Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Sports

  • 2022 NFL Draft Preview: 3 Things to Know

    2022 NFL Draft Preview: 3 Things to Know

    With the first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select…well, we don’t know. Will it be Aiden Hutchison? Will it be Travon Walker? Will the Jags shock everyone and trade down? The answer is obviously unknown, but let’s take a look at what we do know about this year’s NFL draft.

    MUST KNOW #1: Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

    All eyes seem to be on the QB needy teams, but the buzz around the league is that teams aren’t in a rush to grab a QB within the top 10. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that several general managers he’s spoken to in the past few days believe there could be a run, at the back half of the first round, for QB’s like Desmond Ridder or Sam Howell, should Liberty’s Malik Willis or Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett be off the board. Keep an eye out for teams like the Lions, Panthers, and Falcons, or even a dark horse like Seattle, to nab their franchise player.

    MUST KNOW # 2: Teams Will Get Creative

    There’s always one team that historically stays active in acquiring picks or moving up to get their guy and the Philadelphia Eagles are no stranger to such moves. That said, National Insider for the NFL Network and NFL.com, Ian Rapoport, noted that it is not just the Eagles, but the Carolina Panthers and the New York Giants who’ve had conversations in recent days about moving back. The Panthers have no second or third round picks and the Giants, who have two picks in the first round, would like to potentially flip their second pick for others.

    MUST KNOW #3: It Pays to Be a Shark

    There’s a universal understanding that where there is deep water, you don’t swim. The sharks tend to lurk there and unless you’re looking to be lunch, it’s best to stay away. But what if you’re the shark? This year’s draft class is dripping with talent and if you have done your homework, you’ll find some amazing talent in the deeper rounds. Players like TE Grant Calcaterra of SMU and DL Christopher Hinton, Jr. of Michigan having been shooting up draft boards for quite some time and could help teams in need. Ready to go hunting? You can find Bleacher Report’s full list of sleepers here.

  • Western Conference Playoffs Notebook-The Young Ones Dueling  

    Western Conference Playoffs Notebook-The Young Ones Dueling  

    The most exciting series of the NBA Playoffs so far is the Memphis Grizzlies versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. Full of striking athleticism and tension on the court, we have a classic brewing.

    The Grizzlies and Wolves are headed back to Memphis for Game 5 after a 119-118 Wolves win to tie the series. Karl Towns scored 33 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in a huge effort to even things up. It’s a series full of incredible swings in momentum. In Game 3, the Wolves built separate 20 point leads only to lose them and the game. The Grizzlies used a 21-0 run spanning both third and fourth quarters to take control. The Wolves and their fans were shell shocked. They easily could’ve collapsed, if not for Towns and Anthony Edwards.

    It was the Wolves physicality in earning 40 free throw attempts that helped them tip the scales in Game 4. Both of these squads are young and sometimes can get out of control, which leads to mistakes. Those mistakes are turnovers and fouls, and the Grizzlies could not stop fouling. We can question the playoff officiating as Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins did here vorciferously.

    Granted, there are inconsistencies in the officiating but the Grizzlies have to be more under control. An important player like Jaren Jackson Jr is constantly in foul trouble(6 fouls in 23 minutes in Game 4) and it’s putting the Grizzlies in poor position to defend Karl Towns. With that foul trouble, Towns is seeing smaller defenders and getting easier opportunities to drive to the rim like here. Even in a crowd, Towns is too big and too strong to be deterred.

    Memphis really needs Ja Morant to play better. Whether it’s his sore knee or just poor play, we haven’t seen the dynamism he usually brings. Minnesota is attacking him relentlessly on defense. Patrick Beverley has been going by Ja all series for buckets or sucking in the defense for a better look. Bottom line, Morant has to be better on both ends of the floor.

    As the series reaches a critical juncture, Minnesota has fought their way to having a shot to win. Memphis Guard Desmond Bane has scored 60 points in the last two, and he’s going to need some more assistance as they go. That will have to come from Ja scoring the ball. Can he provide that? It’ll be interesting to see. If Minnesota can continue to be the more physical team we can see an upset. Game 5 looms very large as we head back to Memphis.

