CelticsStrong
Celtics Basketball => Celtics Talk => Topic started by: Phantom255x on January 20, 2018, 09:57:53 PM
-
And EVEN if they don't make it out of the East, I hate to say it, but I think then it's Toronto that would make it out of the East, NOT Boston.
Yes, Cleveland's defense is HORRIBLE (I was at the mall with family and was SHOCKED seeing the updates of the OKC-CLE game and seeing OKC putting up all those points), but as we all know, CLE will have cold stretches in the regular season and at times don't put up much effort, but come playoff time, they likely will.
Now, I still think their defense overall is a little worse than last year's, but as long as Isaiah gives them about 23-25 PPG, Love keeps it up as a "walking double-double" and Lebron intensifies his defense, they should be fine. Plus, they could still add someone via trade to help them out (doubt DeAndre Jordan and Lou Williams are traded though, but maybe another name?).
But EVEN if CLE loses in the ECF (or dare I say, the 2nd round), I think Toronto makes it out, not Boston.
Our defense is great, but our offense/scoring still struggles quite a bit at times (a little too many cold stretches than usual, especially in the first half of games). Frankly, we're also a little too inconsistent at times, and it's showing the last few games.
Yeah, we do a great job making comebacks and closing out games, but we can't rely on that solely in the playoffs (the making comebacks part).
Also, our front court depth will be tested especially if we play a team like Detroit or Miami in the early rounds and have to deal with the likes of Whiteside, Drummond, Gortat, etc.
Cleveland makes it out of the East, BUT it won't be easy (instead of sweeps or easy 5-game series wins, they may have a couple of series go 6-7 games). That said, they still make it out of the East en route to getting swept by the Warriors (or losing in 5 to either Rockets/Spurs). :P
I really hope I'm wrong, but that's just how I honestly feel. If we had Hayward though, it's probably a different story (taking CLE to 7 games or maybe even beating them in ECF) :(
-
(https://i.imgur.com/ruh7Z.gif)
-
(https://i.imgur.com/ruh7Z.gif)
(http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/legendsofthemultiuniverse/images/a/ad/Vegeta_dodge.gif/revision/latest?cb=20140906071353)
-
What makes you think Raptors are better than Celtics? And Cavs won't make it out of the east, especially with the way they play defense, unless they make some drastic change in their team.
Miami is the only team I'm worried about as they are versatile as we are. Terrible matchup for us. As for Sixers and Pistons, they don't have the depth to take us over 7 games. They can rely on Drummond or Embiid but they can only hold for so long and we can afford to sacrifice the paint for everything else.
-
The best thing that happened for Cleveland was 5 minutes into the season.
-
I can't disagree with you Phantom...although I want to.
Issue is Raps are ultra hot now, but, will cool down. Cavs are playing like mucky muck but, will be hyper tuff in playoffs.
Horford/Baynes for the few minutes they play together are aok, but, get pushed around by opposing size....if there is any.
Cavs would have to get white hot to catch Celtics who can basically stay above .500 for last 36 games to be #1 or #2 in ECF with Derozan lead dinosaurs.
One thing we can say about the blessed Celtics, they are the best defensive team in basketball and have been since the first tip off. They just happen to be one of the worst offensive teams at exactly the same time.
Massive win count obscures limitations of starting 5.....Magic tomorrow night will be too busy showing off their limitations for this situation to change.
-
Too many people buying into Cleveland flipping the switch. The team hates each other. IT hates being there. Toronto is the biggest hurdle
-
Thanks for taking the time to explain how the worst defensive team in the league, that is on the verge of being outscored for the entire season, is clearly still better than our #1 seed squad.
I mean it's possible that they go The Finals, of course, but man is it raining in your bedroom permanently or somethin =)???
-
Highly doubt it. Pathetic defence, offence that has no flow at all, and almost no team chemistry. I think both Toronto and Boston have a higher chance of making it out
-
I can't disagree with you Phantom...although I want to.
