Bulls biggest threat to Cavs in East

[deneem4]

The wizards are the biggest threat..
They can go shot for shot with the cavs offensively
While being able to turn it on defensively if shots aren't falling...

[wco81]

Pacers were hitting a lot of open 3s in the first half, probably a lot more than their usual average. Plus they were getting some foul calls when they penetrated, so that opened up the penetrate and kick out game for awhile.

Pacers shot 40% and 39% from 3PT for the game while Cavs were 44.8 and 47.7% for the game. That means Indy was hot in the first half and then really cooled down while Cavs were okay in the first half but then really got hot in the second half.

Indy out rebounded the Cavs 52 to 40 for the game but interestingly, the lineup the Cavs played with in the third and fourth didn't have Thompson or Love playing that much. Yet they held their own. A couple of times Turner made poor plays with the ball in the paint, either putting up a weak shot or passing it into a turnover.

I think they were shell-shocked, including PG, who was off in the corner while his teammates were putting up bad shots or turning it over.

Overall though, Pacers are not doing bad offensively, shooting 46.5/41.2 and scoring 111 per game. But the Cavs are doing much better and have made 45 3PT to lead the playoffs, while Pacers are second at 35 3PT made.

Neither team is really stopping each other. Presumably a lot of those made 3 pointers are uncontested looks.

Well Cavs had a great defensive second half, so we'll see if they shut down opponents from now on, though the lineup that made that great comeback included Korver, Frye and Williams, not considered strong defenders.

[wco81]

So much for the Wizards being a big threat.

If Atlanta scores 64 in a half, Cavs would score 75-80 against that defense.

[HotRocks34]

The wizards are the biggest threat..

Agreed. Wizards seems to have the most talent among the non-Cavs East.

Rondo out means Bulls are done, I think. Even if they get past the Celtics.

[GlenRiceARoni]

I think its clearly the wizards. And it's not even close. They have the firepower and wall will force James to guard him at times.

Cleveland will have their hands full . I got Washington in 7

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Excited about the Playoffs now that Durant has given other teams a fighting chance

[LeMasta]

Wizards aren't a deep enough team to beat the Cavs, especially without Mahimi. Starters will have to be great all series long unless the bench can step up. Playoff experience is something they still might need too. I still think they have the best shot in taking it to 6-7. I'd definitely prefer them beating the Cavs if they do manage to get past the Hawks.

[wco81]

Wizards not just aren't consistent enough.

They almost blew a big lead to the Hawks in the closeout game and now in game 1 against Boston, it's almost a 30-point swing since getting out to a 16-0 lead in the first.

People assumed they'd beat the Celtics but that's not looking lightly.

And we know that if Boston advances to face the Cavs, they will be owned easily by Lebron. Even though Wizards are looking likely to lose to Boston, they're probably a bit better matchup for the Cavs but it's looking like they won't have a chance at the Cavs.

[XxIronChainzxX]

Wizards not just aren't consistent enough.

They almost blew a big lead to the Hawks in the closeout game and now in game 1 against Boston, it's almost a 30-point swing since getting out to a 16-0 lead in the first.

People assumed they'd beat the Celtics but that's not looking lightly.

And we know that if Boston advances to face the Cavs, they will be owned easily by Lebron. Even though Wizards are looking likely to lose to Boston, they're probably a bit better matchup for the Cavs but it's looking like they won't have a chance at the Cavs.

Not saying the Wiz will win out in the end, but if anything the first round showed us, its not to count out teams after GM1.

[magnumt]

Bulls lost, no need to keep rubbing salt by carrying this on.

As for the Wiz, Celtics, etc vs the Cavs...use one of the existing MANY playoffs series Threads.

Thanks!

--Mags