Re: Cavaliers @ Bucks
The most anticipated matchup of the season. I've decided NOT to go to the game tonight so that I'd have the opportunity to participate in my FIRST RCF game thread.....woo hoo!!!
Keys for the Cavs:
1. Back off of Ford and make him shoot from the perimeter. He will get into the lane anyway but if his man is still in front of him, there will be no need for the interior defenders to come off of their men for easy dunks and layups.
2. Send a double at Redd and keep him in traffic. Hughes and James are pesky enough to force Redd into a couple of turnovers since he's more likely to pound the dribble without pick and pop pal Joe Smith in the lineup.
3. Play the top 7 players big minutes. If Jackson, Henderson, and Wilks see anything over 10 minutes each, the Cavs will be in big trouble. No way that these guys can keep pace with Mo Williams, Kukoc, Bell, and Gadzuric.
4. Beat the Bucks on the perimeter. The Cavs must win the three point battle. If the Cavs don't hold a significant edge here (+5), they'll likely be defeated.
Keys for the Bucks:
1. Bobby Simmons must play physical man to man defense on Lebron James in hopes of robbing him of some energy and forcing him to become a jump shooter late in the game.
2. Stay at home on the perimeter. James and Hughes will get into the paint. However, the Bucks MUST STAY AT HOME AND GAURD THE 3 POINT ARC. If the Bucks allow Damon Jones and Donyell Marshall to shoot uncontested 3's, then they deserve to lose the game.
3. TJ Ford, Mo Williams, and Charlie Bell should press Eric Snow and Damon Jones for 94 feet on every possession. Jones is a below average ball handler and Snow is one of the leagues more pedestrian point men.
4. Contain Z. Lebron will get his but Ilgauskas cannot be allowed to rain 18 footers all game. Take away Z on the pick and roll. Do not chase Snow...go to Ilgauskas.
It will be imperative for the Bucks, who don't play well when rested, to jump on the Cavaliers early and make them long for home. Coming off of a big loss on national tv and on the second half of a back to back, the Cavaliers may have some tired legs. If TJ Ford breaks out of his slump, this game could be over fast. If the Bucks don't establish a healthy lead going into the final period, the Cavaliers may be able to steal a victory behind the indominable Lebron James.
The Bucks will be motivated. Particularly Michael Redd. Redd will be looking to prove to Cleveland what they're really missing....another clutch, fourth quarter go to guy.
My Prediction:
Bucks 110
Cavaliers 103
James: 27, 5, 5
Hughes: 14, 4, 3
Ilgauskas: 13, 6
Gooden: 12, 9
Marshall: 9, 5
Redd: 32, 4, 2
Williams: 17, 6a
Ford: 16, 10a
Magliore: 10, 12
Simmons: 12, 7