Prefer Cleveland or Washington in 1st round?

[AVC]

Everyone's talking about this washington 'mini series.' I'm wondering who would be better for us to see in the playoffs. Granted the playoff picture is still murky, but I don't think New Jersey will be the target this year.

In all likelihood we'll be facing the LeBrons or the Carons, and an off-chance of getting the Howard's (praying not to have a free-fall and face the Garnett's).

vs Cleveland 1-2 (2 losses in Cleveland)
vs Washington 0-2 (2 losses in Wash)

Overall, I feel we may have a better chance against the Cavz. Obviously, there's the 'LeBron in playoff mode' issue, but he's one guy that the Raps can focus on. Washington seems to have several guys that step up and cause too many probs for the Raps.

Naturally, last night's game is fresh in my mind and biasing my judgement, we'll see tonight if the Raps are able to step up and send a message to Washington. If they win, it seems all three teams have a home advantage and will make any series tough...but awesome to watch.

Hoping that AP and D20 step up tonight!

[marcroboy]

Washington, not even a doubt.

[The_Hater]

Avoiding Lebron in the playoffs has proven to be a pretty good idea in the past.

[99 Problems]

You don't want to play against LeBron in the playoffs... trust me.. If you watched the ECF finals last year you would know.. Plus they have a dominant inside game and very good rebounders... In no way is Cleveland a better opponent.. In fact I would rather face Washington with their Big 3 healthy than Cleveland in the playoffs..

At this point any team in the top 6 in the East is capable of beating us...

[AVC]

Even if we're number 3, 4, or 5 in the playoffs, I think we'll be the underdawgs...it's a Raps team...we've been so lowly for so long...and now we're erratic.

I understand the LeBron factor...so I guess the panel doesn't think last year was a fluke? Caron's been lighting it up as well...he doesn't have a king reputation though...

Few more games between these teams left, but I'm still on the fence...if Wash wins tonight, I want the Cavz in the playoffs...

[Raptor_Guy]

This isn't even close..the answer is obvious. Theres no way we should want to face the Cavs first round, they KILL us on the boards and we have no answer for LeBron ever.

[Trilogy]

Washington of course.

Lebron would tear us apart.

[TheRaptor!]

WasSHITon, we swept them last year.

[xxxSwiZzxxx]

lol is this a serious question??

jeez, washington!!

you really think LeBron is going to let himself lose in the first round? =\

[doclinkin]

The Wiz would prefer to face LeBron, but mostly because of the revenge factor. We play them pretty close when Gil is at full speed, and have a deeper bench than the last time we had a full roster. Plus think about it, you get far better coverage if you face the LeBronzes than, well, either DC or Toronto. A win on the big stage (for either Raps or Wiz) translates into more respect league-wide. Translates to slightly better calls from the refs, etc.

Bigger upside. Can't play scared, play to win either way.

[thebossman]

Did you see the 4th qtr in TORONTO where Lebron just went off?

Picture that from Tip off game 1 to the 3rd qtr of game four when he has beaten us soo bad he will rest the last 12 min to get ready for his next victim.

[Tha Cynic]

Without Ford, it really won't matter who we face. Our perimeter game and lack of perimeter defense will kill us. Teams will take out Bosh offensively, which leaves a bunch of jump-shooters trying to create something on offense, and our defense will suffer when Calderon gets blown by on every possession leading to open threes and offensive rebounds.

[JD225]

I'd rather face the Celtics than the Cavs. Their rebounders would kill us. 20-27 differential in board guaranteed and a Lebron that has something to play for. I think the answer is obvious between the Wiz and the Cavs.

[rapz**7**]

Washington of course.

Lebron would tear us apart.

[BlazinTrini]

How about getting Orlando in the first round instead?

[Basketball_Jones]

Cleveland is built for playoff ball. That's their style. Not sure why anybody would want them. Not even the Pistons or the Celtics would choose them over Washington.

[REM]

How about getting Orlando in the first round instead?

I would prefer Orlando over any other team. Apart from Howard, no one scares me. Rashard is the most overrated/overpaid player in the league. I like Hedo, though.

[La princesa]

Washington. Cleveland scares me come playoff time.

[EnigmaticProblem]

This is actually a rather difficult decision. On one hand you have Lebron James, who can will his team to victory come playoff time; he's done it against the Pistons. On the other hand, you have Washington against whom we've been pretty inconsistent. We lost to them yesterday, and destroyed them today - additional to this inconsistency is the fact that they're without Arenas and Butler, 2 of their best players.

The question should be:

Would you rather the Raptors face Lebron James (a man who can win games by himself) or 3 guys who have the potential to go off for 25+ points?

I truly believe it doesn't matter who we face. Versus either team, our success will depend on Bosh (he mustn't choke) and elevated consistent play by Bargnani.

[peteyjones13]

Without Ford, it really won't matter who we face. Our perimeter game and lack of perimeter defense will kill us. Teams will take out Bosh offensively, which leaves a bunch of jump-shooters trying to create something on offense, and our defense will suffer when Calderon gets blown by on every possession leading to open threes and offensive rebounds.

We've got a much much better chance of winning in the playoffs with the consistent and stable Jose who CAN create than the very talented, but highly erratic and inconsistent TJ.