Conference Finals Preview:
Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2018 9:55 am
Conference Finals Preview:
Eastern Conference:
#1
Magic
#3
Pistons
Home Court Advantage: Orlando Magic
Key Players:
Anthony Davis - Pistons
Deandre Jordan - Magic
Paul George - Magic
X Factor:
Lance Stephenson - Pistons
Summary:
What a time to be alive. We have the greatest player ever in sim league history versus a great team and we get to see the age old sim question of OP versus team build. We have a lot of factors in this one. For one, how often can the Magic get DeAndre Jordan on Anthony Davis. Jordan has the length and athleticism to make Davis look human for stretches, but there will be a game of 'who's in my mouth' in terms of what position each will place their players. That reference was probably a stretch (ask your mom), but i bet you got it. The other interesting factor is, what does the Magic GM do with George and Harden. If AD has been the electricity to the Pistons, Lance Stephenson has been the conduit to their playoff success. Stephenson has increased his totals from the regular season to the plays in PPG from 14 to 19, and doubled his steals. What's more impressive is the shooting percentage increases: FG% from 45% to 54% and 3P% from 33% to 54%. The Magic have to slay Post Season Lance and turn him back into regular season Lance. I would guess they'd want Paul George on him to truly make this an AD versus the Magic lineup, and if that's the case, the Magic can take this. Overall, i can see a Rocky and Drago level slug fest!
Prediction: Magic in 7
Western Conference
#1
Timberolves
#3
Suns
Home Court Advantage: Timberwolves
Key Players:
Andrew Wiggins - Timberwolves
Otto Porter - Timberwolves
Kevin Love - Suns
X Factor:
Officiating
Summary:
The Suns have done a great job getting here. They know all to well how to jump on Kevin Love's back and ride him till he gives them the big O(rganizational series victory). Another stretch, eh? Anyway, I don't see this being much of a series. We all know that Wolves GM is the king of 'reverse curses' and the ho hum 'I'm just here to have fun" mantra; but this year they're for real. The Wolves are better in almost every phase of the game. To add to this, the Suns couldnt have predicted they;d go this far or fell asleep at the wheel this off-season. With only 8 players going into this match-up, depth is going to be an enormous factor. Added to that, the Suns best 3 players all play Center or PF. We haven't seen such a large favorite since Xerxis' army (Wolves) faced the 300 Spartans (Love starring as Leonidas). Sadly, i don't think the suns will put up the same level of fight.
Prediction: Timberwolves in 5
Eastern Conference:
#1
Magic#3
PistonsHome Court Advantage: Orlando Magic
Key Players:
Anthony Davis - Pistons Deandre Jordan - Magic Paul George - Magic X Factor:
Lance Stephenson - PistonsSummary:
What a time to be alive. We have the greatest player ever in sim league history versus a great team and we get to see the age old sim question of OP versus team build. We have a lot of factors in this one. For one, how often can the Magic get DeAndre Jordan on Anthony Davis. Jordan has the length and athleticism to make Davis look human for stretches, but there will be a game of 'who's in my mouth' in terms of what position each will place their players. That reference was probably a stretch (ask your mom), but i bet you got it. The other interesting factor is, what does the Magic GM do with George and Harden. If AD has been the electricity to the Pistons, Lance Stephenson has been the conduit to their playoff success. Stephenson has increased his totals from the regular season to the plays in PPG from 14 to 19, and doubled his steals. What's more impressive is the shooting percentage increases: FG% from 45% to 54% and 3P% from 33% to 54%. The Magic have to slay Post Season Lance and turn him back into regular season Lance. I would guess they'd want Paul George on him to truly make this an AD versus the Magic lineup, and if that's the case, the Magic can take this. Overall, i can see a Rocky and Drago level slug fest!
Western Conference
#1
Timberolves#3
SunsHome Court Advantage: Timberwolves
Key Players:
Andrew Wiggins - TimberwolvesOtto Porter - TimberwolvesKevin Love - SunsX Factor:
OfficiatingSummary:
The Suns have done a great job getting here. They know all to well how to jump on Kevin Love's back and ride him till he gives them the big O(rganizational series victory). Another stretch, eh? Anyway, I don't see this being much of a series. We all know that Wolves GM is the king of 'reverse curses' and the ho hum 'I'm just here to have fun" mantra; but this year they're for real. The Wolves are better in almost every phase of the game. To add to this, the Suns couldnt have predicted they;d go this far or fell asleep at the wheel this off-season. With only 8 players going into this match-up, depth is going to be an enormous factor. Added to that, the Suns best 3 players all play Center or PF. We haven't seen such a large favorite since Xerxis' army (Wolves) faced the 300 Spartans (Love starring as Leonidas). Sadly, i don't think the suns will put up the same level of fight.