I had to take a few days off the Raptors after they secured the 6th seed. Much like them, this season was really taxing on me (I even developed a condition), so I had to rest up, and prepare, both mentally and physically, for the Raptors playoffs against Superboy and the Orlando ‘Tricks’.
I predicted the Magic in 5, I even went on the record. Sadly, as many of you know, I am pretty emotional when it comes to the Raptors, so that prediction was made out of haste, sorry my precious, but I have had a couple days to really marinate on this match-up, and I don’t think it is as bad as I originally thought.
The reality is if the Raptors rolled into the playoffs with a better record, we would have caught the Cavs in the first round. Even if we had homecourt, that is not a match-up I want to see. I was nervous about the Nets last year, Lebron and co. would have drove me to the valium and kool-aid. Like it or not, the stars have aligned, and the Raptors are seriously in the best position at post season success this playoffs.
As far as predictions, I am having a hard time predicting it. Truth be told, my heart says Orlando in 5, but the idiot in me has the Raptors in 7 for some reason. The match-up is interesting as they are pretty similar. The winner of this series will be the team that can make stops when they count. Both teams aren’t a defensive juggernaut, and try to outscore opponents to win.
It wont be easy, I’m not on the bandwagon, but here’s hoping for some solid playoff ball, the Raptors have a chance to steal because all the pressure is on Orlando, and they may not be up to the task (although they finished the season like champs). Anyways, I should have a surprise for you guys very shortly. Hopefully sooner then later, stay tuned.
Go Raps!
Technorati Tags: NBA Playoffs, Orlando Magic
April 19th, 2008 at 6:22 am
My full slate of 1st round selections are now available. Drop by for a visit and provide your feedback.
Thanks, in advance.
khandor’s last blog post..NBA Playoffs Preview (2007-2008)
April 19th, 2008 at 7:42 am
Hi Sam,
The article is just out.
http://mundoalbiceleste.blogspot.com/2008/04/2008-play-offs-real-deal-starts-now.html
Please let have a look at it.
Once again a big thanks for your contribution
john’s last blog post..2008 Play-Offs - The Real Deal Starts Now
April 19th, 2008 at 9:51 am
…or just get ready to tumble , raps !
coach’s last blog post..Top 10 Reasons Why The Raptors Will Bow To The Magic In Their Playoff Series !
April 19th, 2008 at 10:57 am
It’s a shame the Raptors are in such dismal form, the Magic are actually a decent matchup for them. Bosh has lit up the Magic for two straight years. If Toronto can find some form quick, this could turn into one heck of a battle. If they don’t, the Magic will likely roll them over.
Bosh is smarter than Dwight Howard and that’s going to go a long way. They both have big matchup advantages but Bosh uses his to better effect. He also brings his teammates into the game better. Unfortunately he can’t do what Dwight can in the paint.
This is going to be the battle of two best young big men in the East. Should be good.
nbaroundtable’s last blog post..Western Conference Playoff Previews
April 19th, 2008 at 11:26 am
I flip flip over a steam roll by the magic and a shocking upset by the Raps.
Walking the streets of TOronto today the sense is, summer is here and nobody is feeling any love for the Raps.
by the way, back bacon sandwiches at the St. Lawrence Market are almost a good reason to move back to TO.
go raps
cuzzy’s last blog post..Beauty: Rachel McAdams
April 19th, 2008 at 11:27 am
apparently the raptors are confident all of a sudden, for some unknown reason, so that bodes well! i agree, it should be a fun first round matchup. i took the raptors in every single pool i entered…i don’t know what’s wrong with me, lol.
April 19th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
no chance for the raptors. no chance. magic in five…maybe four.
April 19th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
raptors only problems are lewiz hedo n superman
April 20th, 2008 at 9:53 am
Looking forward to watching the game and hope the Raptor’s can pull an upset. That said I think they have taken a step backward and it will be tough from them to win this series.
Watched the Suns/Spurs game and noticed the Red Rocket is still with the Spurs. By the way does anyone have any thoughts on way the West is so much better the East ?
April 20th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Rod you’re such a negative nancy
April 20th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I think the keys to this series is Rasho. Last year when NJ double/triple teamed Bosh there wasnt another big to step up and put the ball in the basket. if Rasho can take some pressure off Bosh then I think the raps can steal a game in Orlando.
the raps may be limping into the post season, but they’re here and this club does have a series under its belt from last year. They could upset the magic. Is anyone else sick of everyone calling DHoward superman? I prefer the man child, but with names out there like the answer, the truth, the big ticket, the black mamba. a nickname like Superman is overused and unoriginal.
how about the West games last night? nash’s jump shot was insane and duncan cashing 3’s is hilarious