a five game series is upon us here, I'll gladly take the upset.
And finally... (a little outdated, but you get the point)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYXwcLOlIDk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYXwcLOlIDk
:ninja:Superman my ass. See you soon bitches.:ninja:
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