Also, no predictions, because I don't think I haven't gotten a single one right this year and have already gotten people telling me not to pick their team because it will make them lose. House Ball everyone.
#4 Hawks vs. #1 Nuggets
Alright this game. Both the Nuggets and Hawks had pretty close games to start the playoffs, as both teams won by two against lower ranked opponents. Granted, the Hawks were playing the #5 seed while the Nuggets have less of an excuse having played the #9 seed. The teams did meet earlier in the season, and the Nuggets got the W then by three points. Let's break it down.
Offensive Advantage
Both these teams are incredibly close in their points per game average on the season, as the Nuggets are averaging 48 per game while the Hawks are at 47 per game. Naturally, you'd think that I would pick the Nuggets due to the simple fact that 48 is better than 47. You, sir, are correct. The Nuggets have a better star player in Hudson Hamill, and with an incredible supporting cast of Nick Percarpio, Burke Blatney and Michael Parsley, it is hard to argue against that. Yes, the Hawks do have a great scoring attack in Connor Mulliken, the Drakes and Andrew Mathew, but the Nuggets in my mind have the advantage here, even though it is incredibly small. Advantage: Nuggets
Defensive Advantage
Not as close as the offensive side of the ball, the Nuggets are allowing 44.7 points per game while the Hawks are giving up 40.6 per game. The Hawks in my opinion have the big man advantage in this game. John Foley has been coming up big for the Hawks lately, and add in Jack Baylis and of course Andrew Mathew, and the Hawks should not have trouble on the boards. The Nuggets will need to shut down all aspects of the Hawks offense to win this game, as there are a lot of options for the latter to go to for scoring. Going back to the numbers, you can probably guess who I am picking for this one. Advantage: Hawks
Keys to Victory
Hawks:
- Control the paint
- Score early and often
- Limit turnovers
Nuggets:
- Win the paint battle, or else it is over
- Stay out of foul trouble, both personal and technical
- Offensive fastbreaks
#3 Knicks vs. #2 Raptors
In what should be an incredible rematch of a late regular season game, the Knicks and Raptors will meet to decide who gets the championship spot. The Knicks are currently riding a six game winning streak, blowing out their opponents in almost every game. The Raptors were one of the biggest surprises in the league this year, starting the year of 7-1 before dropping the final two games of the season to the Hawks and Knicks. The Knicks started the playoffs by beating up the Cavs by almost 20, while the Raptors beat the Suns in a relatively close game up until the end. The teams have met twice already this season, with the series being split 1-1.
Offensive Advantage
This is way to easy. The Raptors are statistically and arguably the best offensive team in the league. Averaging nearly 51 points per game, the team has been unstoppable when the ball is in their hands. Jack Beatty has been the leader of this attack, but it doesn't stop there, as Connor Gonzalez-Falla and his deep ball have been deadly all season long. Add in big man Emmett Sheehan, and you have got yourself a quality lineup. The Knicks do have former v-squad member Charlie Miller on their side, but it doesn't come close to what the Raptors have offensively. Advantage: Raptors
Defensive Advantage
So, the Raptors are the best offense in the league, and the Knicks are the best defensive team in the league. Oh man. Allowing only 36 points per game, the Knicks defensive is scary good. Basically, if you plan on scoring, you better do it on the first shot, because Mark "Pyscho" Schmidt as he has been called will be on the boards before you know it. Along with that, the team has found incredible production out of Andrew Crane, who in the eyes of many is one of the best draft steals from this year. But like I said, best offense vs. best defense. Yes. Advantage: Knicks
Keys to Victory
Raptors:
- Controlling the boards, both offensively and defensively
- Attacking the Knicks zone
- Securing good shots
Knicks:
- Continuing to play solid defense
- Open jump shots
- Hopefully getting a ref that will not be pissed off at Stovall
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