Issue is Raps are ultra hot now, but, will cool down. Cavs are playing like mucky muck but, will be hyper tuff in playoffs.
Horford/Baynes for the few minutes they play together are aok, but, get pushed around by opposing size....if there is any.
Cavs would have to get white hot to catch Celtics who can basically stay above .500 for last 36 games to be #1 or #2 in ECF with Derozan lead dinosaurs.
One thing we can say about the blessed Celtics, they are the best defensive team in basketball and have been since the first tip off. They just happen to be one of the worst offensive teams at exactly the same time.
Massive win count obscures limitations of starting 5.....Magic tomorrow night will be too busy showing off their limitations for this situation to change.
2004 Pistons wasn't exactly an offensive juggernaut. How did they won? Elite defense. I don't know how people rate Rockets above Celtics, especially on how its is proven many times already that D'Antoni system doesn't translate well in the playoffs. Defense on the other hand is a must in the post season.
We may have a terrible offense but we have one of the best closers in the league. As long as they can close out games, it's all good.
-
Is this a serious post or is the OP being sarcastic for humor's sake? Because the Cavs can't guard a chair right now. We're better than they are across the board other than Lebron. Better guards/wings, better frontcourt, and an EXPONENTIALLY better coach. And this is assuming the Cavs even make it to the ECF to face us.
-
Is this a serious post or is the OP being sarcastic for humor's sake? Because the Cavs can't guard a chair right now. We're better than they are across the board other than Lebron. Better guards/wings, better frontcourt, and an EXPONENTIALLY better coach. And this is assuming the Cavs even make it to the ECF to face us.
Wait!! Does the chair have four legs?
-
Cleveland can't defend.
And as a side note, I am so tired of watching Lebron take three and four steps without dribbling.
Today, he took a pass at the top of the key and ran to the basket and dunked WITHOUT DRIBBLING, and nothing was called.
-
Cleveland can't defend.
And as a side note, I am so tired of watching Lebron take three and four steps without dribbling.
Today, he took a pass at the top of the key and ran to the basket and dunked WITHOUT DRIBBLING, and nothing was called.
NBA is FANtastic. Give the fans what they want. Pure basketball with palming and travelling violations strictly enforced will be so boring
-
Regardless of what the OP is saying, Cleveland is very beatable.
Unfortunately, so are we. If Brad's offensive arsenal consists of nothing more than a 2 man game with Kyrie and Al, with Jaylen and Jayson loitering at the 3 point line most of the time and getting a handful of shots a game, we won't last long enough to get to Cleveland. A team that routinely has 2 of the league's poorest shooters in Smart and Rozier taking more shots than Tatum and Brown doesn't deserve to win anything, and won't.
No point in worrying about the Cavs at this point.
-
Lebron is that you on Celtics blog .
-
Cleveland can't defend.
And as a side note, I am so tired of watching Lebron take three and four steps without dribbling.
Today, he took a pass at the top of the key and ran to the basket and dunked WITHOUT DRIBBLING, and nothing was called.
NBA is FANtastic. Give the fans what they want. Pure basketball with palming and travelling violations strictly enforced will be so boring
Wrong. It would much more interesting if the game is called fairly.
-
You need to calm your tits!
We are enjoying watching Cleveland self implode during the regular season.
Maybe they can make a move to improve before the deadline and clean up their hot mess. But their level of dysfunction right now is equivalent to the mayor of your city getting caught red handed with cocaine and a dead hooker in a police sting.
So right now, I know you're enjoying playing Nostradamus, but nothing points to a positive outcome for Cleveland as affairs currently stand. Shut up and enjoy the collapse of Cleveland. Maybe the fix their Edited. Profanity and masked profanity are against forum rules and may result in discipline., but I much prefer to enjoy their misery than some rosy prediction for Cleveland based on nothing but optimism so far.
-
Pst. Raptors are coming back down to earth after their hot stretch -- 6-4 over the past 10.
We have the best player on the court in that series. We probably have the 3rd best player on the court and the 4-8th best player on the court in that series, too.