  • Eastern Conference Playoff Notebook

    Eastern Conference Playoff Notebook

    The NBA’s Eastern Conference Playoffs have been slightly disappointing with all series most likely ending in 5 or 6 games. To date, outside of the Brooklyn Vs. Boston series, all series have played 4 games. As we move on to the end of the first round, let’s look at the various story lines.

    The Boston Celtics Defense

    We all knew that the Celtics defense was going to be a problem for the Nets but I doubt anyone expected the Celtics to be leading 3-0 and expecting to sweep Brooklyn. The switch heavy Celtics have locked up Durant all series, forcing Durant to shoot 36% from the field (a steep drop compared to his 54% from the 2021 series). What’s the difference here? How is Boston able to achieve shutting down KD like this? Well, it’s the wing depth. Between Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart, and Al Horford, Boston can easily switch onto Durant, quickly invading his shooting space, giving him very little space to get a clean jump shot off. It doesn’t help that the Nets are running very little back screens to even try to get KD clean looks. The consistent defensive intensity from almost everyone on the Celtics in a playoff setting is eye opening here and gives me confidence that the Celtics can make a real push here in the post season.

    Khris Middleton Injury

    Losing Khris Middleton early in the playoffs is a huge blow to the Bucks. It might not feel that way given their current opponent, but the impact will be felt if the Bucks face the Celtics in the second round. Without Middleton, the Celtics would be able to swarm Giannis, making him work for every bucket he makes. The Celtics will settle for open Bobby Portis shots if that means Giannis will be uncomfortable the whole game. The Bucks will have to make adjustments to deal with the intensity of Boston’s never-ending lineup of switchable, defensive, and athletic forwards. The Bucks coach, Mike Budenholzer is not known for making many adjustments mid series, so it will be interesting to follow how the Bucks adjust to the Celtics defense without Middleton’s extra offensive punch.

    How Far Can Embiid Go?

    Joel Embiid is currently playing with a thumb ligament tear…yeah, you read that right. Joel Embiid is playing with a ligament tear and has no plans to sit out the playoffs. The plan here is to get surgery after the playoffs and fight through the pain with the hopes of bringing the championship to Philly. This is commendable-if not silly and dangerous to his career, but still commendable. I understand the mentality as it feels like the championship window for Philadelphia is quickly closing here but it will be interesting to see if this injury gets worst or if this will have a long term impact to Joel’s NBA career

  • 5 Thoughts Ahead of The NFL Draft

    5 Thoughts Ahead of The NFL Draft

    About a month ago, I detailed where I think teams were leaning in a post-combine mock draft. As the first night of the draft approaches, the locations where players will most likely land is beginning to crystallize. There are still four days for a Deebo Samuel to the Jets trade to be announced, but here are 5 things I’m thinking as I sip my Monday morning coffee.

    1. Travon Walker going 1st overall is a mistake that the Jaguars are poised to make. This pick will create a domino effect, as with the Jags taking Walker, the Detroit Lions will be free to take hometown boy Aidan Hutchinson. With the Lions taking Hutchinson, it means the Houston Texans have their pick of any offensive lineman on the board, or a wild card like CB Derek Stingley, Jr. or S Kyle Hamilton. Walker is settling around the 50th ranked player on my big board: no, that’s not a typo, as I am pretty sure I’ll have 49 guys ahead of him and really think taking him first overall because you’re banking on a ridiculous ceiling isn’t the kind of move a team with a rookie QB should make. However, Trent Baalke has banked on upside in the past, and this is no different. Plus, he’s never drafted a Michigan player since he and Jim Harbaugh began their blood feud, so Walker at 1 feels like a lock the Jaguars will regret.

    2. Chris Olave is going to be the most productive rookie WR in year one because of how he’s being underrated and where he will end up being drafted because of it. Olave had a really good shortened season at Ohio State and would’ve been one of the first WRs taken in the 2021 NFL Draft, but he opted to go back and essentially replicate his standout sophomore season. His teammate Garrett Wilson got all the attention, but Olave’s game is just as polished as Wilson’s, and you have the benefit of Olave producing each year versus stellar competition. He will most likely go after Wilson, Drake London, Jameson Williams, and Treylon Burks, which means he will probably wind up in a situation with a veteran QB (Aaron Rodgers?). This one feels like an easy prediction.

