OasisBU wrote:

MaTT4281 wrote:Miami's definitely looked vulnerable. Celtics took it to them pretty good the other night too.
We've played Chicago hard this season (first 3 games decided by a total of 9 points), but I don't think it's a given that Miami just 'turns it on' in the post season.

Either matchup is going to be rough, but I'll take the team with motivation concerns.

It's not a given but it is likely to happen. The Lakers have done it in the past why would the Heat be any different? They have played very well this season and in some stretches looked like a lock to take it all - I wouldn't discount them so quickly.

I'm not discounting Miami. It's a long shot to upset either team in the first round, but right now Chicago is #1 for a reason. If you were to say Miami has the most room for improvement in the playoffs, I'd agree, but currently they're losing some big games against teams like Chicago, and Boston, and even Indiana. (Just checked their schedule, throw in a blow out loss to Memphis in Miami).

It seems like they're more or less coasting at the moment and figure they'll just flip the switch come the post season. It can take a little while for a team to get back to firing on all cylinders. Best chance of an upset to me seems like catching an underperforming team off guard. We have a chance to see how the current incarnation of this team will fair against them this Sunday.

holfresh wrote:You guys forget the wooping Miami gave us...I don't...

It wasn't a "whooping". That was our team at full strength under MDA. And it was a road game for us on the 4th game in 5 nights. We still kept it close for like 3.5 quarters. And that's with Lin turning the ball over left and right, Melo playing like sht, etc.

I think Woodson makes it a 6 game series against either.

Anyway, if wind up 7 or 8, I think our chances are better against the Bulls. I still expect the Heat to win it all. Just so stacked.

holfresh wrote:

Rookie wrote:

holfresh wrote:I have seen this before..In a seven game series they will regain their confidence..You will again see the team that completely dismantled us in Miami, trust me on that...They have nothing to prove..They are driven and want to win it all..They have two Superstars to the Bulls one who is hurt...I'll take hurt..Not every player also show up in the playoffs..Miami knows how to win there..Bulls stil have to prove they are not just a regular season team...That's why Tib's contract hasn't been renewed yet...You don't want to tangle with the beast in the first round..Rose isn't 100%..Let's go at him..

The Bulls bench wont be hitting those shots in the playoffs..They will be squeezing the ball harder in the playoffs..I have seen this movie before...U will soon find out who has heart and who doesn't ..It will be clear as day..Bulls still have to prove it..

Both teams have something to prove. I wasn't rooting for either team until Lebron choked on the pressure with 11 seconds left...miami is flailing. That lockerroom has to be toxic right now....maybe i just want to see the Knicks upset the Heat in the first round. It's a longshot i know, but it would be glorious

Lebron still has to prove that he can be clutch when it counts, that game was just another failure in a clutch moment. His head has to be totally effed up right now. I'm lovin' it

I'm a Yankee fan...I can't tell you how many times the Yankee look disinterested going into the playoffs...I get scared...5 rings in 15 years later, I respect talent and guy who go deep into the post season...Miami was there already, the Bulls aren't there yet...It took Dirk many years to figure out how to win...Miami will learn, hopefully not against us...The Bulls will be vulnerable going into the post season if Rose isn't 100%...I rather hunt the wounded deer...

My favorite Yankee years were the ones that had players who didn't always have all the stats, but made the clutch plays when they mattered the most, but to be perfectly honest, i haven' had a shirt with a players name on it since Munson. Yes, they did have star players, but it was the lunch box guys oming through with big plays that was the most memorable

I think the Knicks have a better chance of beating a team like Miami in Round 2. Can't explain why, but I think the Knicks would be more settled in a good way and the Heat would be more settled in a bad way in Round 2.

Get the sixth seed, beat Indiana in Round 1, face Miami in Round 2 and let the chips fall where they may.

airchibundo507 wrote:

crzymdups wrote:I would rather catch Orlando and play Indiana in Round 1.

I think the Knicks have a better chance of beating a team like Miami in Round 2. Can't explain why, but I think the Knicks would be more settled in a good way and the Heat would be more settled in a bad way in Round 2.

Get the sixth seed, beat Indiana in Round 1, face Miami in Round 2 and let the chips fall where they may.

And... uh... we get out starting point guard back.

and half the fanbase.

not convinced Lin will actually come back that late in the playoffs. he'd be playing about 50mph slower than everyone else on the court. not really fair to Lin or the rest of the team to dump him into the mix that late in the season.

that said... if it happened, i would be ECSTATIC. i would cry tears of joy.

but, yeah, either way, there are MAJOR advantages to being sixth.

MozelGovCocktail wrote:I want the 6 at all costs. I think the Knicks will give the Heat or the Bulls serious problems in the first round, but I'd rather play Indy first, hope for Lin to get back and get at the better teams close to full strength. It's a long shot, but this is the type of year that we're having.

That is the most logical approach.