-
Cleveland can't defend.
And as a side note, I am so tired of watching Lebron take three and four steps without dribbling.
Today, he took a pass at the top of the key and ran to the basket and dunked WITHOUT DRIBBLING, and nothing was called.
NBA is FANtastic. Give the fans what they want. Pure basketball with palming and travelling violations strictly enforced will be so boring
Wrong. It would much more interesting if the game is called fairly.
my post has nothing to do with calling the game the same both ways. My point is the strict rules of basketball will probably render the NBA unwatchable.
-
The best thing that happened for Cleveland was 5 minutes into the season.
TP. GH probably gives us at least 4-5 more wins on the season wouldn't you say?
Cleveland is not making the finals this year. I am not even sure that they make the ECF.
-
I too, think that they are the favorites to make it out of the East. I hate the Cavs but they have LeBron and they play playoff basketball very well and have been known to turn it on. That being said, no one probably like seeing them do poorly than me, because I am a Celtic fan in Ohio. But I think until we beat them in the post season, we are the underdogs.
We have the best player on the court in that series. We probably have the 3rd best player on the court and the 4-8th best player on the court in that series, too.
You think that LeBron is second to any player we have, I dislike LeBron and even I do not think that.
I hope you guys are right but you may be serving yourself up a big plate of crow.
-
I think it will be the Raptors.
We need more experience .
-
I too, think that they are the favorites to make it out of the East. I hate the Cavs but they have LeBron and they play playoff basketball very well and have been known to turn it on. That being said, no one probably like seeing them do poorly than me, because I am a Celtic fan in Ohio. But I think until we beat them in the post season, we are the underdogs.
We have the best player on the court in that series. We probably have the 3rd best player on the court and the 4-8th best player on the court in that series, too.
You think that LeBron is second to any player we have, I dislike LeBron and even I do not think that.
I hope you guys are right but you may be serving yourself up a big plate of crow.
I'm pretty sure the poster was insinuating we'd have the best player vs Toronto, not Cleveland.
But even that is arguable, as DeRozan is really having a fantastic season. That said, I think we'd wipe the floor with the Raptors. That team always plays worse in the playoffs.
-
Lebron will go one of two ways: he’ll either go into Superman mode, expending a ton of energy to get the Cavs into the Finals, or he’ll sleepwalk through the ECF, putting up good numbers in a losing effort because he knows he can’t win a title.
He’s done both before. I think he puts the team on his back and gives Cleveland one last Finals push.
-
I don't think Hayward is being talked about nearly enough in this thread. Am I the only one who is confident he is going to come back this season? Danny, Brad, and Gordon have been quick to temper expectations, but all has gone extremely well with his recovery so far and there is no reason that can not continue.
We also have the DPE (with which Danny is being very particular). Not only do we have the option to trade for a player making under $8.4M, but we can outbid any other team on the best buy-out candidate...and there will be several as one or two teams will want to separate themselves from the bottom of the pack.
Cleveland could always make a huge trade to bolster their team, but remember they already signed Wade, Green, and Rose to vet minimum deals and they still stink. I agree with the poster that said they have no chemistry - that really is the only explanation.
-
Cleveland can't defend.
And as a side note, I am so tired of watching Lebron take three and four steps without dribbling.
Today, he took a pass at the top of the key and ran to the basket and dunked WITHOUT DRIBBLING, and nothing was called.
NBA is FANtastic. Give the fans what they want. Pure basketball with palming and travelling violations strictly enforced will be so boring
Wrong. It would much more interesting if the game is called fairly.
my post has nothing to do with calling the game the same both ways. My point is the strict rules of basketball will probably render the NBA unwatchable.
Ridiculous assertion. Not allowing star players to take three or four steps without dribbling is not strict.
Watch this video of Lebron taking seven steps with one dribble.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGsl36MnOqY
-
Lebron will play hard long as the odds are close to favorable . Cavs are playing hard , games are close , they don't fall behind too many games . If they get beat pretty bad in playoffs in first two games . He takes his cape off and goes though the motions to finish the season and get out of town . His superman appearances are less and less frequent these days .