    3. Breece Hall will be the best running back from this class. He’s a modern NFL back and, as teams go to more position-less offenses, can play in any offense even if he might be better suited for more of a wide zone. He won’t go Round 1 because running backs don’t go in the first anymore, but if a team like the Jets adds him in R2 to pair with 2nd year player Michael Carter? That’s suddenly infinitely better than the rushing attack they have now. He will outproduce his draft slot.

    4. Dax Hill is a better prospect than Kyle Hamilton, will go lower, and be an All-Pro sooner. I mentioned position-less football: defenses have adjusted to the spread offenses that offenses are using by making Nickel their base defenses. The next adjustment was drafting safeties/Uber-athletes to play closer to the ball as de-facto linebackers. Kudos if you were a unicorn like Isaiah Simmons! Kyle Hamilton is the natural evolution of that position, but given Dax Hill’s versatility in coverage (particularly his ability to play man and zone effectively) he is the better value pick. Hamilton will, if he goes to Houston, be typecast as a free safety and be used away from the line of scrimmage. A smart defensive coordinator wouldn’t do that, instead utilizing him like the Seahawks use Jamal Adams. Dax Hill won’t have those issues.

    5. Two big trades will occur, and the order we have now won’t be where we end up on Thursday. Teams have been more likely to move off guys these past off-seasons, choosing to find the replacements in the draft. Stefan Diggs to Justin Jefferson and Deforest Buckner for Javon Kinlaw are two of the most recent high-profile moves, and with Deebo Samuel, AJ Brown, Terry McClaurin, and DK Metcalf reportedly available to some degree, we could see a flurry of action this weekend. I think we get two big moves: one, the Deebo trade, is kind of expected, but one, maybe Terry McClaurin, will be unexpected. Buckle up, football fans.

  • Western Conference Playoff Notebook

    Western Conference Playoff Notebook

    The NBA’s Western Conference Playoffs have been fascinating. To date, all series have played 2 games. As each series shifts cities, let’s take a look at some of the most important stories so far.

    The High Octane Warriors

    There was some concern that Steph Curry wouldn’t be healthy for the postseason. Through 2 games, Steph has come off the bench but it has not mattered. The Golden State Warriors have thoroughly embarrassed the Denver Nuggets. 

    In our preview, we talked about Denver being able to defend in space being a key to the series. A lot of that involved targeting Nikola Jokic. The reigning MVP is an improved defender, but when you can repeatedly put him in pick and roll every action, you’re bound to find cracks.

    For example, The Warriors are great at using other teams’ inclination to ignore Green on the perimeter against them. Jeff Green turns his back on Draymond, pick and roll with Jokic in the action, slow rotation and Draymond gets an easy dunk.

    Golden State has used Draymond at center in a lineup with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Jordan Poole, and Andrew Wiggins for 11 minutes in the first two games. They are a +29 on the court. Draymond has shut down Jokic 1 on 1 and has made it extremely hard for Denver to get anything done offensively.

    The Nuggets have yet to play a home game but it does feel like a series that won’t be long. Expect Denver’s best effort in Game 3 but that may not be enough the way Golden State is playing. They are systematically breaking down Denver and you hope they will respond with the requisite effort.

    The Big Injuries

    With Phoenix Suns star guard Devin Booker now out with a strained hamstring, there are two big injuries looming over the West playoffs. Booker’s hammy joins Luka Doncic’s calf, which has the Dallas Mavericks in a dog fight with the Utah Jazz. Both Suns/Pelicans and Mavericks/Jazz are tied at a game apiece but feel like different series.

    It’s been the same song for the Utah Jazz. Chemistry issues, defensive breakdowns at the point of attack and rough the fourth quarter in Game 2 have them asking the same questions. Should they keep Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert together? Why are they struggling this much? It’s 1-1 and they’re not the team with home court and yet it feels like they’re down.

    With Luka Doncic now listed as questionable for Game 3, his sudden inclusion into the series might be able to tip the scales for Dallas. They’ve played admirably so far, getting a 41-point performance from guard Jalen Brunson

    After only scoring 34 points in the 1st half of Game 1, it feels like the New Orleans Pelicans have found their game. Brandon Ingram got it going in Game 2(37 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists) and their supporting cast stepped up. Injuries do happen, but you still have to take advantage and that’s what New Orleans did. Now they have a shot to turn this series into something real competitive with their 125-114 victory.

