If you'll kindly take a look at the "Team Record" box at the top of the middle column, you'll notice that the record has been reset to 0-0. We're now about 48 hours away from Game 1, and it's time to stop worrying about the first 41 wins and start concentrating on the next 4.
It's been an unbelievably crazy day at work, but that's all over in about an hour. I plan to head home, have dinner and then this blog will be a flurry of activity until the game starts. Check back early and often, I have plenty to say about the individual matchups, coaching strategies, hubris, over-inflated egos, ESPN talking heads, history, the future and the hidden value of these games.
In short, expect at least 10 posts in the next 2 days as we get ramped up for this first-round series. The hair on my arms is already standing up, I absolutely love the playoffs, and I can't wait to hear what's on your minds in the comments.
The Sixers face some very, very long odds, but when it comes right down to it, all the pressure is on the Magic and the Sixers have been very, very good when they're playing the underdog all season long. Buckle up.
You just hit the nail on the head. 2 BIG POINTS
1. Everyone is 0-0
2. Sixers have thrived all year when counted out (like this year, hopefully they will be consistent).
Still don't think they will win, but I definitely think their chances are more than what most are giving them.
Two years ago, Golden State shocked the 67-win Mavs in the first round. But rarely does a team that won 18 fewer games than its opponent win four out of seven from the higher-seeded team. In an NCAA tournament or NFL playoff format, it's more likely because you only have to be better on one day.
Typically, the best team wins these series. Unless the Sixers play at a significantly higher level than they did over the past two weeks, especially at the defensive end, it's going to be tough to outscore the Magic.
Well, that's assuming the Magic are going to play at a significantly better level than they have over the past two weeks. If we're only going on how they finished the season, it's going to be an ugly, close series.
Everyone's assuming the Magic will play at their best and the Sixers will continue to play the same poor basketball they played over the past 7. I'm not sure why.
I think we can basically agree that the whole season is a better predictor of how a team will fare in the playoffs than its last two weeks of regular season play. That being the case, I don't expect us to play like one of the five worst teams in the entire league, like we have of late, and I expect Orlando to play pretty well, as they did over the course of the season. I'm sure there have been plenty of 2/7, 1/8, and 3/6 match-ups where the higher seed stumbled a little down the stretch, as upper-echelon teams that have little to play for in the last couple weeks of the season will often do, and I'm sure that usually those stumbles aren't followed by upsets.
Fair enough, but they were playing for home-court advantage in the second round over Boston when they lost to the Knicks at home and Nets on the road to start this limp to the finish.
Ok, look, we can all agree that the Magic is a better team this year. Everyone does not have to keep reminding us of that constantly. We understand.
On the other hand, this is a sixer FAN blog. Can we talk as fans about winning and how to win without a constant reminder it probably will not happen, please??
This is what I would enjoy reading? Any thoughts?
I'm going to spend plenty of time over the next two days talking about Sixers' advantages. Don't worry.
How to compete/win:
Sammy avoiding foul trouble and the team forcing all of Howard's buddies to beat them from inside the arc.