Im just convinced from the picture of his wife and him checking out high schools in LA , is a sign they have one leg on the plane.
after watching the Rockets GS game last night , Lebron would be lucky to bet past Raptors , Boston or Washington . IT was just standing and watching his man sail to the rim against OKC . If he can't stand in and take a charge or at least jump up and grab the opponents . He ismjust all but worthless on the defensive end . Lebron can t make up for two players on defense for a whole game like he used to.
-
Now, I still think their defense overall is a little worse than last year's, but as long as Isaiah gives them about 23-25 PPG, Love keeps it up as a "walking double-double" and Lebron intensifies his defense, they should be fine.
I think we have to admit that it is likely IT will not put up the production that he did for 2 years here (certainly not last year).
-
CLE feels like they have no chemistry. I think they will still be a tough out regardless as long as they have Lebron. But that defense though....such a disaster right now.
-
So heartbreaking to hear people still worried about Cleveland..
Minnesota on the other hand....
-
I've said it here before & I'll say it again, I won't bury that team until they're actually dead.
I don't care what they're doing right now in January, they still have the best player on the planet.
-
Oh dang, I didn't realize my post would cause so much mayhem on here :P
I'm not trying to diss the Celtics or anything in my post, but while I tend to be very optimistic around here, I also tend to be realistic as well. Even last year, there were spurts where CLE looked awful and we thought "oh they won't make it out of the East", but they did, and relatively easily.
Now I agree, overall I think this Cavs team is too old and a little worse than last year. They can put up a ton of points, but they give up a ton as well. Isaiah doesn't help on defense, and so he needs to put up 25 PPG consistently to have a real impact. I even acknowledged in my original post that they won't have it easy as they navigate the East this year, unlike the last 2-3 years where it's been easy.
But I just think Boston has its flaws as well, and some inexperience as well which can show in the playoffs (as it has the last 2-3 years if you've watched them). Especially in the playoffs the last 3 years, there tend to be many games where they start cold and have really cold shooting stretches while the other team lights it up.
Now if they had a healthy Hayward and the same kind of impact Tatum is having now (even in limited minutes), I think there's a great chance they make it out of the East (better than TOR too).
Before the season, I thought there was an 85% chance the Cavs make it out of the East, and 10% chance Boston does, and 2.5% Raptors and Wizards each. NOW? I have it as 50% Cavs, 25% Raptors, 20% Celtics, and 5% rest of field (Wizards maybe?).
Yeah, Toronto could cool down and have a tendency to choke in the playoffs as well, but idk, this year they just look legit, more balanced, and they definitely could be the "sleeper" in the East (everyone assumes it's Cavaliers or Celtics, but the Raptors are right there too).
-
Even with the Cavs struggling now, the Celtics are in a cold stretch as well.
-
Even with the Cavs struggling now, the Celtics are in a cold stretch as well.
I just told my wife that we look as bad as Cleveland right now. To not only lose to an Orlando team that can't beat anybody - we were dominated by Orlando. Sad.
-
I hate to say it but ultimate agree with the OP.
The Cavs are trending down while the Cs are trending up however Lebron is still dominate enough to carry them to a series win. I expect a Cs and Cavs series to go 6-7 games. Then it will be a Warriors sweep that sends Lebron off to try to find greener pastures. His departure will and the healthy return of Hayward will set the stage for a long run of dominance and finals clashes with GS for the Cs.
-
Even with the Cavs struggling now, the Celtics are in a cold stretch as well.
I just told my wife that we look as bad as Cleveland right now. To not only lose to an Orlando team that can't beat anybody - we were dominated by Orlando. Sad.
It's disappointing because our two biggest strengths this season (defense and effort/hustle) have all been pretty much missing the last 3 games. Hence, the ugly losing streak.
-
Even with the Cavs struggling now, the Celtics are in a cold stretch as well.