    With Booker set to miss at least the next two games, a lot more will be placed on Chris Paul. CP3 had the great fourth quarter in Game 1, but he’s going to need more help. Center Deandre Ayton is going to have to assert himself more in Booker’s absence. The Suns are more than capable of winning this series, but now it feels like they have less of a margin for error.

    Tweaks and Adjustments

    After the Minnesota Timberwolves were so successful in Game 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies, there needed to be a change. Head coach Taylor Jenkins made that adjustment, only playing center Steven Adams 3 minutes. Wolves center Karl Anthony Towns had his way with Adams in Game 1 and after Adams picked up two immediate fouls we never saw him again.

    The Grizzlies as good as Ja Morant, but are also defined by their deep roster. Jaren Jackson Jr. switched onto Towns and was able to have an impact defensively. Xavier Tillman came off the bench with 13 points and 7 boards in 21 minutes. It didn’t help that Towns was in foul trouble but it was a great effort from the Grizzlies to adjust.

    Going into Game 3, we’ll see if the Wolves can get D’Angelo Russell going and regain control. This is an interesting spot for Memphis being a team not big on playoff experience, and same for Minnesota as well. The West continues to shift, and we’ll find out who comes out when the smoke is cleared. 

  • Deebo Samuel’s Trade Request Creates Questions, Uncertainty for the 49ers

    Deebo Samuel’s Trade Request Creates Questions, Uncertainty for the 49ers

    I find it WILD that the best offensive player for the San Francisco 49ers is asking for a trade. Deebo Samuel stated, per Jeff Darlington of ESPN, “He did not want to discuss specific reasons behind his request, but he has indeed let the 49ers know his desire to leave the organization.” Deebo is such a versatile player that he is, essentially, positionless. He can play any skill position the team needs and is not pigeon-holed into being just a wide receiver or running back or punt returner or kick returner. This makes him unique, and thus, valuable. There is no one in the NFL like Samuel. Deebo is not a player you can just replace with a veteran or through the draft. He understands his current role, how to play in the league, AND how to have and maintain success.

    Additionally, Kyle Shanahan has done a masterful job of creating touches for Deebo that has allowed him to use his full compliment of skills…and those skills have helped lead the 49ers to past two NFC Conference Championship Games. The same cannot be said for every coach, including coaches in the NFL. Think Percy Harvin when he was in the league. Shanahan has been given the moniker of “genius” throughout his time as an offensive coordinator. Where that “genius” lies is in his ability to find the weakness of the defense, create formations and motions that attack those weaknesses and then an ability to counter the defenses adjustments. In layman’s terms, Shanahan uses his most gifted and explosive athletes against the softest part of the defense. The relationship between Shanahan and Deebo seemed to be symbiotic, with each party benefiting from the skills of the other.

    Something has occurred between the Niners and Deebo that has pushed Samuel to ask for a trade. Samuel stated it’s because of how he was used in the offense, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rappaport. That could be the reason. It seems improbable. Finding more ways to take advantage of Deebo’s skills is, seemingly, in Shanahan’s wheelhouse. What seems more probable is the communication, personalities, and/or off-field interactions between Samuel, Shanahan, and the Niners have created a chasm so wide that it’s unable to be mended. While he may have been frustrated with how he was used in the offense, it doesn’t seem plausible that that singular issue would create such discontent as to implode the relationship.

    As of now, two things are clear: Samuel’s request and the 49ers desire not to trade him. It’s important to note that the Niners have the leverage in this situation. The “why” hasn’t been shared and we may never know the real reason and, invariably, any comments that come from Shanahan or 49ers’ general manager John Lynch will be “coach speak.” Lots of words that say little to nothing about the topic.

    The Niners will, most likely, start 2nd-year quarterback Trey Lance from North Dakota State this coming season and, unless they get a TRUCKLOAD of talent and picks, will be playing with an unhappy WR/RB/PR/KR1.

    In the end, the only person who knows the real reason is Deebo.

  • NBA Playoff Preview: the Eastern Conference

    NBA Playoff Preview: the Eastern Conference

    The 21/22 season has been an interesting one as 10 teams ended their season with a positive record. This should make for multiple compelling series as a lot of these teams are closer than people may realize.

