Congrats, and best of luck to you too Flaco
PG: Alex Caruso (7.1) | 40% from 3 | 2023 1st team all defence
SG: Stephen Curry (19.8) | 42% from 3
SF: Lebron James (17.9) | 39.5% from 3
PF: Pascal Siakam (15.8) | 34.7% from 3
C: Brook Lopez (10.2) | 34.2 from 3 | 2nd in 2023 NBA DPOY voting
6th: Lu Dort (8.2) | 39.3% from 3
7th: Isaiah Hartenstein (4.6) |Has the highest D-EPM (Defensive estimated plus minus) per 100 possessions in the NBA (
https://dunksandthrees.com/epm)
8th: Robert Covington (3.4) | 35.4% from 3 | Still a very good help defender, which might pay dividends vs. Embiid
87/88 FGA
Minutes ->PG: Alex Caruso (33) Curry (15)
SG: Steph Curry (23) | Dort (24)
SF: Lebron James (26) | Dort (10) | ROCO (13)
PF: Siakam (37) | James (11)
C: Brook Lopez (31) | Isiah Hartenstein (17)
Defensive Matchups:- Lopez on Embiid. Harteinstein is a solid defender, and will also get some time vs Embiid.
- Siakam guards Buttler. Siakam has a lot of length and quickness to make things difficult for Jimmy. Dort & Roco will spend a bit of time on him too.
- Lebron guards Batum. Lebron essentially gets to rest.
- Curry guards KCP
- Caruso guards Dame. Dort will get some time.
Why Murphyslamz will win:1) Lebron and Curry do not have to expend a ton of energy on defence. Not sure if benching Bridges was the right play.
2) Alex Caruso's point of attack defence vs. Lillard.
3) Brook Lopez spacing the floor from the 5 pulling Embiid out the paint a bit. Siakam is also much more efficient when he is not the #1 option. He shot 37% on 3pointers during the year the raptors won the chip and went 21 for 48 (42.8%) from 3 between the time of his trade and the all star break.
4) Who's guarding Siakam? Batum!? If Embiid is guarding Lopez on the perimeter, Siakam is going to eat inside.
5) Strong defensive supporting cast --> Caruso / Dort / Roco / Siakam / Lopez / Harteinstein