The Playoff Picture Is Becoming Clearer Now
With Miami Heat's victory over the Washington Wizards last night , the top half of the Eastern Conference playoff is set. All 3 division leaders were determined and the top 4 qualifiers set : Detroit, Chicago, Toronto and Miami. Will the 4 teams playoff positions still changed ? Except for the Pistons (#1) who are assured of homecourt advantage in the East all throughout the playoffs , the Bulls , Raptors and Heat can still change spots depending the results of their last 3-4 games which are :
2. Bulls ( 47-32) : Bobcats,Wiz,Nets
3. Raptors ( 45-33 ) : Piston,Knicks,Pistons,76ers
4. Heat ( 43-36 ) : Pacers,Celtics,Magic
3. Raptors ( 45-33 ) : Piston,Knicks,Pistons,76ers
4. Heat ( 43-36 ) : Pacers,Celtics,Magic
The Heat certainly looks like they have the advantage to dislodge the Raps from the #3 spot as their schedule looks lighter. Look again . Two of its last 3 opponents are fighting for playoff spots so the Heat will have their hands full. As to the Raps next opponents, the Pistons having secured #1 , they may take it easy in at least 1 of the 2 matches ( the last game ) with the Raps .The Bulls still have to face the Bobcats who are playing their best ball lately.The Bobcats beat the Heat twice in a row.There is definitely no tanking in Bickerstaff's last season as a coach. Next , the Bulls will face the Wiz which is expected to play hard to prevent them from being overtaken by the Nets.The Bulls last game against the Nets is definitely no gimme for sure.
I'd like to think that the Raps and the Heat would want to avoid facing Cleveland (#5) which is what team on the #4 spot will encounter . The team in #3 position will likely face the Wiz (#6) if the Wiz can hold on to the position. Maybe the Raps are better off not overtaking the Bulls (#2) . That way , they will avoid a resurgent Nets team (#7) . Stay where you are Raps !
I'd like to think that the Raps and the Heat would want to avoid facing Cleveland (#5) which is what team on the #4 spot will encounter . The team in #3 position will likely face the Wiz (#6) if the Wiz can hold on to the position. Maybe the Raps are better off not overtaking the Bulls (#2) . That way , they will avoid a resurgent Nets team (#7) . Stay where you are Raps !
posted by coach at
Thursday, April 12, 2007
8 Comments:
The Raptors can handle the Nets.The beat them last time out.The Raptors can beat the Nets againRaps vs. Nets will surely be a big hit in TO if you know what I mean.
I don't want to see either Cleveland or Jersey first round. Especially Jersey. Kidd and Carter will find a way to make life difficult, and lets face it: this is the first time any of these guys (except mopete and rasho) are in the playoffs...totally different environment. I want the Wizards, hopefully we can work that out somehow. Seems like a sure thing that we finish 3rd.
I would just play come what may.If you choose the team to battle,you never know what will happen.
The Wizards should be easy to beat.Sam should position the Raptors to meet Washington in the 1st round.All coaches say,they don't care what their team meet.Actually,they do.
The Nets are only 1.5 games behind the Wiz. IF the Wiz can win two of their final games they hold on. That's certainly no sure thing.
I'd say we have no shot at #2 (realistically) so in reality we are stuck hoping the Wiz can win a couple and hang on.
But let's be honest, if we can't win a first round matchup versus the Nets then we aren't as good as we think we are.
Have a little faith Raptor fans. You are scared of Vince Carter coming up big when it counts....how easily you forget.
Hey Coach, your link to my site is busted. Raptors Ramblings (seems to have some extra junk at the end of it).
I was at the Red party last night so should have some doozy posts coming up.
i think any coach who says they dont care are idiots. matchups are part of planning game strategy. every coach his teams strengths and weaknesses...and a good coach will make it so the teams are not exposed while the strengths are being played too.
The Wiz is the best match for TO if one can choose the team in the 1st round.Thr Raps beat them 2-1 in the season and will definitely have an easy time with them without their 2 All Stars.
Coaches say they don't mind who they will meet in the playoff so that their players will be ready no matter what.Sam will definitely prefer an easy assignment in the 1st rd.for his inexperience wards.
JKidd, a healthy RJ and VC are dangerous in the playoffs
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