    2) Boston Celtics Vs. 7) Brooklyn Nets

    Tale of the Tape: The Nets were able to defeat Darius Garland and the Cavs to secure the 7th seed, but the victory did reveal issues that they will need to work on if they plan on winning their series against the Celtics. The Nets best defender is Kevin Durant, who also happens to be their best offensive player. Durant is an amazing weak side defender, meeting his opponents at the rim after they blow by the Nets perimeter defenders (which happens fairly often). In order for the Nets to stand a chance in this series, they’ll have to rely on more than just Durant and Bruce Brown to make defensive reads.

    Another issue for the Nets will be how they manage Durant and Irving’s minutes throughout this series. The Nets 2nd unit is awful and is typically the culprit whenever the Nets blow large leads. Nash has tried staggering Durant and Irving so that Irving is the primary decision maker whenever the 2nd unit comes in, but that has had a negative impact as the Nets are better with Irving and Durant consistently together. I can see a scenario in which the Nets pull a Tom Thibodeau and play Durant and Irving 45+ minutes in order to stay in contention throughout the series.

    Key Matchup: Kevin Durant Vs. Boston Celtics Defense

    The Celtics, who ended the season with the top defensive rating in the league, are no slouch of an opponent for Kevin Durant. The Celtics are loaded with guards who fight over screens and pressure the ball handler (Marcus Smart), as well as bigs who can read pick and roll plays as well as rotate over to contest shots (Al Horford and Robert Williams). The Celtics game plan is to pressure Kevin Durant and make every shot as difficult as possible. They’re not going to stop him, but the plan should be to get the ball out of his hands as much as possible. The Celtics will settle for open threes from secondary role players if that means Kevin is out of rhythm. Throughout the season, that has proven to be the most successful strategy against the Nets as outside of Durant and Irving, as there’s a a deficit of shot creators on the team.

    Prediction: The Celtics defense is extremely impressive, with veteran players who knows how to set the tone in a playoff series from a defensive standpoint. The Nets can’t withstand the pressure that the Celtics will apply. Celtics in 6.

    3) Milwaukee Bucks Vs. Chicago Bulls

    Tale of the Tape: This is a tough series to get as the Bulls have two stats that tells very different stories. The Bulls have the worst record against winning teams. They ended March 0 and 16 against the top three teams from each conference. This should tell us that they bully bad teams and fold against good ones, which means that they’re in line for a very early exit from the Playoffs. As I dug deeper, it occurred to me that DeMar Derozan is 4th in clutch scoring and holds a 122.2 offensive rating in clutch situations. This makes it hard to bet against a team who seems equipped to handle the intensity of a playoff series when it feels like every possession is a clutch situation.

    Key Matchup: Zach LaVine Vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo

    This is a very important series for Zach LaVine, given that he’s a free agent in the off-season and that this will be his first time playing in the post season. He has a lot to prove if he plans on getting offered a max contract. LaVine has gotten better as a defender over the years, but this will be his true test as he’ll share defending duties on Antetokounmpo with second year player Patrick Williams. Giannis is obviously unstoppable, but all eyes will be on how LaVine handles guarding the reining finals MVP. The Bulls will throw a lot of schemes on Giannis to try to low him down but my eyes will be on how “relaxed” or “pressured” Giannis looks against these Bulls.

    Prediction: The success of the Bulls season was a welcomed surprise and it honestly put a smile on my face to see all of the recognition that Derozan got this year but Bulls are out of their element here. Bucks in 5.

    4) Philadelphia 76ers Vs. 5) Toronto Raptors

    Tale of the Tape: It’s been widely speculated that the 76ers have been trying to stay away from the top two seeds as they wanted to avoid playing the Nets in a series. They should have been trying to avoid the Raptors as they’re best equipped to upset Philadelphia. It doesn’t help that it feels as though James Harden is on the down swing. The explosiveness is not there anymore, neither is his ability to beat anyone off of the dribble. He’s settling for three pointers, which has been his bread and butter but he’s not able to get the same separation from his jab steps due to his lack of quickness.

