From Sentinel: Magic doctors not on board with Battie return

[drsd]

It doesn't we're significantly overrating Battie in the wake of his absence. Him coming back won't add many W notches to the column.

Against Wallace or Garnett come play-off time, the Magic will be exposed at PF.

If Battie was healthy, he would get playing time in the second round and Eastern Championship series.

[craig01]

The problem is that the Magic have a very legitimate case to play in the Eastern Championship series. Resting Battie could be a tough choice.

Hey drsd, I just noticed your avatar.....who is that doing that dunk?

Very creative.

[drsd]

Abdoul Bamba; he's part of Slam Nation

Here's a good view of his cartwheel dunk:
Youtube Link


Just found this new dunk:
Youtube Link #2

[mhectorgato]

Against Wallace or Garnett come play-off time, the Magic will be exposed at PF.

If Battie was healthy, he would get playing time in the second round and Eastern Championship series.

Tony had a hard time last playoff series with the Detroit big men.

[craig01]

The flip over dunk is really neat.

[Happyfoosball]

Orlando could win it all this year. They just aren't the favorites. Anything can happen in sports. And it really wouldn't be that huge of an upset anyway.

[mhectorgato]

Orlando could win it all this year. They just aren't the favorites. Anything can happen in sports. And it really wouldn't be that huge of an upset anyway.

As much as I am a Homer, it would be a pretty big upset - beating Detroit, Boston and the West champ.

[MrOrlando]

I think Battie is the answer to us going to that higher level. I can't wait until he comes back.

[Optimus_Steel]

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Tony had a hard time last playoff series with the Detroit big men.

He did, he was almost non existant in the playoffs which suprised me for a guy that has a lot of experience.

[craig01]

I think Battie is the answer to us going to that higher level. I can't wait until he comes back.

Sorry, gotta disagree on this one.

I respect Battie as much as anyone for his effort and professionalism, but he is not a difference maker on a basketball team.

[Happyfoosball]

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As much as I am a Homer, it would be a pretty big upset - beating Detroit, Boston and the West champ.

Thats because most of you still think of the Magic as a 40 win team. It looks like they might win quite a few more then 50 games, mabye in the 53 to 55 range. Any team with that number of wins isn't too much of a long shot to go to the finals. Also, I don't expect the Western champ to be that strong. The West this year reminds me of the 80's East, all these good teams are gonna beat each other up in the playoffs where as the top 3 teams in the East won't really have any kind of significant challenge until the second round.

I mean the first round in the West is going to consist of probably at least 7 50 win teams beating the crap out of each other in 7 game series. I'm actually really going to enjoy it.

[mhectorgato]

Thats because most of you still think of the Magic as a 40 win team. It looks like they might win quite a few more then 50 games, mabye in the 53 to 55 range. Any team with that number of wins isn't too much of a long shot to go to the finals. Also, I don't expect the Western champ to be that strong. The West this year reminds me of the 80's East, all these good teams are gonna beat each other up in the playoffs where as the top 3 teams in the East won't really have any kind of significant challenge until the second round.

I mean the first round in the West is going to consist of probably at least 7 50 win teams beating the crap out of each other in 7 game series. I'm actually really going to enjoy it.

I did think of us as an overachieving 40 win team earlier in the season. But wins like last night, and our fairly consistently beating "lesser" teams have changed my mind.

I certainly see us at the top of the middle tier, with Cleveland with us in the East.

But teams like Detroit and Boston have more experience and depth than we do. Which is not to say it's impossible for us to be the Cleveland of this year, but I don't think it's likely.

That said, it also has to do with how teams are playing coming into the playoffs. This is why I like the 55 win goal of SVG. We likely won't move up, but this will, I think, get us into a groove.

I hope we are able to dispatch our first round opponent somewhat quickly (5 or less - all the rounds are best of 7s right?) so that we can gain confidence and so that we won't be emotionally drained for the 2nd round.

[cwas2882]

Here's to hoping we do win. Odds are 30 - 1 against us. $50 could win you $1500.

[drsd]

Orlando could win it all this year. They just aren't the favorites. Anything can happen in sports. And it really wouldn't be that huge of an upset anyway.

As of today, Hollinger predicts the Magic as having a 12.8% chance to win the Eastern Title. That to me is spot on. The Magic as the third best team should be far below 33%. But, they also "have a chance."

The Magic will be HEAVILY favored to win their first round match up.

The Magic will be a 40% un-favored to win the second round against a probable Detroit.

The Magic will be a 35% un-favored to win the Eastern Finals.

That should multiple-sum up to 10-15% chance.

Not great, but not shockingly improbable. And a fair evaluation.

[drsd]

Tony had a hard time last playoff series with the Detroit big men.

My question is this: will Lewis fair better?




This is the central basis for my play-off fears.

[craig01]

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My question is this: will Lewis fair better?




This is the central basis for my play-off fears.

It's not a perfect scenario for sure, but the question is going to be how effective Hedo and Lewis are in the playoffs.

I don't know the answer to that (as does anyone else for that matter), but, if the Magic are to advance in any round, both players must be consistent AND clutch.

I think the chances are better with the current roster....Now, if you added a PF that brought something to the table that complemented the roster with production.....For now, at least Hedo and Lewis offer matchup problems via their style of play.

[magictreat]

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_magic/2008/03/doctors-not-on.html

If that's true, the team shouldn't let him play. You have to think about the long term. If he gets reinjured, then they will go through this again at least all through next season and he might never get right. And he's under contract for a few more years.

What the Magic should do, is trade this overpay stiff...

[lovehoops01]

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Tony had a hard time last playoff series with the Detroit big men.

He did. And while I'm not in favor of him coming back because I think it's too soon, at least he would be another big body. Look what happened against Washington. Dwight was in foul trouble (which has happened quite a bit the past couple weeks), Foyle had to play big minutes and even Garrity had to play. Magic couldn't even control the smallish Wizards. The Pistons have added big men -- this year they have Wallace, McDyess, Maxiell, Amir Johnson, Ratliff, and they'll sometimes play Prince a little at the 4. That makes a minimum of five guys and 30 fouls they will throw at Dwight. He's going to need someone that will fight those bruisers, too. Love Turk and Lewis. But beating on people really is not their game. Tony can do a little of that, suck up a few fouls and get a few rebounds if Dwight has to be off the floor for a while.