Below is Elite Sports Investing's Eastern Conference NBA Playoff Preview, taken from the website, www.elitesportsinvesting.com. In the full version of this article on the website, ESI also gives predictions for the Western Conference. There is also a complimentary play on the website as well as NBA playoff rate info, and pay-after-you-win selections. Later today, a comp. Western Conference Series Play will be added.
ESI is monitored by Sports Watch (www.sportswatch.ws) and is the only service that made the 2005-2006 Sports Watch top 5 in NFL and NCAA football as well as NBA and NCAA basketball. You'll find our info second to none, and the rates very reasonable. No intense advertising, no gimmicks, simply good ole' fashioned sports handicapping! An additional Bonus Play can be found on the comp. line (412)734-8435 (no caller ID, you will NOT be called back!)
Enjoy and Good luck in this year's playoffs!
NBA Eastern Conference Playoff Preview
Milwaukee at Detroit - The Milwaukee Bucks are a good young team, and looking ahead, I don't expect too many more years in the 8th playoff spot. SG Redd is one of the NBA's top 5 at the position, and with the continued development of C/PF Bogut and diamond in the rough combo guard Bell, the future is bright.
However, the future is not this year, as Detroit is simply too good. Flip Saunders has helped this team's offense reach the level of its defense, and despite coasting over the last 2 months, the Pistons are the team to beat in the NBA this year. On defense, the Pistons allow a mediocre 45% from the field, but they simply do not let teams beat them on the free throw line (under 21 attempts/game)or from behind the arc (league best 33% on only 12 attempts/game). Offensively, Detroit sports an awesome 2.22/1 asst/TO ratio, as they are the league's best perimeter passing team. Thanks to the addition of Tony Delk and the return of Kelvin Cato from injury, the Pistons are deeper than ever on the bench.
The Bucks blew out the Pistons in a game last week that meant everything to Milwaukee and nothing at all to Detroit. That should serve as a little bit of motivation in Game 1 for Detroit, although the price seems very high as all 3 Pistons win in the season series were very competitive games, including an OT win at home in late January, and a 7 pt. home win in Late March in which Milwaukee led by 13 at the break. 3 of the 4 games went OVER, but that is misleading because one of the OVERS was 10 pts. UNDER heading into OT. Detroit usually turns it up defensively this time of year, as the last 2 seasons they are 19-26-3 to the UNDER. That being said, these are two of the league's best 3 point shooting teams (both at 38% for the season), and both teams play at a reasonable pace. Redd and Milwaukee's young backcourt may steal a game with some hot outside shooting, but can't see ANY more than that. Detroit simply has too many defenders to throw at Redd and Milwaukee used an awful lot of energy the last couple of weeks just to get here. Detroit in 5
Chicago at Miami - The Bulls enter these playoffs as the league's hottest team and 12 of 14. In the mold of HC Skiles, they are a very fiesty, perimeter-based team that can with the right matchup can play at an elite level. However, not sure the Heat are the best matchup as Shaq and D-Wade present a nightmare for the Bulls defensively. This is an underrated Chicago defense that actually led the NBA in defensive FG percentage at under 43 % per game (that's right not Detroit, not Memphis, not the Spurs, Chicago!) but Miami is so good offensively (100 ppg on excellent 48% from the field)it will present a challenge. However, the Bulls with 4-5 scoring options at the 1-2-3 position will also be difficult for a Heat team that struggles at defending the 3 pointer (over 36%). The Bulls recent switch to a small, quick, lineup can cause Miami problems as guys like PG Williams and F Walker can be exposed a bit.
Miami has not always played to the sum of its parts this season, but much of that can be attributed to new faces, injuries, and the fact that they were as locked into 2nd place in the East as Detroit was in the 1st. Miami never forced things when injuries rose, as their deep bench permitted them to rest players. This team is as healthy as its been all season, and I expect this group of veterans to play their best ball and again meet up with Detroit in the East finals. However, there are definitely weaknesses that can be exposed, namely perimeter defense, a tendency to put teams on the free throw line, and abymsal free throw shooting that puts a lot of pressure on their talented offensive team.
