Populous census - Expert’s take on Second round

[coco]

Populous census - Expert’s take on Second round

The popular census around the so called experts is that:

1) The Cavs will win the East
2) The Magic and Cavs will play for the Conference title
3) Teams should avoid playing against the Cavs in round 2

I can see the logic on these points, and I almost agree, but has anyone stopped and asked What if this is all wrong?, What if the Cs start playing pre-Christmas basketball?, Would the Magic rather play the Hawks or the Cs on round 2?,  How about the Cavs, would they rather play ATL or the Cs on round 2?

I know the Cs have not shown much for about 3 months now, and most likely it’s more of the norm from now-on…..but what if for the next 2 months, the Cs revert to pre-Christmas form?  Who wants to play the 2008 Champs on round 2? 

I can tell you one thing.  I am not really sure the Cavs want to play us on round 2.....I know for sure the Magic don't....

[PosImpos]

It'll be Cavs Magic in the ECF.  I'll be floored if it isn't.

I believe the Magic will go to the Finals.  Aside from a weak stretch in the middle of the season, they've been pretty great.

Anybody who pretends they know what's going to happen out West is either lying or delusional.  There are 4 or 5 teams out West who could realistically go to the Finals (I'm not sure about winning it).

[Who]

It'll be Cavs Magic in the ECF.  I'll be floored if it isn't.

Agreed -- I'm not sure who I like to win that series.

Orlando still cause the Cavs major matchup problems but Orlando needs Vince and Jameer to play well offensively to win and my confidence level in that happening is still shaky. However, Cleveland's offense has more weapons that last season and shouldn't struggle the way they did last year.

It's shaping up to be a very interesting series.

[PosImpos]

It'll be Cavs Magic in the ECF.  I'll be floored if it isn't.

Agreed -- I'm not sure who I like to win that series.

Orlando still cause the Cavs major matchup problems but Orlando needs Vince and Jameer to play well offensively to win and my confidence level in that happening is still shaky. However, Cleveland's offense has more weapons that last season and shouldn't struggle the way they did last year.

It's shaping up to be a very interesting series.

Well, if you believe Bill Simmons, "no team that relies on Vince Carter can win 4 straight series."  I'm not so sure how true that is, but we'll see.

I think the Cavs still have yet to prove that they are a great playoff team; I think in a playoff series it's safer to bet on the team with the best front court, and unless Shaq plays really well and Rashard plays like crap I think Orlando has the edge there.  Great centers win playoff games.

Stan Van Gundy is also a far, far better coach than Mike Brown.

[Who]

Orlando still creates the same matchup issues they created last season with Rashard Lewis at the four. Allows Dwight to work one-on-one. Gives Lewis a money-matchup. Makes their team defense very difficult. Stops Cleveland from defending the pick and roll at a good level.

For me, this matchup is all about how well Orlando takes advantage of that fact. They need Vince and Jameer to be aggressive scorers via the pick and roll (and for Vince to be more of a passer -- can't believe I've had to say that so often this season) in order to beat Cleveland.

I still do not think Cleveland are capable of stopping the Magic's offense when the Magic are playing/executing well.