First Playoff Match-Up Locked: [4] ATL vs. [5] MIA

[Fizdale]

It's crazy, I think this is the first series locked so far, anyone could face anyone anyday, especially in the west, ATL-MIA should be fun, how bout today? D-Wade scored 55 Points, together with Beasley having a 28 Pt - 16 Reb effort, wow! Not to mention they were from that 15 win tankage last year.

I always root for the underdog, but I'd say I see ATL winning it in 6 or 7.

Any thoughts? I'd update this to art later when I have free time.

[Lamrock]

There is no poll so we can vote for who we think will win in how many games, or choose a comedic novelty option.

Anyway, with Wade's favor from the referees along with the Hawks having a mediocre record since their 20-10 start, I see Miami taking this series in 6.

[diddy]

yeah it would be interesting to watch, but i'd prefer to see Heat at 4-th seed, but steel, we have chanset to win against Atlanta!6-7 games!

[Andrew]

Poll added, unfortunately I've drawn a blank on wittier joke options so I've gone with those two.

I'm picking the Hawks in six. Yes, Dwyane Wade's heroics/help from the referee (depending on which way you want to look at things) have to be taken into consideration but the Hawks have won three quarters of their home games this year while the Heat are under .400 on the road for the season. Since the Hawks have home court advantage, I think they'll have enough of an edge to get things done in Atlanta and steal one in Miami to wrap it up in six.

[diddy]

i know that atlanta has enought tools to make things done, but yeasterday's d-wade's 55 points +9 ast and Beezy's 28+16 rebs makes me think....and think....and if UH and JO would be available for at least third game, i can say that Miami has chances!

[JaoSming]

I got Hawks in 5, assuming Miami gets basically the same or better team that the Celtics got last year.

[shadowgrin]

Dominique.

Heat in 7. Wade will carry them. It's not like the Hawks still have Josh Childress.

[benji]

I got Hawks in 5, assuming Miami gets basically the same or better team that the Celtics got last year.

If the Hawks play like they did in the first round last year, then the Heat would have to play worse than a lottery team in order to lose in five.

[buzzy]

Hawks in 5, Heat winning one home game.

[NovU]

50 50. I like our chance against the Hawks. As usual, Wade will have to carry a lot on his shoulder. I hope Jermaine will come back healthy for the playoffs. It seems he just can't stay away from injuries. He will likely to sit for remaining 2 games, so I worry if he will be back in game shape for the playoffs.

[shadowgrin]

I'm going to throw a wild guess here and say that Jermaine isn't a major part of Erik Spoelstra's playoff strategies. Even the short time of being together with the Heat, he's already used to Injurmaine O'Neal.

Besides, the Heat have the greatness of Joel Anthony.

phpBB [video]

4:16 - badass!

[Martti.]

Putting my vote on Heat in 6. But that's only if Jermaine and Udonis are healthy. And Spoelstra has to figure out his SF and C rotation. One night Diawara and Blount are inactive, the next Wright and Magloire. Then some nights it's Quinn.

Joel Anthony's minutes will be cut, because Magloire is playing the best ball of the season.

[Andrew]

I thought Haslem was out for the rest of the year? Or was that just the remainder of the regular season?

[Dan's Brain]

Atlanta in 6. First 5 games will go to the home teams, and then Atlanta will squeeze out an overtime win in Florida in Game 6. Al Horford will dominate the paint, and be the player of the series.

[shadowgrin]

That won't be easy with Anthony in the paint.

[Dan's Brain]

Horford will dominate whatever end of the paint Anthony isn't in at the time.

[Martti.]

I thought Haslem was out for the rest of the year? Or was that just the remainder of the regular season?

Stitches will be taken out this Wednesday, then he'll be good to go.

[Abctest123]

I just realized the Miami Heat have 2 Canadian Centres on their team (Magloire and Anthony). Anyways, I want to see this series go 7 games. I like the Hawks more but with Wade can become absolutely unstoppable. Hard for me to pick but I'll just go Hawks in 7.

[diddy]

guys, after yeasteday's game, when heat played without D-Wade, JO and Haslem and even has a lead, i think everything is possible!

[Andrew]

Stitches will be taken out this Wednesday, then he'll be good to go.

Ah, so that's what it was. That shouldn't be an issue then.

[diddy]

see the team comparisons
Link

[Arcane]

I want to say Heat in 6 but I believe this will be a tough series. Fear Wade he is going to unleash his wrath and tear it up in the playoffs.

[Stress Fracture]

Hawks in 6. If Johnson will bring back his performance from last year's playoffs, the Hawks will be unstoppable. But still, Wade's performance will be the key in this series.

[Lamrock]

Wow. dullest 4th quarter ever, What is it, 7 minutes without scoring?

[NovU]

Oh my.

I'm not worried, we will utilize Anthony a bit more and we will be fine.