Look for a huge effort in Game 1 as the Heat know how hot these young Bulls have been having been scorched on their homecourt just last week in a head-to-head matchup. Overall though those weaknesses add up, so expect the Bulls to have their moments and give Miami a bit of a scare. While I would have given them a genuine chance to beat New Jersey or Cleveland, I won't call for that here. Miami in 6
Indiana at New Jersey - The Nets were as good as the NBA had to offer the second half of the season, going 12-3SU/9-5-1$ ATS in March, the month that true contenders seperate themselves from the pack. They won 14 straight at one point, including easy home wins over Phoenix, Memphis, and Dallas, as well as road wins at Detroit and at Washington. Their strengths are the assist/TO game (1.77 offensively, only 1.47 defensively), getting to and converting at the free throw stripe, and keeping teams off of the offesnive glass. PG Kidd leads a multi-pronged offensive attack that shares the ball extremely well. Their only real weakness is a lack of size and strength inside, although their guards are plentiful in those two categories. They are one of the 5 best teams in the NBA by my rankings.
Indiana has had the Nets number a bit lately, winning and covering 6 out of 9 between the two teams. The Pacers have been a real Jekyll 'n' Hyde team these season and much of that can be attributed to big time injury problems. 5 of the top 9 players in their rotation missed at least 14 games due to injuries. The team won 5 out of 6 down the stretch to ensure a favorable seed, but those opponents left a lot to be desired.
One thing lacking in the second half was trademark Rick Carlisle defense, especially on the road, but the lack of a consistent lineup and players getting back into shape certainly contributed there. This is time of the year when you'd expect them to hunker down at that end, as they have played 19 out of their last 30 playoff games UNDER the total. The Pacers are a true wild card with a roster overflowing with playoff experience and one of the best coaches in the NBA. If clicking on cylinders they can take the Nets to the wire and even beat them, however, they simply have not clicked on all cylinders for the majority of this season, and there seems to be the lack of a real go-to-guy on offense. PF O'Neal has ceased that role down the stretch, and that's a good thing, but point guard play has also been a major issue. In a competitive series, I'll side with the safer commodity, the Nets in 6
Washington at Cleveland - The Wizards won the last 3 against Cleveland this season after dropping the first meeting, and certainly present some matchup problems. Besides a 5 game stretch where injuries to F Butler, C Thomas, and G Daniels handicapped the team, the Wizards really played decent ball during the second half. G Arenas is one of the league's best players and can put this team on his back when need be. His supporting cast offensively is very good, and Washington ranked 3rd in the league in scoring at 102 ppg. A concern is the lingering back issues of C/F Thomas, the team's best defensive and rebounding big man. The rest of the team can be be very adverse to assignments on that end of the court as their 47% defensive fg (2nd worst in playoff sto Milwaukee) illustrates.
Cleveland is not exaclty a defensive stalwart either, although their numbers at home are above average (91 pgg, on 43%). On the road is another story. The return of G Hughes is very important to this team as he is a pretty good defender, and can take some of the pressure of Lebron on both sides of the floor. James is a true stud that has taken his game to another level this season. The Cavs really came into their own in the month of March, winning 9 in a row, and losing very competitive road games to Miami and Dallas. In early April they ended New Jersey's 14 game winning streak and also won a tough road game at Oklahoma City. The road play is definitely worth noting as through February there was no team in the NBA that were as night/day in home/road play than Cleveland.
Home court and rebounding (Cavs +3.0 top 5 in NBA) should be pivotal in this series, as should the return of Hughes who missed all three losses vs. Washington but played in the win. Arenas and Butler can be absolute assassins, and if Washington is making their shots they can most definitely send Cleveland packing, but I simply don't trust this team to get defensive stops when they need them. Suprisingly the last 3 in this series have played UNDER the total. In probably the most entertaining and competitive series of the 1st round, I'll call it Cavs in 7
Looking ahead in the East, I like Detroit over Cleveland in 5, and Miami over New Jersey in an excellent 7 game series. I think Detroit coasts past Miami in 5, and earns a rematch with San Antonio in the NBA Finals.
