PBSL 2033-34 PLAYOFF ROUND 1: #3 Lakers vs #6 Pacers
Posted: Mon May 04, 2020 12:23 pm
#3 Los Angeles Lakers vs #6 Indianapolis Pacers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers' road to NBA Finals repeat starts with a matchup against the ever-steady Indianapolis Pacers. They come in with one of the most complete starting lineups in the league, with Delmar Lopez's defense being the "only" sieve, but even then, he's forcing teams to turn over the ball when they try to attack him. The Lakers are posting the top field goal percentage in the league and are absolute monsters on the glass. However, Silva's injury will keep him out for at least Game 1 (maybe Game 2 if GM Greeple decides to rest him for the home stand), and the lack of paint presence will definitely hurt their already middle of the pack block numbers. Silva averages just around 60% of their blocks. Making up for Silva's absence will be the biggest challenge for the Lakers during this 1st home stand, as Sherrill's offensive competence does not make up for the fact that he's far from being the greatest defender in the league.
Keys to Victory: Survive games 1 and 2 without Silva, AND shut down John Stoll. Joe Sherrill and Scot Butler have big shoes to fill in Silva's absence, but if they can slow the bleed in the paint, they can withstand the absence of their rim protector. Stoll is the guy that makes this offense go round. The combination of Leiker and Acuna should be able to contain him, limiting his effectiveness. If you can take Stoll out the game, Pacers are very beatable.
Indianapolis Pacers
This team isn't the prettiest on the stat sheet. Offensively, they aren't anything special; they have middle of the pack offensive. But defensively, they are one of the best at keeping opponents close to 100 ppg. This absolutely is attributed to pace (dead last in the league, also no pun intended), but there is some truth to their defensive prowess. They allow the 7th lowest allowed field goal percentage in the league, 3rd lowest allowed point per shot, and 7th lowest allowed adjusted field goal percentage. Add the fact that they are monsters on the offensive glass (4th in the league in Off Reb percentage), the Pacers will try to slow you down, force tough shots AND limit your second chance opportunities. They will challenge to make opposing teams to take outside shots, and honestly, they are just above average when it comes to 3-point percentage allowed. Grit and grind will be how the Pacers play this one out.
Keys to Victory: Steal at least 1 away game in Games 1 and 2, AND take advantage of Silva's absence. The 1st key sounds like a no-brainer, but this is almost a MUST in order to win this series. Silva's absence is such a big hole in the Lakers interior defense. Fortunado and Marsh MUST feast. Sherrill is not even an average defender; Pacers need to gameplan for this.
Who do you think wins? Participate in the poll and pick the winner!
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers' road to NBA Finals repeat starts with a matchup against the ever-steady Indianapolis Pacers. They come in with one of the most complete starting lineups in the league, with Delmar Lopez's defense being the "only" sieve, but even then, he's forcing teams to turn over the ball when they try to attack him. The Lakers are posting the top field goal percentage in the league and are absolute monsters on the glass. However, Silva's injury will keep him out for at least Game 1 (maybe Game 2 if GM Greeple decides to rest him for the home stand), and the lack of paint presence will definitely hurt their already middle of the pack block numbers. Silva averages just around 60% of their blocks. Making up for Silva's absence will be the biggest challenge for the Lakers during this 1st home stand, as Sherrill's offensive competence does not make up for the fact that he's far from being the greatest defender in the league.
Keys to Victory: Survive games 1 and 2 without Silva, AND shut down John Stoll. Joe Sherrill and Scot Butler have big shoes to fill in Silva's absence, but if they can slow the bleed in the paint, they can withstand the absence of their rim protector. Stoll is the guy that makes this offense go round. The combination of Leiker and Acuna should be able to contain him, limiting his effectiveness. If you can take Stoll out the game, Pacers are very beatable.
Indianapolis Pacers
This team isn't the prettiest on the stat sheet. Offensively, they aren't anything special; they have middle of the pack offensive. But defensively, they are one of the best at keeping opponents close to 100 ppg. This absolutely is attributed to pace (dead last in the league, also no pun intended), but there is some truth to their defensive prowess. They allow the 7th lowest allowed field goal percentage in the league, 3rd lowest allowed point per shot, and 7th lowest allowed adjusted field goal percentage. Add the fact that they are monsters on the offensive glass (4th in the league in Off Reb percentage), the Pacers will try to slow you down, force tough shots AND limit your second chance opportunities. They will challenge to make opposing teams to take outside shots, and honestly, they are just above average when it comes to 3-point percentage allowed. Grit and grind will be how the Pacers play this one out.
Keys to Victory: Steal at least 1 away game in Games 1 and 2, AND take advantage of Silva's absence. The 1st key sounds like a no-brainer, but this is almost a MUST in order to win this series. Silva's absence is such a big hole in the Lakers interior defense. Fortunado and Marsh MUST feast. Sherrill is not even an average defender; Pacers need to gameplan for this.
Who do you think wins? Participate in the poll and pick the winner!
the spirit animal we all deserve in rona 2020 times