(7) Philadelphia 76ers                 (2) Miami Heat 

Finally the playoffs are here (well not really as I write this) with the most anticipated team in the universe at any moment in time playing its first playoff game as a team. The Miami Heat will host the Philadelphia 76ers, a team they have beaten every time they faced off in the regular season with scores of 97-87, 99-90, and 111-99.  Many believe this is the best-case scenario for Miami, as this series should allow them to have growing pains and still win a series easily.   This series will go six games at most, but I believe we will see a five games series.

                       

 Doug Collins                         Coach     Erik Sproelstra

As an associate of mine mentioned on our podcast, the match up that Miami wants to and will take advantage of is Dwyane Wade on Jodie Meeks.  The Heat have no problem playing one man basketball as they have two of them capable of doing it on any giving night. These two players playing together is an incredible bond that is very rare, this is like having Charles Barkley with Julius Irving joining, people back in the day wouldn’t be scared? The Miami Heat’s bench will always be of question, and this is the test of time.  Most of these veterans know their roles, and their age helps them remember.  They just need to handle the dirty work, because we know Chris Bosh doesn’t like to dive on the ground (happy I added you in here Chris?).  Udonis Haslem returning would be huge for them, but they can’t count in it, as Juwan, Ziggy, and Joel have done well for what was expected. The best thing for Miami right now is that they haven’t played their best basketball or basketball they are capable of. 

Philadelphia overachieved big time this year. Elton Brand came back to life (must be Pat’s Cheesesteak) and they are over .500!  The two factors about the 76ers I found this season is coaching and their young talent.  Philadelphia now has a handful of young talent (trading chips). I expect these games to be close with Miami pulling away in the end, or getting a lot of free throws.  Philadelphia lacks outside shooting if they fail to close in on the Heat's three point shooters because they are extending too much energy preventing Lebron and Dwyane, they will then find themselves behind deep, and early. The good spot and reason I was thinking they would win two games was because of Doug Collins, who is a nominee for Coach of the Year (I think Tom Thibodeau gets it).  Doug has taken some young talent and made them shine this year.  The lockout will effect this team the most, as I think they can build on something.  The only thing to keep in mind is Philadelphia has nothing to lose and Miami has everything to lose, that is a factor for their side.

Surprisingly to most, Miami ranks 15^th in three point attempts this year, but sit seventh in percentage.  The problem with the Heat is you HAVE to guard Lebron and Wade first and foremost, you want to be beat by Mike Miller, Joel Anthony, and Eddie House, you can live with that (well no you couldn’t) but it’s better than allowing the three stars to combine to 90 points.  Defending those Lebron and Wade with the least amount of help possible is the best way to go to prevent the Heat bench to make it rain, however most teams aren’t equipped with that ability.  The 76ers are one of those teams, but their young athletic players could give the Heat trouble but these Heat player’s aren’t in their 30’s. Originally I was feeling Philadelphia to snag a couple of wins and scare Miami, who has been playing inconsistent all year, but I think Doug Collins would be happy with a single win.  The future is bright for Philadelphia right now but the shine on the Larry O’Brien is brighter for Miami.