I just told my wife that we look as bad as Cleveland right now. To not only lose to an Orlando team that can't beat anybody - we were dominated by Orlando. Sad.
Gonna have to forgive me, I haven't had my morning coffee, but I thought I read
you writing that your wife looked as bad as Cleveland right now, lol.
To expand on your points, I do agree, that we look relatively as bad as Cleveland right now,
but do we really? We faced plenty of injuries, and honestly, I still don't think
we're 100% there chemistry wise. You have a lot of youngsters and rookies who are all capable
of performing the best they can, but of course rookies are gonna face the rookie walls.
I do wish Horford would be more aggressive, and take more shots, or at least
try to feed Tatum more shots. He gives and go for Kyrie, and passes him the ball majority
of the time, but what I don't understand is why they don't seem to give Tatum more better
looks or plan shots out for him.
This is all us just freaking out over nothing... We're the 1st seed, we have 6 rookies,
and one of the biggest roster overhauls in the league right now.
I mean, other than Hayward being out, which is an unfortunate scenario, it has led
to the emergence in Tatum's stellar rookie play.
All we need is a consistent scorer off the bench. Williams or Evans would be perfect fits,
but I was also thinking about someone like Jonathan Simmons.
I'm not that high on Marcus Morris. In fact, I actually dislike him now. He reminds me
eerily of Antonie Walker, not the numbers or statistical categories, but just
how the ball movement seems to die when they both have the ball in their hands.
-
So we lost 3 in a row and now our future is set? With your logic, the Warriors won't make it out of the WCF. If I'm not mistaken they took 3 losses in a row. Let the Celtics go through bumps in the season, it sets them up for the playoffs, not to mention, we've beaten every team in the ECF once, even the raptors. I'm p sure we destroyed the cavs last meeting....
-
100% Speculation Doom and Gloom that is pointless to entertain.
In 4 months you have no idea what kind of team the Celtics will be and you have even less idea what kind of team the Cavs will be.
I didn't read this and think "yeah I guess so, we are done the Cavs got this", and no one else should either.
Instead you propose the most obvious story line and easiest one to fall back on. Cavs / Warriors Finals with Warriors winning. How original, thanks for the take.
-
I would not at all be surprised if we lost to CLE or TOR. Lebron is still the best player in the world, we always struggle with Love and Thomas will want to kill us. They may not be able to play defense, but they have ALOT of offensive firepower. Thomas hasn't looked great so far but between rust and being worked into their offense he will likely get a lot better. It will be a lot closer than last year, but CLE should still be favorites untill we prove otherwise.
-
100% Speculation Doom and Gloom that is pointless to entertain.
In 4 months you have no idea what kind of team the Celtics will be and you have even less idea what kind of team the Cavs will be.
I didn't read this and think "yeah I guess so, we are done the Cavs got this", and no one else should either.
Instead you propose the most obvious story line and easiest one to fall back on. Cavs / Warriors Finals with Warriors winning. How original, thanks for the take.
Not sure what problem you have with all this. It's a REALISTIC take. And we can't speculate on things here? Funny, because A LOT of threads here involve speculation and looking ahead, and sometimes looking at the past and how it's gone in the past can play a role in speculating for the future as well.
I just made a prediction and posted some reasons on why I think so. And some posters on here also agree with my points, while some don't. Leads to good discussion.
-
Even though we've lost 2 straight games, I'm enjoying all this news that the Cavs are imploding. Now we know why Kyrie wanted out and IT is complaining. Now they're blaming Love for everything.
Bron sucks all the oxygen out the room and a drama queen. They're finished...too old and can't play defense.
-
Even though we've lost 2 straight games, I'm enjoying all this news that the Cavs are imploding. Now we know why Kyrie wanted out and IT is complaining. Now they're blaming Love for everything.
Bron sucks all the oxygen out the room and a drama queen. They're finished...too old and can't play defense.
3, still feel the same? ;)
-
Even though we've lost 2 straight games, I'm enjoying all this news that the Cavs are imploding. Now we know why Kyrie wanted out and IT is complaining. Now they're blaming Love for everything.
