Hey everybody,
Let's look at the first round series starting tomorrow (Sunday) and examine what strategies we should consider in making our selections. I'll put in BOLD absolute MUST PICKS at any time they're in true risk of being eliminated and list their season average in PRABS (points-rebounds-assists-blocks-steals). To be clear, just because I have them in BOLD doesn't mean I'm advising that you pick them in this round.
Memphis (8) @ Oklahoma City (1)
This is perhaps the only series that can be presumably called in the Western Conference. OKC had the best point differential in NBA history. They mean business and will not lose in the 1st round.
Top Picks:
MIL: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 53.85 PRABS
OKC: Jalen Williams 40.34 PRABS
MEM: Ja Morant 37.06 PRABS
MEM: Desmond Band 34.13 PRABS
Orlando (7) @ Boston (2)
We should all be extremely confident in Boston here. They're on a mission to repeat and Orlando is not a true threat to a healthy Celtics team. Confidently pick some Magic players; at least the top 2 guys as listed below.
Top Picks:
BOS: Jayson Tatum 50.08 PRABS
BOS: Jalen Brown 38.86 PRABS
BOS: Kristaps Porzingis 36.11 PRABS
ORL: Paolo Banchero 40.19 PRABS
ORL: Franz Wagner 37.16 PRABS
Miami (8) @ Cleveland (1)
Another easy one. Miami will put up a fight, but Cleveland will prevail. You can confidently pick at least the top 2 Heat players
Top Picks:
MIA: Tyler Herro 37.09 PRABS
MIA: Bam Adebayo 36.62 PRABS
CLE: Evan Mobley 42.39 PRABS
CLE: Donovan Mitchell 40.85 PRABS
GS (7) @ Houston (2)
This is the tough call series of the day to avoid until much later. The Warriors aren't playing like a 7 seed lately and they have championship dna. Houston is young and hungry, but this will be a battle that is simply too close to call at the moment.
Top Picks:
HOU: Alperin Sengun 45.04 PRABS
GS: Stephen Curry 43.04 PRABS
GS: Jimmy Butler 37.16 PRABS
Schedule look ahead:
MEM/OKC have their Game 2 on Tuesday.
The others have their Game 2 on Wednesday.
Who are you picking?
Got Banchero next. Should be excited for his day 1 playoffs.
ReplyDeleteHere’s the thing. He’s look awful in some previous series openers, like a deer in headlights. I’m not comfortable trusting him. The Celtics could literally blow them off the floor in Game 1.
DeleteWolves play D.
ReplyDeleteLakers no D.
Listen... Luka kept playing after hurting his left quad (again). I tell you. Pick him now in G2. That quad is not going to feel better anytime soon. Looks like Wolves own the Lakers anyways.
I’m not buying this. Lakers can still win. I’m a bit shocked they lost the first game but my level of worry is not very high yet honestly.
DeleteI got Hero today ,Gianis tomorow BTW Giannis points didnt show up in our league A few picked him ? anyone else ? Why no Hero love ?
ReplyDeleteI contacted them via email they are aware. They are looking to fix.
DeleteYeah I’m confident they’ll get this fixed. They can retroactively correct thing so it’ll get done.
DeleteI am not going to be original this time (though 22 from KP was decent enough to not have any regrets). Banchero today, and as I said Cade Cunningham on Monday are my next picks
ReplyDeleteI feel ya. Hard not to feel confident in Banchero’s floor. But he and Franz are still guys I’m much more comfortable picking at home as they can be serious bricklayers at times.
DeleteYeah, and there's always risk of a blowout, as it just happened in the Thunder game. But I didn't really feel confident about picking anyone else either. And you never know if you will need to pick other players later, when he plays at home
DeleteBanchero showed me that he's the real deal. He's gonna play 40+ min with big stats probably every game.
DeleteDaren
DeleteIm hoping Banchero gets over 45 when i take him next game.,
Delete