Figure this is a good thread to move on from the "shoulda woulda coulda" points surrounding our opponents. Tuesday night will determine whether we play Philly or Miami. Who will you be rooting for on Tuesday and thus, who do you want to see us play and why?
I'm trying to go purely with my gut based on who I want to see win this game. I'm so torn I can't really figure this out.
I think Miami has less talent but their style scares me a bit. They execute at an elite level, their shooters can be tough to deal with, Bam always gives us loads of problems on defense. Spo gives them an edge against everyone. I think we have made roster adjustments to alleviate things they exposed last year. Our deep shooting is much better and will soften their half court defense. iHart getting bulk of the C minutes will also be a different look where they cannot ignore both Mitch and Josh. We have OG to shadow Butler. Not a better player on the league to place on him.
With Philly we are dealing with an MVP caliber player and an all NBA caliber player, but style wise and positional matchups we fit pretty good against them. Proof is in the matchups during the season. Embiid's health is shaky and he does not deal with playoff pressure well. They play a half court game that will play into our defense's hands. They will probably throw size on Brunson which is what they've historically done. Lowry is always a thorn in our side.
I went into this post thinking I'd rather see Philly but I think I'm leaning towards Miami being my preferred opponent.
MIA - we have OG to defend Butler now and Butler is getting up there in age. And our shooting is much better now with OG and DDV and even Miles. We also will most likely have the best player on the court.
PHI was a dominant team with Embidd this season and he can easily be the best player on the court in that series. Mitch is also hurting.
Philly, easily. Embiid isn't 100% and who knows if he can last an entire series. Philly would also be Villanova/Knicks heavy.
Miami is a seasoned experienced team with one of the best playoff players the last few years and the best HC in the entire league. They made the Finals last year, could have swept us last year and recently beat us. And they don't fear or get phased by the Garden.
I'd rather play Phi.
Embiid gonna be rusty. And Miami plays dirty and Spo is an evil genius.
Miami. More gratifying to beat them then Philly.
I really dont care. Both have dangers. Both have things we can exploit. I do not believe we are at any coaching disadvantage regardless of Spo's greatness. Dont tell me he didnt care about winning that IST cash. Dude just got divorced.
Despite Nalod being a weirdo I agree with him on this one. Knocking out Miami in any fashion would be super gratifying
I actually think we could gentleman's sweep them. We just have too much depth. If we get some decent play from McBride/Boj/Mitch they are phucked. Prolly see some Precious on Bam
all I can say is be careful what you ask for
If you factor in the likelihood of Bam injuring one of our players, I'll go with Philly.
nycdan wrote:If you factor in the likelihood of Bam injuring one of our players, I'll go with Philly.
what's funny is Heat dodos on Reddit think we injure their guys. Their style does not scare me and Im quite confident it doesnt scare the Nova guys, OG, our centers or Precious who was there. Getting physical w/ Brunson is not going to work out well for you. I think for this reason I like to face Miami... whatever. This isnt the NFL. There is no easy road. The notion that Rick Carlisle's Pacers are some kind of cakewalk is nuts to me.
nycdan wrote:If you factor in the likelihood of Bam injuring one of our players, I'll go with Philly.
Our bigs have to be able to match any of Bams actions.
Let Philly beat Boston and we beat Miami in the first round. Then we play Philly in the ECF with a vulnerable Embid, can't see how he can get more healthy in two more rounds.
Panos wrote:I'd rather play Phi.
Embiid gonna be rusty. And Miami plays dirty and Spo is an evil genius.
PHI was 8 in a row when Embidd came back.
nycericanguy wrote:Panos wrote:I'd rather play Phi.
Embiid gonna be rusty. And Miami plays dirty and Spo is an evil genius.
PHI was 8 in a row when Embidd came back.
Yeah, but we have the Malachi brothers.
Celtics then the Nuggets.
Alpha1971 wrote:Let Philly beat Boston and we beat Miami in the first round. Then we play Philly in the ECF with a vulnerable Embid, can't see how he can get more healthy in two more rounds.
I think Boston handles Phili in a short series. Heat have the Celtic's # and are totally in their head. That's our "easiest" path is not having to play the Celtics cause the Heat knocked them off
I want Miami because they suck and we need to get that monkey off our backs. Mad respect for the Heat and Spo and those guys always seem to stay close and find a way.
No poll?
Missed opportunity!
We have beef with both, but oooooohhhhhhhhhh how beautiful life is when a Knicks team beats and eliminates a Heat team!
SupremeCommander wrote:all I can say is be careful what you ask for
We are getting one of them anyway.
