Upcoming Raptors & Cavs

[ThomasCredle]

What record do people expect for these upcoming games?   I will be happy with a split but I think the psychological help of taking two from the Cavs could go a long way to help erase any lingering nerves from last year's ECF.  

The home game probably more as the Cavs may rest key pieces in the second game and we will likely still be playing hard for the 3 seed.  What chance does you give us to win all four or at least take both from the Cavs?

[nathan2331]

2-0. I think we'll come out and make a statement in those games.

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

[High5]

I can't stomach another loss to Toronto. That would be 7 out of 8 and twice in our great March. The madness has to end on Wednesday.

[ThomasCredle]

I definitely hope we do.   Throwing a good beat down on the Cavs and Raptors would be huge for the team

[Lurker]

Cleveland will likely be resting on April 11th, so the game Friday will tell a lot more...but in these upcoming two games I'll be happy with splitting.

[Plainview1981]

I think a win over Toronto and Cleveland is needed. I think maybe the Hawks had those teams on their mind tonight. It's probably serviceable as long as they don't lose all three games.

 

Edited March 29, 2016 by Hotlanta1981

[TheFuzz]

If the Hawks are legit (and I believe we are), Bud and the gang need to go out and make a statement. If we win both games, I'm confident we can beat anyone in the playoffs sans Spurs/Warriors.

[Jody23]

Even if the Hawks win these games, it's still the regular season and will have no bearing on what happens in the playoffs.  As well as the Hawks have played lately, there's nothing new between them and the Cavs that's going to change the equation.  They are a matchup problem for the Hawks.

[AHF]

Just don't want to slip into the 4th or 5th seeds.

[Atlantaholic]

Finishing third is the goal. I couldn't care less if we lose these next two games as long as we play well the rest of the way and finish in the top 3 when the playoffs start.

[macdaddy]

Humphries will hopefully help the rebounding issue against these teams.   Our perimeter D has been much better these last few weeks so that'll be key against the Raps.

[Guest]

16 minutes ago, macdaddy said:

Humphries will hopefully help the rebounding issue against these teams.   Our perimeter D has been much better these last few weeks so that'll be key against the Raps.

Hump will definitely help inside vs Raps...but are you sure it's our perimeter defense that's key vs Raps or is it interior D. Derozen drives to the hoop and getting to the ft line is 90% of his game. I think it's the paint that we have to protect vs these guys. I'd let Derozen take outside shots vs driving to the hoop. But I guess perimeter defense leads to interior D.

[Lurker]

4 minutes ago, Spud2Nique said:

Hump will definitely help inside vs Raps...but are you sure it's our perimeter defense that's key vs Raps or is it interior D. Derozen drives to the hoop and getting to the ft line is 90% of his game. I think it's the paint that we have to protect vs these guys. I'd let Derozen take outside shots vs driving to the hoop. But I guess perimeter defense leads to interior D.

It's interior D and it's been exposed bad vs Toronto twice. Lowry says they aggressively attack the rim as they don't respect Horford or Millsap as shotblockers.

[Guest]

41 minutes ago, Lurker said:

It's interior D and it's been exposed bad vs Toronto twice. Lowry says they aggressively attack the rim as they don't respect Horford or Millsap as shotblockers.

What do you think I wrote? Lol. 

[Guest]

Perimeter defense is the 1st line of defense. Our guards/wings have to at least put up a little fight and not give them an easy path to the rim. They are actually making it tough for guys to get in the paint now.  

Second, is rim protection. Horford and Millsap have been racking up the blocks lately (Millsap had 6 last night).

Third is help defense from our bigs to assist the guards and wings. Just last night Rose and Butler was getting anything they wanted in the paint. The defense changed just a little with a soft trap forcing them to be long range shooters.

It has to be a total team effort.

[hazer]

Need to win them both, grab the psychological advantage by planting doubt in those team's minds, and solidify 3rd place. Matchups, momentum, mental edge.....

[bumpyphish1]

I think we can afford one more loss this season and retain the likelihood of retaining the 3 seed.  Maybe two losses.  Need to win 3-4 of remaining with Toronto and Cleveland.  The rest are all should-win though.  @Washington could be a trap--they give us problems

Edited March 30, 2016 by bumpyphish1

[frosgrim]

13 hours ago, bumpyphish1 said:

I think we can afford one more loss this season and retain the likelihood of retaining the 3 seed.  Maybe two losses.  Need to win 3-4 of remaining with Toronto and Cleveland.  The rest are all should-win though.  @Washington could be a trap--they give us problems

This, I'm not too concerned about one loss over those 4 games, but a split isn't going to do us any good

I actually expect a loss tonight and a big win v. LeCavs on Friday.

[TheNorthCydeRises]

( Talking like Puff Daddy in the "Victory" video .... arms raised in disgust )

"What we gon' do now?  Huh?  What we gon' do now?"

[Lurker]

Tonight was the second game in which I really don't think this team had their head in the game this month which really makes me think this is one of the teams that is in their head.