Bron sucks all the oxygen out the room and a drama queen. They're finished...too old and can't play defense.
3, still feel the same? ;)
OH NO! IT'S EVEN WORSE THAN WE THOUGHT!!
:laugh:
-
Ive never seen a thread made by Phantom that wasnt a doom and gloom thread.
-
Ive never seen a thread made by Phantom that wasnt a doom and gloom thread.
Right, and I've never seen you comment on many of my other purely optimistic ("green glasses") threads, so.. :P
-
Unfortunately the C's are doing a terrible job taking advantage of the current Cavs implosion.
There's now a great chance Toronto takes 1 seed and C's 2nd, which means a potential 2nd round matchup vs CLE (not ideal). That is UNLESS the C's figure it out soon.
-
There's reason to be optimistic. 8)
-
There's reason to be optimistic. 8)
I agree.
The Cavs are a hot mess right now.
Hell, they could be the 4th or 5th, maybe 6th seed.
I'm not worrying a whole lot about them right now.
-
At this point, forget about the 2nd round; I am more worried about seeing them in our 1st round match-up!
Of course it is likely they right the ship - at least a little bit - but they certainly don't look like the same team as in years past. No Love, no Kyrie - big problem!
-
Can OP change the thread title?
I Edited. Profanity and masked profanity are against forum rules and may result in discipline.ING BEING HATE TOLD TO CALM DOWN. &#*#!?#!
-
Can OP change the thread title?
I ****ING BEING HATE TOLD TO CALM DOWN. &#*#!?#!
Okay man, seriously, CALM DOWN!!!
;)
-
If going by the Nick Saban winning championship correlation exists, then yes LeBron is due for another title this year.
-
Tonight, for the first time, I started to buy into the idea that Lebron's reign over the East might be over.
-
Tonight, for the first time, I started to buy into the idea that Lebron's reign over the East might be over.
Welcome to the club. We been here a bit
-
Tonight, for the first time, I started to buy into the idea that Lebron's reign over the East might be over.
Welcome to the club. We been here a bit
It’s a fun club to be a part of
-
I don't believe in Cleveland, but I'm not sure the Celtics can find another scorer that will get us out of the east this season.
We need what only Hayward can bring.
-
Tonight, for the first time, I started to buy into the idea that Lebron's reign over the East might be over.
Welcome to the club. We been here a bit
It’s a fun club to be a part of
There was a smaller club last year, and that one didnt look very fun to be a part of.
-
Tonight, for the first time, I started to buy into the idea that Lebron's reign over the East might be over.
Welcome to the club. We been here a bit
It’s a fun club to be a part of
There was a smaller club last year, and that one didnt look very fun to be a part of.
We gave them a Trojan horse that is destroying their team from the inside.
-
since Lakers don't want to give away their players to make room for Team LeFlop, I guess Bron has to run to Clippers and be with a special handler , cry on my shoulder Doc Rivers. Just don't believe after the Dwight Howard diva experience the Rockets GM or coach would want to to screw up a good team with LeFlop dominating the ball and team.
Clips for the King .......the only throne he has left.
-
I think Toronto has to be the favorite at this point.
-
Until Toronto can show they know how to play in the playoffs, I still like our chances. They do this every year.
I just keep laughing at the Cavs. Ainge just totally fleeced the Cavs. IT and Crowder are shells of themselves. What people don't understand is that Stevens system makes below average players look good and average players look great.
-
Until Toronto can show they know how to play in the playoffs, I still like our chances. They do this every year.
I just keep laughing at the Cavs. Ainge just totally fleeced the Cavs. IT and Crowder are shells of themselves. What people don't understand is that Stevens system makes below average players look good and average players look great.
I had the same opinion about the Raptors before the season but they definitely look like a different team. This isn't the same one dimensional group from years past. Their length, athleticism, and improved bench are all issues we would face in a 7 game series. The pending implosion in Cleveland will only open things up even more. At best we are on a level playing field with the Raptors right now.