ESI is monitored by Sports Watch (www.sportswatch.ws) and is the only service that made the 2005-2006 Sports Watch top 5 in NFL and NCAA football as well as NBA and NCAA basketball. You'll find our info second to none, and the rates very reasonable. No intense advertising, no gimmicks, simply good ole' fashioned sports handicapping! An additional Bonus Play can be found on the comp. line (412)734-8435 (no caller ID, you will NOT be called back!)
Enjoy and Good luck in this year's playoffs!
NBA Eastern Conference Playoff Preview
Milwaukee at Detroit - The Milwaukee Bucks are a good young team, and looking ahead, I don't expect too many more years in the 8th playoff spot. SG Redd is one of the NBA's top 5 at the position, and with the continued development of C/PF Bogut and diamond in the rough combo guard Bell, the future is bright.
However, the future is not this year, as Detroit is simply too good. Flip Saunders has helped this team's offense reach the level of its defense, and despite coasting over the last 2 months, the Pistons are the team to beat in the NBA this year. On defense, the Pistons allow a mediocre 45% from the field, but they simply do not let teams beat them on the free throw line (under 21 attempts/game)or from behind the arc (league best 33% on only 12 attempts/game). Offensively, Detroit sports an awesome 2.22/1 asst/TO ratio, as they are the league's best perimeter passing team. Thanks to the addition of Tony Delk and the return of Kelvin Cato from injury, the Pistons are deeper than ever on the bench.
The Bucks blew out the Pistons in a game last week that meant everything to Milwaukee and nothing at all to Detroit. That should serve as a little bit of motivation in Game 1 for Detroit, although the price seems very high as all 3 Pistons win in the season series were very competitive games, including an OT win at home in late January, and a 7 pt. home win in Late March in which Milwaukee led by 13 at the break. 3 of the 4 games went OVER, but that is misleading because one of the OVERS was 10 pts. UNDER heading into OT. Detroit usually turns it up defensively this time of year, as the last 2 seasons they are 19-26-3 to the UNDER. That being said, these are two of the league's best 3 point shooting teams (both at 38% for the season), and both teams play at a reasonable pace. Redd and Milwaukee's young backcourt may steal a game with some hot outside shooting, but can't see ANY more than that. Detroit simply has too many defenders to throw at Redd and Milwaukee used an awful lot of energy the last couple of weeks just to get here. Detroit in 5
Chicago at Miami - The Bulls enter these playoffs as the league's hottest team and 12 of 14. In the mold of HC Skiles, they are a very fiesty, perimeter-based team that can with the right matchup can play at an elite level. However, not sure the Heat are the best matchup as Shaq and D-Wade present a nightmare for the Bulls defensively. This is an underrated Chicago defense that actually led the NBA in defensive FG percentage at under 43 % per game (that's right not Detroit, not Memphis, not the Spurs, Chicago!) but Miami is so good offensively (100 ppg on excellent 48% from the field)it will present a challenge. However, the Bulls with 4-5 scoring options at the 1-2-3 position will also be difficult for a Heat team that struggles at defending the 3 pointer (over 36%). The Bulls recent switch to a small, quick, lineup can cause Miami problems as guys like PG Williams and F Walker can be exposed a bit.
Miami has not always played to the sum of its parts this season, but much of that can be attributed to new faces, injuries, and the fact that they were as locked into 2nd place in the East as Detroit was in the 1st. Miami never forced things when injuries rose, as their deep bench permitted them to rest players. This team is as healthy as its been all season, and I expect this group of veterans to play their best ball and again meet up with Detroit in the East finals. However, there are definitely weaknesses that can be exposed, namely perimeter defense, a tendency to put teams on the free throw line, and abymsal free throw shooting that puts a lot of pressure on their talented offensive team.
