Originally Posted by
Goat Milk
INDY will not win more than 1 more game in this series if that, and here is why.
They are one of the worst passing teams in basketball. You could tell in the last two games, nearly every shot they took was at the end of the shot clock. They were getting smothered on the defensive end on every play, and had some fortunate bounces go their way on the rebounds.
Bosh being out is not that big of a deal for this series. They don't need him. David West and Hibbert are both horrible defenders in the pick and roll scenario. Rewatch the first two games and you'll see they both backed off James and Wade when having to defend them. These guys are not scared to take floaters and 13 foot jumpers, they are gonna make those shots 60% of the time. So you'll see a lot more pick and roll coming up to try and force the switch.
West and Hibbert have an advantage down low, but Pacers don't know how to play that way. Everyone on this team wants the ball in their hands. This is the type of team that once they give it to West down low, he misses, then they give it to Hibbert down low, he misses a bunny-- then Paul George says "it's my turn" even though he's guarded by a much better defender in Wade and doesn't have an advantage.
This is the type of team that when they find something that works, they don't stick to it, because everyone on the team wants the ball.
Voegal is putting Barbosa on Wade for a 5 min stretch in the 2nd quarter. Big mistake. Wade has a good 50 pounds at least on Barbosa and has been taking him the post every play. Indy is gonna start doubling that for sure and Mike Miller and them will be free to knock down some open shots.
Lebron has been taking whoever he guards completely out of the game. For the Pacers, there is way too much dribbling going on. George Hill is holding the ball for 15 seconds doing nothing, and the Pacers end up getting some weak shots with 5 seconds left on the shot clock. That's not a product of INDY's O, but Miami's D--which is actually better now that Bosh is not in there (but they obviously would like to use him offensively).
Don't be fooled by the last 2 games--both of which MIA has not played good on the offensive end (not because of Indy's D). WHereas INDY hasn't played good O because they just can't create any separation, and don't really have any true playmakers.
Miami will win the Eastern Conference easily. Boston will most likely beat Philly--but it's clear Paul Pierce is injured. They will not be able to beat Miami without a fully healthy Paul Pierce. Chris Bosh will be back no matter what when MIA gets to the finals.
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