I'm glad that we play the Magic

[Drucci]

Whatever the outcome of this series is, I just wanted to share my thoughts about this round before it begins.

I'm glad that the Celtics play Orlando because I like this Magic team. I like their roster, their style of play and their attitude. It's a team that shows a lot of respect for its opponents and that enjoys playing the game. The only person I can't stand in this team is Van Gundy but whatever.

Of course I'll be cheering for the Celtics and I see them winning this series in 6. But I think it's good to play a team that deserves some respect and "love" (in my opinion), especially after a hard fought series against the Bulls. I can't stand Noah, Miller and Gordon anymore. I can't stand the Bulls fans anymore. It may be the "playoffs effect" but as far as I know, I think that this series will be different from this standpoint and it's great to play a series against a team that you respect in a way, ala Pistons last year.

Plus, the Magic's fans seem to be good fans to speak and debate with, that's why I signed up on Third Quarter Collapse, to express the same feelings that I'm expressing here. I'm hoping for a Celtics' series win but also for a "peaceful" fans community discussions, because after all playoffs basketball doesn't necessarily mean that you've got to hate the opponent (and man, I do hate the Bulls, I didn't know it would go to that point).

PS : maybe that I'll look back on this thread in a few weeks with a totally different mentality, but we'll see.

[RedVision]

im glad to play the Magic.

1. Their overall offense is not terribly difficult to defend or prepare for. Let Howard get his, but keep him off the offensive glass
2. Too many 3's. When you rely on the 3 you die by the 3
3. Stan Van Gundy....i love seeing him frustrated
4. Dwight howard. Doesn't have a back to the basket game or any offensive move. Rather he gets his points from the line, alley oops and put backs
5. Courtney Lee was playing well now he's out a few games
6. Not the quality of athletes as Chi had in Kirk H, Ben Gordon, Salmons, Rose
7. Rondo will have the ability to double down on Howard with Skip not as much of a threat as Rose
8. Skip and Anthony Johnson have NO chance of gaurding rondo. Which may lead to Howard helping and picking up fouls
9. They have no solid defensive wing players who have the ability to gaurd Ray Allen.
10. Im assuming JJ Redick will be gaurding Allen 

[MetroGlobe]

How on Earth are they going to defend Ray Allen?  JJ Reddick is their starting 2 guard.  Yikes. . . I'd be really worried about that right now if I were a Magic fan.

How is he going to chase him around picks?  How is he going to be able to get a hand in Ray's face on his jumper?  What a mismatch!!

[greg683x]

im glad to play the Magic.

1. Their overall offense is not terribly difficult to defend or prepare for. Let Howard get his, but keep him off the offensive glass
2. Too many 3's. When you rely on the 3 you die by the 3
3. Stan Van Gundy....i love seeing him frustrated
4. Dwight howard. Doesn't have a back to the basket game or any offensive move. Rather he gets his points from the line, alley oops and put backs
5. Courtney Lee was playing well now he's out a few games
6. Not the quality of athletes as Chi had in Kirk H, Ben Gordon, Salmons, Rose
7. Rondo will have the ability to double down on Howard with Skip not as much of a threat as Rose
8. Skip and Anthony Johnson have NO chance of gaurding rondo. Which may lead to Howard helping and picking up fouls
9. They have no solid defensive wing players who have the ability to gaurd Ray Allen.
10. Im assuming JJ Redick will be gaurding Allen 

This is going to be the biggest problem in the series.  Perk is really the only guy we have that can REALLY lock down Howard, and you have to worry about foul trouble with Perk.  Its going to be a huge concern all series, especially with the way the refs will be treating Howard.  Big Baby is wide enough to box out Howard but even though Howard has very little offensive game, he doesnt have a realiable nice little baby hook in the post.  That shots a nonfactor with Perk guarding him, but it'll be a huge factor when the 6'8" Glen Davis is guarding him.  The outcome of this situation with decide the series IMO.  Orlando can die by the 3 very easily, but when Howards able to dominate the offensive glass, it almost balances out the horrible shot selection by the other Magic players.