Look for a huge effort in Game 1 as the Heat know how hot these young Bulls have been having been scorched on their homecourt just last week in a head-to-head matchup. Overall though those weaknesses add up, so expect the Bulls to have their moments and give Miami a bit of a scare. While I would have given them a genuine chance to beat New Jersey or Cleveland, I won't call for that here. Miami in 6
Indiana at New Jersey - The Nets were as good as the NBA had to offer the second half of the season, going 12-3SU/9-5-1$ ATS in March, the month that true contenders seperate themselves from the pack. They won 14 straight at one point, including easy home wins over Phoenix, Memphis, and Dallas, as well as road wins at Detroit and at Washington. Their strengths are the assist/TO game (1.77 offensively, only 1.47 defensively), getting to and converting at the free throw stripe, and keeping teams off of the offesnive glass. PG Kidd leads a multi-pronged offensive attack that shares the ball extremely well. Their only real weakness is a lack of size and strength inside, although their guards are plentiful in those two categories. They are one of the 5 best teams in the NBA by my rankings.
Indiana has had the Nets number a bit lately, winning and covering 6 out of 9 between the two teams. The Pacers have been a real Jekyll 'n' Hyde team these season and much of that can be attributed to big time injury problems. 5 of the top 9 players in their rotation missed at least 14 games due to injuries. The team won 5 out of 6 down the stretch to ensure a favorable seed, but those opponents left a lot to be desired.
One thing lacking in the second half was trademark Rick Carlisle defense, especially on the road, but the lack of a consistent lineup and players getting back into shape certainly contributed there. This is time of the year when you'd expect them to hunker down at that end, as they have played 19 out of their last 30 playoff games UNDER the total. The Pacers are a true wild card with a roster overflowing with playoff experience and one of the best coaches in the NBA. If clicking on cylinders they can take the Nets to the wire and even beat them, however, they simply have not clicked on all cylinders for the majority of this season, and there seems to be the lack of a real go-to-guy on offense. PF O'Neal has ceased that role down the stretch, and that's a good thing, but point guard play has also been a major issue. In a competitive series, I'll side with the safer commodity, the Nets in 6
Washington at Cleveland - The Wizards won the last 3 against Cleveland this season after dropping the first meeting, and certainly present some matchup problems. Besides a 5 game stretch where injuries to F Butler, C Thomas, and G Daniels handicapped the team, the Wizards really played decent ball during the second half. G Arenas is one of the league's best players and can put this team on his back when need be. His supporting cast offensively is very good, and Washington ranked 3rd in the league in scoring at 102 ppg. A concern is the lingering back issues of C/F Thomas, the team's best defensive and rebounding big man. The rest of the team can be be very adverse to assignments on that end of the court as their 47% defensive fg (2nd worst in playoff sto Milwaukee) illustrates.
Cleveland is not exaclty a defensive stalwart either, although their numbers at home are above average (91 pgg, on 43%). On the road is another story. The return of G Hughes is very important to this team as he is a pretty good defender, and can take some of the pressure of Lebron on both sides of the floor. James is a true stud that has taken his game to another level this season. The Cavs really came into their own in the month of March, winning 9 in a row, and losing very competitive road games to Miami and Dallas. In early April they ended New Jersey's 14 game winning streak and also won a tough road game at Oklahoma City. The road play is definitely worth noting as through February there was no team in the NBA that were as night/day in home/road play than Cleveland.
Home court and rebounding (Cavs +3.0 top 5 in NBA) should be pivotal in this series, as should the return of Hughes who missed all three losses vs. Washington but played in the win. Arenas and Butler can be absolute assassins, and if Washington is making their shots they can most definitely send Cleveland packing, but I simply don't trust this team to get defensive stops when they need them. Suprisingly the last 3 in this series have played UNDER the total. In probably the most entertaining and competitive series of the 1st round, I'll call it Cavs in 7
Looking ahead in the East, I like Detroit over Cleveland in 5, and Miami over New Jersey in an excellent 7 game series. I think Detroit coasts past Miami in 5, and earns a rematch with San Antonio in the NBA Finals.