-
I think Toronto has to be the favorite at this point.
I still don't believe it. Last night, C's played an awful game on the offensive end, perhaps their worst of the year. Toronto meanwhile played incredibly good with Lowry and Wright hitting amazing shots. Smart and Monroe really would have helped.
-
I think Toronto has to be the favorite at this point.
I mean, we’re still number one in the conference, and we’re tied 1-1 on the season with Toronto with both teams winning once at home. We also didn’t have Smart or Monroe last night, let alone any other bench upgrade we might get tomorrow. And it was pretty clear last night that we just didn’t show up and Toronto took the game very seriously, also playing and shooting quite a bit over their head.
If anything, I think it’s fair to say that both Boston and Toronto are favored to be in the ECF, but it’ll take the rest of the season to determine who is truly favored to come out of the East of the two.
-
Until Toronto can show they know how to play in the playoffs, I still like our chances. They do this every year.
I just keep laughing at the Cavs. Ainge just totally fleeced the Cavs. IT and Crowder are shells of themselves. What people don't understand is that Stevens system makes below average players look good and average players look great.
The last two seasons the Raptors are 3-2 in playoff series. The 2 losses were to the Cavs. I'm not sure how you don't think they've shown you they know how to play in the playoffs already.
-
I'm starting to wonder if Lebron is willing to get bounced out early in the playoffs, since the Cavaliers are in no way built to beat GSW, HOU or SAS in the Finals, and so he could be 3-6 in the Finals after this season.
If their FO really does nothing big at the deadline, I think Lebron's time in CLE officially ends and he might give up on the season.
Still make playoffs but possibly lose to Washington or Toronto in the early rounds (but not Boston since losing to them and Kyrie would actually look even worse).
His body language honestly shows it.
-
Toronto's point differential is quite a bit better than ours. Maybe things will change, maybe Tatum will pull out of his slump and jump a level, maybe monroe will help, maybe Irving has another playoff gear, but I think Toronto is getting pretty underrated this year. Their SRS is closer to Houston and GS than it is to us. Same for ESPN and 538 prediction models.
-
Until Toronto can show they know how to play in the playoffs, I still like our chances. They do this every year.
I just keep laughing at the Cavs. Ainge just totally fleeced the Cavs. IT and Crowder are shells of themselves. What people don't understand is that Stevens system makes below average players look good and average players look great.
The last two seasons the Raptors are 3-2 in playoff series. The 2 losses were to the Cavs. I'm not sure how you don't think they've shown you they know how to play in the playoffs already.
Have you seen Lowry and DeRozan in the playoffs? I'm not saying we would sweep them but I Monroe and Smart would add a different dimension to a series.
-
For those curious, for the first time all season the Cavs have the same odds as the Celtics to get out of the east at 2 to 1. This is pretty incredible given we are missing Hayward. Raptors are 3rd at 2.5 to one. It takes a lot for Vegas to turn on Cavs given their history and they finally have.
-
Until Toronto can show they know how to play in the playoffs, I still like our chances. They do this every year.
I just keep laughing at the Cavs. Ainge just totally fleeced the Cavs. IT and Crowder are shells of themselves. What people don't understand is that Stevens system makes below average players look good and average players look great.
The last two seasons the Raptors are 3-2 in playoff series. The 2 losses were to the Cavs. I'm not sure how you don't think they've shown you they know how to play in the playoffs already.
Have you seen Lowry and DeRozan in the playoffs? I'm not saying we would sweep them but I Monroe and Smart would add a different dimension to a series.
Sure and I've seen them win 3 playoff series in the last two seasons with the losses coming to the Cavs in both those years.
-
Until Toronto can show they know how to play in the playoffs, I still like our chances. They do this every year.
I just keep laughing at the Cavs. Ainge just totally fleeced the Cavs. IT and Crowder are shells of themselves. What people don't understand is that Stevens system makes below average players look good and average players look great.