    Key Matchup: James Harden Vs. Toronto’s Length

    Joel Embiid will be dominant and will get his numbers, but I will be very curious to see how Harden handles the length of the Raptors. Toronto’s President of Basketball Operations, Masai Ujiri, built a roster filled with forwards with long wingspans in a gamble that long, tall, and athletic wings make for winning rosters. Harden is generally bothered by lengthy forwards as they limit his ability to get to the rim and draw calls.

    Prediction: I’m expecting this to be a close series and I continue to go back and forth on who I believe will ultimately win here. The length and athleticism of the Raptors will be too much for Philly, with the Raptors winning in 7.

    1) Miami Heat Vs. 8) Atlanta Hawks

    Take of the Tape: The Hawks are bad defensively, like really, REALLY bad defensively. Blown rotations, guards dying on screens, and no one being able to defend the point of attack is normal for the Hawks. They live and die by wether or not Trae Young is hitting his shots and is able to find open teammates. Effort from the defensive end will tell the story on if Atlanta can make this a series.

    Key Matchup: Trae Young Vs. Tyler Herro

    Atlanta isn’t winning this series but I look forward to watching these two young and confident guards break down defenders and hit open threes. Miami moves at a slow pace and with their defense I don’t expect Atlanta to light it up as they usually do. My hope is that Young and Herro is emboldened to lead and jack up shots so that this is a semi-fun series .

    Prediction: Atlanta doesn’t have a chance here. I’m giving them one game here due to Young’s ability to will his team victory’s. Atlanta’s defense is just terrible. Miami in 5.

  • Kershaw Pulled: A Microcosm of What’s Wrong with the MLB

    Kershaw Pulled: A Microcosm of What’s Wrong with the MLB

    Clayton Kershaw, a bonafide Hall of Famer, in his first start of 2022, had thrown 80 pitches through 7 innings. And he was perfect. With it being this early in the year, and Kershaw having a short spring, Dave Roberts decided to pull Kershaw during what could have been his greatest game ever pitched. The second batter that Clayton’s relief pitcher saw hit a single.

    Clayton Kershaw is a world series champion, a Cy Young Winner, an MVP, and has a no-hitter to his name. The last stop on his way to the Hall was a perfect game, and Dave Roberts didn’t let him have that chance. We could have seen the 24th EVER perfecto today, but all we’ll have to talk about is what if. Kershaw’s individual achievement was ripped out of his hands, and there will likely be an analytics or precaution excuse as to why he was pulled…which leads me to my next point!

    There is a problem with Major League Basebal. It seems as though other sports are far and above more popular, both from a social media standpoint as well as star power. Opening Day, one of the best sports days of the year, felt like a dog days of Summer baseball gameday. Not counting the two games on MLB TV for Thursday’s opening day, the only nationally televised game was the Angels and Astros, played at 9:30pm eastern time, on ESPN 2. This game featured 3 of the best players in the league, and it was aired on ESPN 2. Jose Altuve, confirmed cheater and a shining example to people under 5’7″ everywhere, Mike Trout, the most talented hitter of our time, likely the least recognizable sports icon out there, and Shohei Ohtani, who is Babe Ruth (if he ever existed) reincarnate, a man who hits 100mph and 500 foot towering bombs with ease, was relegated to a 10pm slot on a secondary sports channel on the biggest regular season baseball day of the year. Between that, and the past few years of restricting baseball clips on social media, Rob Manfred seems as though he is hell bent on keeping baseball from being popular, and it begins with letting the players show out. Let them toss bats, let them celebrate, to hell with the unwritten rules, air them on primetime national tv, quit trying to change rules like banning shifts, and let them FINISH THE CHANCE FOR A PERFECT GAME.

  • NBA Play-In Preview: Western Conference 

    NBA Play-In Preview: Western Conference 

    As the Phoenix Suns and the Memphis Grizzlies wait for their first round opponents, we have three fascinating games to determine them. Each of these four teams have had a heck of a journey to get here, but now it comes down to execution.

    (7) Minnesota Timberwolves vs (8) Los Angeles Clippers

    Tale Of The Tape: The Wolves have been the 8th most efficient offense in the league this season. Led by Karl Anthony Towns (24.6 PPG 9.8 RPG 3.6 APG), they move the ball with precision and can shoot the three very well. They also attempt the most threes in the league. Being 13th in defensive efficiency is quite the improvement for coach Chris Finch, and this is a great final exam. The Clippers are a veteran laden, deep, and tough team. Their experience is an advantage here.

