MVN - Most Valuable Network

Orlando hoping for 76ers upset

I’m sorry Jon. I’m sorry Aarick, Anthony and Justin. I’m rooting for the 76ers to beat Detroit in the first round of the playoffs, but that is because I’m selfish…it’s because I would much rather see Orlando play Philadelphia than the Pistons. I know, Philly is playing inspired ball right now, but Orlando matches up very well against them. I think the Magic could handle the Pistons as well, but given the choice, I think the officials would lean towards Orlando if they played Philly, as opposed to Detroit who would be catapulted to the Conference Finals so the NBA could feel the $$$ that a Pistons v.s. Celtics series would bring.

Looking at the two teams, I think any franchise would rather see the 76ers, who have clearly overachieved. Against Philadelphia, Orlando matches up particularly well, as their strengths, tough low post presence and athletic drives to the basket, would be neutralized by Dwight Howard in the paint along with the lengthy Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu.

Against Detroit, I honestly believe Orlando would have a legitimate shot. This isn’t the same Magic squad that got swept in the first round by the Pistons last season, and the Pistons certainly aren’t the same team either. Detroit looks very vulnerable right now. Their starting lineup is old and is nowhere as clutch and intimidating as last season. Their bench is athletic but inexperienced, and Flip Saunders has shown over and over again that he is overrated. Then Orlando obviously has Rashard Lewis, something they didn’t have last year, and they have Stan Van Gundy. Not to mention, Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson also have some playoff experience under their belts now and Hedo Turkoglu is the NBA’s Most Improved Player.

Despite Orlando’s obvious improvement from last year and Detroit’s slight drop off, the experience Detroit’s starters have combined with the love they will certainly feel from the officials (Toronto felt it, so Detroit certainly will) scares the hell out of me. That is why I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Philly can pull the upset.

At the very least, I’d love to see seven game series and hope Orlando can play a fatigued team, but would certainly prefer an inexperienced 76ers squad. So again Passion and Pride crew, I’m rooting for you, but only so Orlando can have an easier matchup. Harsh, I know but it’s just the way I feel and the way I certainly hope things will go down.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 at 3:14 pm and is filed under Orlando Magic. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.