Reevaluating My Evaluations

My round 1 predictions haven’t been awful, as of right now I only think one series won’t go to the winner I chose. While the number of games might not be perfect, I got the winner.

Heat vs. Hawks

I originally said Heat in 4. Got that wrong when Trae Young and the Hawks found value in not using that timeout so that they could get out and run instead of letting the Heat draw up a defensive scheme in the final seconds, leading to the Trae Young floater with 4 seconds left. However, in this entire series, Trae Young was put in jail. He averaged 15.4PPG on absolutely horrible efficiency while being punished in the post on the other end by PJ Tucker. The Heat are just the perfect defensive matchup for the Hawks as they could switch 1-5 on every pick-and-roll.

In the next round, they will play either the Sixers or the Raptors, and should win that series as well. I’ll do a more in depth story on that when we know who is playing against Miami. However, initial thoughts on the upcoming series.

Heat in 6 vs. Philly, Heat in 5 vs. Toronto

Celtics vs. Nets

The only reason I did not pick a sweep was because I wanted to be in attendance for game 5. That of course, did not happen. Kyrie Irving’s positive comments about the Celtics after game 2 made it seem like they were just going to lay down. Forcing Kevin Durant to see multiple sets of hands at all times was a great look, as no one else could really provide a lot for Brooklyn on a consistent basis.

Bucks vs. Bulls

Besides game 2, this series went exactly how I would have imagined. A lot of the Bulls not being able to contain Giannis due to a lack of skilled defensive big-men mixed with a lot of DeMar DeRozan not having the best games of his season. Predictable except for when DeMar went absolutely nuclear in game 2. With no Zach LaVine to alleviate pressure for Chicago’s offense in game 5, they stood no chance.

For the upcoming Bucks and Celtics series, hearing that Middleton will be out is a huge problem for the defending champions. Without a premier shot creator like Khris Middleton, I just don’t see the Bucks repeating.

Celtics win. I don’t know how many games. Could be 5. Could be 7. But, Celtics win. I’ll have a number on it later.

Sixers vs. Raptors

After looking totally defeated after game 3, Nick Nurse might have one of the hardest quotes of all time if they continue to turn this around and win. The game plan of forcing Harden to defend on the perimeter has worked out. Also, Embiid’s thumb issue is absolutely a contributing factor in his play, as the long arms of Toronto continue to swipe at him. Toronto has also been getting Siakam easier looks in the paint, and Gary Trent’s shooting has been a huge help for the roster.

I predicted a Sixers sweep, and I could not have been more wrong. We got ourselves a series. Not just any series, but a series with historical implications. I’m drinking the Kool-Aid. Raptors in 7.

Suns vs. Pelicans

If Devin Booker does not go down, this series is already cooked. However, the rookie combo of Jose Alvarado and Herb Jones has been super impactful on the defensive end for New Orleans. Jose has been picking up CP3 full court, fighting over screens, and causing unreal frustration like nobody’s business. Herb Jones has been a 2-way machine, blocking shots and running the floor on the other end. However, Phoenix has found a way to deal with it, getting help from the rest of the roster like Cameron Johnson and Cam Payne.

The Suns should finish this team off tonight.

Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves

In my last article, I said that the Grizzlies would win in 6. To me, that will hold up after the Grizzlies win in Minnesota tomorrow night. Ja Morant has been getting catches closer to the rim, while Minnesota has these long stretches of not being able to score. Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane have been absolute money from behind the line as well. For Memphis, Jaren Jackson has to stop committing bad fouls so that he can actually stay on the floor and be a threat.

Warriors vs. Nuggets

I actually called this series correctly down to the number of games. The Warriors small lineup was too much for Denver to deal with, as the quick ball movement and speed from each player was causing havoc on Denver’s defensive schemes. Go under on screens, open 3. Switch on screens, mismatch and blow by to the rim. Go over on screens, Draymond or others slip to the rim leading to a kick-out behind the line or a lob under the basket. Hedge a screen, get split because the ball handler is quicker than both Nuggets defenders. Nothing Jokic could do, but he definitely left it all out on the floor.

No matter who Golden State plays in the next series, I am very confident that they will win.

Golden State in 5 against whoever.

Mavericks vs. Jazz

I think I will also correctly call this series after tonight. The Mavericks defense can be suffocating at times, and if Donovan Mitchell can’t hit difficult shots, the game is already over. The addition of Luka into the lineup took a game to figure out, but it’s back to normal now. If the Mavs had Tim Hardaway Jr. as well, they probably end this series in 5. Alas, no Tim, so they will close it out tonight, as the poor perimeter defense of the Jazz puts in no effort to close out correctly on shooters.

I do not know who will win between Phoenix and Dallas because it all rests on Booker. If no Booker until late, I like Dallas. If he returns by game 3, Phoenix could take it. Talk later.

Celtics and Bucks Series Preview

Who’s really to Blame for the Nets Sweep