Sunday, April 19th, 2009 at 2:49 pm  |  14 responses

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Magic/Sixers Preview

Which tremendously athletic team will advance?

by Michael Tillery

Dwight, get mean. Come clean…

Yeah you get the 20/20 but where’s the 30/30? Why not a 40/20, 40/30 or even a 40/40?

Do you really think this is beyond comprehension?

Dude you are a monster. You might be one of the most athletic big men to play the game.

Are you ready to take this to another level?

Whatever it takes right?

You are talented enough.

I’m talking about that mean streak bruh. That’s what we all clamor for. It’s what most assume will take your sickdiculous athleticism to another level because trust, you aren’t the best Magic player to rock the S on ya chest…not yet.

The Big Fella had it.

This is by no means a hit on your image because you are one of the best cats in the League. The fans and media love you. Most importantly, so do the kids. You stop at nothing to make sure almost every autograph is signed.

Just growl one time after a tip top the back board rock with knee caps and everything banging an opposing players dome—and also his mind.

You could be one of the best. Now go get it.

The reason why a team like the Sixers can come bold with it is because despite their talent, the Magic aren’t feared outside of Dwight Howard because of their inability to play consistent defense. Yeah they can shoot but can they stop even a much maligned perimeter Sixers game in the clutch?

While I’m at it, if anyone thinks Thad Young and Andre Miller meant anything from their after practice comments, then you need to lay off the pipe. That’s just how it went down and you know I know. This is the reason why I add the entire transcript of anyone I interview. In this case their track record should count for something. There are no better character guys in the League.

Don’t fall for that BS. Ya better than that.

Anyway…

The Magic kill you when teams pack it in on Dwight and the Magic counter by airing threes in sick waves.

Can Howard stay out of foul trouble with Thad the Young one and Dre Iguodala constantly diving at the rim?

What kind of adjustments will be made when Andre Miller takes Rafer Alston down on the post and toys with him?

Can the Sixers hit the open shot after Stan Van Gundy calls for the double on Miller?

They haven’t all year.

Nov 6, 2008: Magic 98, Sixers 88

All Magic starters hit double figures. Sixers shoot 37 percent.

Nov 26, 2008: Magic 96, Sixers 94

Rashard Lewis hits weakside three at the buzzer.

February 28, 2009:  Magic 106, Sixers 100

The Magic hit 15 of their franchise record tying 37 threes.

SERIES MATCHUPS:

Point guard

A. Miller: Points: 16.3. Rebounds: 4.5. Assists: 6.5

R. Alston: Points: 11.7. Rebounds: 2.9. Assists: 5.3

I’d go with Miller here. His game is just too physical for Skip to deal with in the post.

Shooting guard

W. Green: Points: 8.5. Rebounds: 1.6. Assists: 2.0

C. Lee: Points: 8.4. Rebounds: 2.3. Assists: 1.2

Crazy as it is, neither team gets major production out of such an important NBA position. I’d call this a wash with Green a slight edge in experience. When he hits for 17-plus, the Sixers win 80 percent.

Small forward

A. Iguodala: Points: 18.8. Rebounds: 5.7. Assists: 5.3

H. Turkoglu: Points: 16.8. Rebounds: 5.3. Assists: 4.9

Also even. While Iguodala means more to his offense and is the superior athlete, Turkoglu has a big edge in playoff experience and is the far better outside shooter. Iguodala has something to prove, so expect a break out performance. Hedo has been around for so damn long you almost forget he played on those dynamic Kings teams of old.

Power forward

Rashard Lewis. Points: 17.7. Rebounds: 5.7. Assists: 2.6

Thaddeus Young: Points: 15.3. Rebounds: 5.0. Assists: 1.1

This is the most intriguing match up because Thad was averaging 20 points the month prior to his ankle injury. Rashard is banged up as well but doesn’t have to rely so much on his athleticism because he’s mainly become a one dimension spot up shooter. Gets advantage over the opposition with his size and deceptive quickness in the half court set. Thad is fast becoming a star in this League. He experienced the playoff glare last season in Philly’s near upset of Detroit and will be hungry to showcase his skills within the team dynamic. If the Sixers don’t rotate fast enough off the interior double, Lewis will put up big numbers. Tossup here as well with the slight edge going to Young because he’s on fire right now.

Center

Dwight Howard: Points: 20.6. Rebounds: 13.8. Assists: 1.4

Samuel Dalembert: Points: 6.4. Rebounds: 8.5. Assists: 0.2

Big advantage to Howard. He’s arguably the best big in the League. Dalembert seems to play his better games facing Dwight but is no match for Howard’s incomparable size and strength. If he can stay out of foul trouble, the Magic run through the Sixers. His numbers might not be off the charts because the Sixers will pack it in and dare the Magic to score from the outside (not cool). This is Howard’s time to shine. Is he chill with just being a man child with potential or is he truly ready to dominate every single night out? I just don’t know. Dalembert is a shot blocker and will be on the end of oops off broken plays in the half court. It’s time for him to step up.

Bench

Tony Battie will be a key contributor for the Magic. He seems to have good games when facing the Sixers. Mickael Pietrus and Anthony Johnson steady the second team. Anthony Johnson comes off the pine and give the Magic leadership and poise. Pietrus is that do everything guard who will look to score off broken sets.

For the Sixers, look for Theo Ratliff to play big minutes because of Howard. Mareesse Speights and Louis Williams are wild cards because they look to have young fun. Royal Ivey has come up big lately. Reggie Evans will be all over the damn place when he’s in and has improved drastically from the foul line. Edge: Sixers.

Coaching

There’s not a more passionate coach in the NBA in Stan Van Gundy. He has a decided experience edge over Tony DiLeo. DiLeo is still finding his way and I’m sure he full well knows the second season is no joke. I’m concerned about his weakside defense as well as his play calling in critical moments.

Van Gundy, on the other hand knows his roster inside and out and will work the refs from the opening tip. His players love to play for him and he’s experienced enough to understand the Magic have to get it done now. Big edge to Van Gundy.

Prediction

I had a very influential coach tell me more times that I want to admit to beware of the guy with the taped ankle. The Sixers limped into the playoffs and were 1-6 in their last seven. Talking to them recently, there is a sense of relief the season is over. There’s a clear slate. Igodala has to score 25-30 or make sure the ball is in someone’s hands when they are in a position to score. If Howard is standing in his way, he better go up and boof on him.

This is where the Magic miss their all star point guard, Jameer Nelson. Nelson had this team rolling before he went down. The Magic did win in his absence, but are they the same team without Jameer? Uh…no.

Thad Young keeps jumping out in my mind as the x factor in a series most are picking as a Magic demolition.

I want to see it out of Howard. I want to see him run through opponents in scary ways. Is he that dude? I don’t know.

Because of that, I think the Sixers will hang around long enough to lose in seven games.