I’ve decided to run a series of posts upon the Heat’s likely playoff opponents, starting with the first round.
With just over 10 games remaining in the season, the picture is becoming a little clearer as to who will be playing who, at least in Miami’s case.
Currently the Heat sit 3rd in the East, tied with wins for Boston but having lost one more game. Boston’s poor run of recent form combined with Miami’s 7 wins from their past 8 games has seen the Heat back in the chase for a top 2 seed, with Chicago having all but sealed that first place in the East. It would take an uncharacteristic period of the Bulls to be dethroned from that title.
So if the season finished right now, Miami would be facing the 76ers, a rejuvenated team under coach Doug Collins. So let’s preview that potential first round match up.
The 76ers recorded a miserable 27 and 55 last season, which saw TV analyst and Hall of Famer Doug Collins step in and take over control. They have already beaten last year’s mark by 10 wins, still with 10 games to play.
Overview:
The 10/11 season has seen the return to form of former All Star Elton Brand, who is leading the team in points (14.9) and rebounds (8.9).
Andre Igoudala again remains as one of only two players in the league to average at least 6 rebounds and at least 6 assists. The other has this blog named after him. Igoudala has had his lowest scoring season since his sophmore year, which can be put down to a number of issues, mainly the 76ers philosophy of sharing the ball but also the emergence of Jrue Holiday and the form of Elton Brand.
Sophmore Jrue Holiday has developed into one of the finer young point guards in the game under Coach Collins, and has helped define this new 76ers team. The steady contributions from Thaddeus Young, another fine young talent, and the ever exciting Lou Williams gives the 76ers a balance that has allowed them to return to the playoffs. They are one of the most balanced teams in the league, and the majority of this balance comes in the form of young talent. No doubt the future is bright for the 76ers.
The 76ers show a lot of depth with players like Speights, Meeks and Hawes all serving time coming off the bench. This is one of the two areas where Philly can really hurt the Heat.
Best Player:
Andre Igoudala, despite the common rumours linking him away from the city of brotherly love, remains a 76er and remains their best player. Igoudala has the potential to be a superstar yet the lack of talent and the weight of a franchise and a city that is as critical of their players as any fans in America, has stopped Igoudala from fulfilling his immense talent. Every now and then we see flashes of Igoudala at his best
Igoudala burns em
but too often do we see the guy who takes too many jump shots when he shoots just over 44% from the field in his career, and also the guy that likes to hover around half way so he can make Sportscenter’s Top 10, despite him being a pretty good defender. Igoudala is a terrific support player, but has shown he cannot carry a team into contention.
Most Dangerous Player:
I am going to call this a tie between two players who can terrorise Miami, both in different ways, yet both from the same position. The reason these two could hurt Miami is because of their question mark over this position and their ability to defend it. I say the most dangerous players are Jrue Holiday and Lou Williams. We all know Lou Williams can pour in 30 points in the blink of an eye, we also know he can become disjointed, selfish and lazy. You never know what you’re going to get with Lou, but that worries Miami.Just ask Dwyane Wade;
Lou Williams Dunk
As for Holiday, he has the tools to command and lead a team, something Miami does not have from this position. Holiday has an old head, is a real student of the game and poses a threat with his playmaking and outside shooting. He had a fairly unnoticeable rookie season, but has established himself as a part of this illustrious group of young point guards who are now taking over the league.
Match ups:
The most intriguing match up will be the Igoudala-Wade or Igoudala-LeBron showdown as all three players can turn it on and quite possibly hold each night’s Top 10 plays between them. Igoudala has the ability to shutdown anyone in the league, which we have seen before, and that could be the key to Philadelphia winning a couple of games come playoff time. Brand will certainly worry Bosh in the low post and on the glass. Thaddeus Young will likely cover James if Igoudala has Wade, which is another battle to watch as both players can get it done on each end of the court. Holiday and Williams could have a field day on Bibby whilst Chalmers sits.
Conclusions:
Whilst the 76ers should hold their heads high follwing a terrific season, it should come to a screeching hault come playoff time if they come up against Miami. Whilst they perhaps brag better depth than Miami and still offer some match up issues, the 76ers are a good player or two off becoming a genuine threat to the Heat.
Prediction:
Miami in 4.
