Which team would give the heat a bigger challenge?

[DeadlyDynasty]

If we can take the Heat to 6 games, I'll consider it a moral victory. Without Bradley to check Wade/Lebron at times, Pierce will be too busy using energy on D to really focus on offense. The only way I see the C's winning is if Rondo plays amazingly AND KG is able to score 15+ every night. Tall orders.

KG will easily score 15+ ppg, especially with an absent (or severely limited) Bosh not making him work on the defensive end. KG should put up great numbers this series.

The problem is that Allen looks pretty bad right now and PP always gets locked down by LBJ. Rondo is not the major mismatch that all the analysts think he is against Miami. Chalmers actually holds his own against him. Even w/o Bosh, this is a 5 game series MAX, with a good chance of sweep.

[mavsfan1000]

KG will easily score 15+ ppg, especially with an absent (or severely limited) Bosh not making him work on the defensive end. KG should put up great numbers this series.

The problem is that Allen looks pretty bad right now and PP always gets locked down by LBJ. Rondo is not the major mismatch that all the analysts think he is against Miami. Chalmers actually holds his own against him. Even w/o Bosh, this is a 5 game series MAX, with a good chance of sweep.

Haslem is a good defender.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Haslem is a good defender.

But he won't make KG work on the other end. The Heat have nobody to make KG play both ways if Bosh is out, thus conserving the majority of his energy on offense. Look for him to be aggressive and get Haslem, Anthony, whomever in foul trouble early and often.

[mavsfan1000]

But he won't make KG work on the other end. The Heat have nobody to make KG play both ways if Bosh is out, thus conserving the majority of his energy on offense. Look for him to be aggressive and get Haslem, Anthony, whomever in foul trouble early and often.

Haslem can conserve his energy strictly for defense knowing he doesn't have to be relied on offensively. It goes both ways. He did a good job on Dirk in the finals. He is an annoying pest.

[KD4MVP]

I would of given Boston a legit shot if Bradley was healthy, he's one of the better on the ball defenders in the league. And Allen doesn't look close to the same, they have no one to control Wade.

If they can keep Wade/James at around 50-55 PPG combined, they are in good shape, if they combine for 65-70+ combined, they are screwed.

As for KG, he should have his way with whoever they put on him, he owned Bosh when he did play them, now without him, he should have a monster series.

And if i'm Doc, i throw a zone at them, and make them jump-shooters, pack the paint, make the Miller, Battier, Haslem, Chalmers, etc beat me somewhat.

All that said, Miami in 5 or 6, but i think Boston can win this series though especially with Bosh out.

All about matchups.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Haslem can conserve his energy strictly for defense knowing he doesn't have to be relied on offensively. It goes both ways. He did a good job on Dirk in the finals. He is an annoying pest.

No, it doesn't go both ways because you're assuming Haslem is even close to KG in terms of productivity (on either side of the ball). He's not.

[Latarian Milton]

philly's size would cause some troubles with us imho, we're still getting through it but ain't gonna be easy. celts have tons of playoff experience and KG is playing like 10yrs younger, but the low-post D would be the last thing concerning me if we play the celtics since they don't have much talent there either

[mavsfan1000]

No, it doesn't go both ways because you're assuming Haslem is even close to KG in terms of productivity (on either side of the ball). He's not.

His athleticism was never in question. There are a lot of athletes in the nba. Haslem just never developed the skill needed to be a scorer. But that doesn't mean he isn't annoying to play against. I guess Bruce Bowen against Kobe couldn't be effective given your stupid theory that the best defense is offense.

[Josepatches_]

Either way Miami probably wins in 5 though.

This