The Raptors Get Goofy In 2008 Playoffs
By Walter DubowecJust as I predicted, the Raptors closed out their season on an expected 3-2 run to finish at a disappointing 41-41. The good news is they have the 17th pick in the upcoming 2008 NBA Draft.
Now they must head down to Disneyworld in Orlando to face the 50-32 Magic led by Superman Dwight Howard and the likely winner of the Most Improved Player award - Hedo Turkuglo.
Gone are the days of tremendous animosity by Raptor fans towards the Magic. Former Public Enemy #1, T-Mac has moved to Houston - so there will be no Vince-like venom spewed in Toronto towards the opposing Magic team.
By the way, the Magic enjoyed a 2-1 record against the Raptors this year.
Of course, this is the preferred playoff match up for the Raptors and many fans here in the Big Smoke are predicting a Raptors series victory.
Is it possible? Yes.
Is it likely? No.
Say what you want about how statistically even the two teams are, but the Magic are superior in the most important category - W's. The Magic have proven they can get it done in crunch time - hence 52 wins.
The Raptors' .500 record proves they are an average team who has not played consistent basketball all season. Yes, injuries have been a factor, but even when healthy the Raptors have struggled. They play poor defence, particularly on the perimeter and rely too much on their jump shot.
For the Raptors to win the series, there needs to be a major tightening of the defence. On the other side of the ball, our jump shooters need to be dead eye accurate. The Raptors need to be shooting north of 45% and Bargnani, Delfino and Kapono must fill it up off the bench.
I'm not one for detailed analysis and predictions going into a playoff round. There are too many factors to consider. Most of what you think will happen, 'doesn't' and what you don't predict to occur, 'does'.
Orlando's big three are a major concern
My primary concern lies in the strength of Orlando's big three of Howard (20.9 ppg), Turkuglo (19.6 ppg) and Lewis (18.3 ppg). I'm not sure the Raptors can control them consistently throughout the series.
Also, Stan Van Gundy provides the Magic with a coaching advantage over Sam Mitchell.
The Raptors' point guards and bench is superior to Orlando's and therein may lie the Raptors best chances to negate the impact of Orlando's big three and win the series.
If the Raptors are to win the series, I would guess they'd have to win Game 7 in Orlando. However, the odds are slim.
As much as I want the Toronto Raptors to prevail, my prediction is the Orlando Magic win the series in 6 games, maybe 7.
Let's hope I'm dead wrong!
Yesterday I watched the double OT game between the Suns and Spurs. Two points to argue came to mind
- why is the East so bad and why sould the Eastern conference fans pay the same ticket prices ?
- with so far to go to contend should BC trade up or down ?
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