    The Clippers have had a ton of injuries this season, but with superstar Paul George back they have a chance here to make a run. We can disregard their 24th ranked offense because of the injuries, but a constant has been their 8th ranked defense. Coach Tyronn Lue will certainly be throwing out all types of different defenses at Minnesota to limit Towns and growing star Anthony Edwards.

    Key Matchup: The Clippers defending Karl Anthony Towns.

    3 of the 4 matchups between these teams took place in November and the final one in January so it’s going to look a lot different now. One thing Coach Lue likes to do is throw out different looks against opposing offenses. He’s a tactician of the highest degree. To start off this game he attempts to throw the Wolves off with zone and gets a turnover.

    A few possessions later, the Wolves get going as center Ivica Zubac falls asleep on KAT popping out for a 3. That can’t happen. Expect if Zubac is not effective early we see a switch heavy wing contingent from the Clippers. If the Clippers can get the Wolves tentative and meandering around the perimeter, this is their best chance. If the Wolves are swinging the ball around, it’s a tall task to stop their offense.

    The Prediction: The one thing that should concern Minnesota is their defense in a game like this. The Clippers have a habit of playing great in the fourth quarter. Paul George and Reggie Jackson have both been willing ball movers and they have the shooting to space the floor. Will experience come into play here? Minnesota has had a great season, but I’ll go with the battle tested Clippers here. 

    (9) New Orleans Pelicans vs. (10) San Antonio Spurs

    Tale Of The Tape: Its remarkable to think of where both of these teams came from. The Pelicans started the season 3-16. Zion Williamson hasn’t played at all this season with a foot injury, and no one knows what will happen going forward. The team itself made a trade for sharpshooting guard CJ McCollum and teaming him with Brandon Ingram has made the Pelicans a formidable foe. They’ve gotten contributions from guys like Herb Jones, and center Jonas Valanciunas. What a turnaround for them to get here.

    The San Antonio Spurs probably weren’t even trying to make the Play-In. They traded guard Derrick White at the deadline and have continued to look to build towards their future. Guard Dejounte Murray (21.1 ppg 8.3 rpg 9.2 apg) has had an excellent season. They have their star going forward. 

    Key Matchup: Spurs defense vs CJ McCollum 

    The Spurs are middle of the pack in defense (ranked 16th) and at the point of attack will have to stop CJ or at least limit his effectiveness. He’s just a difficult player to key in on as he can get to his spots off the dribble and is crafty getting others involved. Here as it’s late in the shot clock on a scramble play he’s able to get in the lane for a floater. 

    On another possession he’s able to come off a curl to get free for a jumper. The ability to move off the ball is just as important as being on ball. CJ McCollum is as tough as they come.

    The Prediction: It’s hard for me to see the Spurs win this game. Expect the Pelicans to get enough from CJ and Ingram on offense to win here. If the Spurs can win the battle of the boards they’ll be able to keep it close. Taking New Orleans in a comfortable double digit win.

  • NBA Play-In Preview: Eastern Conference

    NBA Play-In Preview: Eastern Conference

    Brooklyn vs. Cleveland

    The first game on Tuesday should be an interesting one as the offensive powerhouse Nets will be playing a top 5 defense in the Cavaliers. Momentum has not been on the Cavs side lately as they have lost 8 of their last 11 games, which includes games against sub-.500 teams such as the Magic and Lakers. The loss of Jarrett Allen had a huge impact on the Cavs defense which was their bread and butter all season. A lot is riding on rookie Evan Mobley to solidify the Cavs interior defense against Irving and the Nets. I expect the Nets to win here as the Cavs have not recovered from the Allen injury.

    Atlanta vs. Charlotte

    Expect this game to be a high scoring one, as both Atlanta and Charlotte are high on the offensive rating but extremely low on the defensive one. The key matchup here is Trae Young vs. LaMelo Ball, two dynamic point guards with the confidence and freedom to dictate the flow of the game. I don’t think with either team will ultimately impact the playoffs as their poor defense will probably make them early first round exits, but this may be the most exciting play in game to watch as no defense will be played. Given Trae’s recent strong offensive performance, I expect Atlanta to win.