The last two seasons the Raptors are 3-2 in playoff series. The 2 losses were to the Cavs. I'm not sure how you don't think they've shown you they know how to play in the playoffs already.
Have you seen Lowry and DeRozan in the playoffs? I'm not saying we would sweep them but I Monroe and Smart would add a different dimension to a series.
Sure and I've seen them win 3 playoff series in the last two seasons with the losses coming to the Cavs in both those years.
Those 3 series they won though, I don't think they were all that impressive.
2016 as a 56 win #2 seed:
Went to 7 games against the #7 45-37 Pacers
Went to 7 games against the #3 48-34 Heat
Those were not good looks for a team that was supposed to be at the top of the weak East and had 11 and 8 more regular season wins then their opponents. Those playoff series left you impressed with the Raptors?
2017 as a 51 win #3 seed:
Actually started off 1-2 against the 42 win Bucks. I think they looked legit over the rest of that series though until getting steamrolled by Cleveland in the next round (with an injured Lowry though).
Semi-interesting side note, they lost the 1st game in all 5 of those series. Easy money bet, take the opponent in the 1st game of any Raptors playoff series. ;)
I don't view the Raptors as a team that has shown they can take it to the next level in the playoffs, I've think they've consistently looked very vulnerable to inferior opponents.
Sure sometimes good teams look vulnerable against worse teams, like the C's against Atlanta (and to a lesser extent Cleveland) in '08 or against #8 Philly in '12, or even last year against the Bulls, but they then turn around and look much better against equal or even superior opponents. Have not seen that from the Raptors yet.
-
Until Toronto can show they know how to play in the playoffs, I still like our chances. They do this every year.
I just keep laughing at the Cavs. Ainge just totally fleeced the Cavs. IT and Crowder are shells of themselves. What people don't understand is that Stevens system makes below average players look good and average players look great.
The last two seasons the Raptors are 3-2 in playoff series. The 2 losses were to the Cavs. I'm not sure how you don't think they've shown you they know how to play in the playoffs already.
Have you seen Lowry and DeRozan in the playoffs? I'm not saying we would sweep them but I Monroe and Smart would add a different dimension to a series.
Sure and I've seen them win 3 playoff series in the last two seasons with the losses coming to the Cavs in both those years.
Those 3 series they won though, I don't think they were all that impressive.
2016 as a 56 win #2 seed:
Went to 7 games against the #7 45-37 Pacers
Went to 7 games against the #3 48-34 Heat
Those were not good looks for a team that was supposed to be at the top of the weak East and had 11 and 8 more regular season wins then their opponents. Those playoff series left you impressed with the Raptors?
2017 as a 51 win #3 seed:
Actually started off 1-2 against the 42 win Bucks. I think they looked legit over the rest of that series though until getting steamrolled by Cleveland in the next round (with an injured Lowry though).
Semi-interesting side note, they lost the 1st game in all 5 of those series. Easy money bet, take the opponent in the 1st game of any Raptors playoff series. ;)
I don't view the Raptors as a team that has shown they can take it to the next level in the playoffs, I've think they've consistently looked very vulnerable to inferior opponents.
Sure sometimes good teams look vulnerable against worse teams, like the C's against Atlanta (and to a lesser extent Cleveland) in '08 or against #8 Philly in '12, or even last year against the Bulls, but they then turn around and look much better against equal or even superior opponents. Have not seen that from the Raptors yet.
Pretty strong post here. I don't really understand holding up two 7 game series wins over inferior teams as proof of Lowry and Derozen are impressive in the playoffs. They were big favorites in both those series and underperformed. They also underperformed in their series against the cavs, which should have been a lot more competitive. Now this year their bench is a lot better and they have some exciting length and youth to add into the mix. So, perhaps the past years performance is irrelevant.
-
Welp.
-
Looks like it's still Cleveland's conference, and frankly between Boston and Toronto, I think Toronto is Cleveland's biggest threat, not us. :(
-
For Ainge not to make any moves for shooting\scoring off the bench, I think Hayward is coming back.