I'll take Boston. P.S. What are the odds KG tries to pick on Courtney Lee or somebody like that? I have the feeling its coming tonight.
i hope howard is planning on getting better shots than left-handed hooks and 15 foot bank shots because those aren't going to go in very often.
The Magic are a pretty well constructed team. If Pietrus can step up as a defensive specialist when he gets back, that will be a nice boost. Nelson Pietrus Turkoglu Lewis Howard A solid PG, a great C and 4 guys that knock down 3s in the starting lineup. If Pietrus becomes the good defender that many say he can be, they will have both interior and perimeter stoppers. They don't have anything special coming off the bench but that starting lineup is pretty balanced. I also think it would be good for them if Nelson and Pietrus attack the basket more. Right now, Turkoglu and Lewis are their most consistent penetrators. Nelson should be doing more of this and Pietrus has the athleticism to do more of it as well. Nelson has only gotten to the line 80 times so far this season. That is really poor. Even Alston has gotten to the line more (91 times). They don't want to end up relying on outside shooting again in the playoffs. If they do, they will probably get knocked out in the 2nd round. Maybe even the 1st.
Nelson has played far from mediocre this season and even if Rashard and Hedo aren't overly impressive, they are well above average players. Howard is a no-brainer. The more I think about it, I don't think it's a matter of talent necessarily. The biggest issue with this team is still their reliance on the outside shot. They need one perimeter player that can get into the paint and to the line more consistently. If they can solve that issue, I think this team can be pretty dangerous in the postseason. It would be nice if Nelson stepped up and became more of a slasher but it doesn't seem like that's part of his makeup. They may have to do it by committee but ultimately, I think their lack of penetration and getting to the line will be their undoing again in the playoffs. Hedo and Rashard as your primary slashers won't cut it.
The Magic's over-reliance on stellar 3-point shooting and on Jameer Nelson playing out of his mind is being exposed tonight. In the playoffs against teams like the Celts and Cavs who thrive playing physical, bumpy uglyball and who will hustle and contest those outside shots, the Magic will struggle. I realize the Magic are rusty from having so many days off but the point still applies.
Nobody on the Magic can come close to defending Pierce. He's abusing Hedo. It makes you appreciate guys like Artest and Battier. The Magic need to get Pietrus back and hope he can take on that role.
When Turkey-Glue or Nelson play above their heads, either one of them is a viable option. The problem is neither guy is reliable enough. Howard needs a perimeter playmaker who commands the respect of the defense every game.
Orlando doesn't even look to go in the post to Dwight. Boston isn't even doubling him. A_3PO's makes a good point, they live and die by the three.
Turkoglu looks like he just got done with a never ending pasta bowl @ Olive Garden. He's slow, sluggish, has the look of bad heartburn/diarrhea on his facial expressions and looks like he's 15 pounds overweight. He reminds me of "that" fat out of shape guy at the Rec center when playing pickup ball who plays no defense and doesn't do shiet but he knocks down that 3 if you give him enough space.
Yup that is what I meant. I should of put consistently in there. It is easy to take him out of the game when Nelson and Turkoglu are being inconsistent. He could of really used T-mac when it comes to taking attention away from him. Orlando really should try to get a guy from the 2010 class but I don't know what there money situation is looking like. I would think not good after giving Lewis his contract. Man 2010 would of been a perfect year for them to get a superstar player along side Howard.
