.: Blog:
Approaching the median strip….
It is time to evaluate the contenders to look set to battle out for UBA2 glory this season: (advance apologies to DEN, LAC, NY, IND and ORL)
East
CHARLOTTE: The bobcats have established themselves as EC favourites after dominating the second ¼ of the season. They enjoy a 12 point differential between points made/allowed and seem to have overcome early season jitters to gel into a formidable team. Prediction: UBA2 winners
MIAMI: The back-to-back champs are mounting a solid three-peat campaign. They have back-to-back MVP and evergreen leadership cast of Duncan and Billups The loss of Murphys rebounding hurt the team and despite Wright and Matthews improving this season there is certainly not the air of invincibility of previous years. Wright has already been offered up – will MIA secure the rebounding 4/5 it needs to get over the line? Complete lack of bench depth may finally undo the mighty champs.
CHICAGO: Some deliberate off-season moves created a single season beast in the windy city. Garnett/Odom and Lee are a formidable frontcourt and the Bulls have options abound with a deep supporting cast. Prediction: Will make EC finals but fall short against CHA.
NEW JERSEY: Has made several moves and has put together a strong 7. A dark horse at this stage, but perhaps the team no one wants to face in the playoffs. Prediction: throw a blanket over NJ/CHI/MIA but all will find it tough to beat those bobcats over a 7 game series.
West
SAN ANTONIO SPURS: A team that has made excellent draft selections and has been a model of patience holding onto a couple of oft injured or underperforming bigs. This squad has come together nicely and enjoys a 9 point differential. A good mix of superstars/stars and role players there is everything to like going into the second half of the season, the playoffs and beyond. Prediction: WC champion.
LA LAKERS: The Lakers are the WC dark horses. They continue to inexplicably dominate the league with a team devoid of star power, but 10 deep and all willing to play complementary roles. They are the adage: sum is greater than its parts! I predict there will be consolidation of this team before the trade deadline to improve chances come playoffs, but at this stage who would dare mess with such success? An 11 point differential explains record thus far.
SACRAMENTO: Our esteemed Commish has once put together a solid team around superstar Wade. Humphries carries a heavy load up front and needs support if this squad wants to return to the finals. A dominant defensive squad it currently has a 12 point differential so it doesn’t need to score truckloads but prefers to suffocate opposing teams with their defensive prowess.
GOLDEN STATE: Tough to predict the Warriors. They have the best C/SG combo in the league with Howard/Kobe. They addressed their PG problem nicely with Calderon. Despite having the best defensive C they only have a blow average team defence and only enjoy a 3 point differential. I believe they need a rebounding 4 man to capitalise on rebound advantage of Howard, but what have they got to trade? Bench depth is an issue for the warriors which might be their undoing come playoff time. Prediction: think they would pip the clippers but will be 1st/2nd round fodder against the western teams above.
Notable snub: PORTLAND: A stellar start to the season for a good squad. The cracks have started to appear of late and injuries will continue to hurt the Blazers going forward. Despite the success I don’t see a genuine threat to the teams above over a series.
-Web
Management
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