Upset Odds: 5:1
The big question in this series is whether the Lakers' D can prevent the easy baskets that the Jazz offense, run exceptionally well by Deron Williams, creates. It sunk the Nuggets with their undiciplined ways. The Lakers have an aggressive defensive rotation. If they don't hustle and play with a lot of energy, it breaks down and gives inferior offenses easy baskets. Will Fisher/Farmar be able to keep Deron away from the basket? Like the Thunder series, Kobe has an advantagious matchup at shooting guard. However, if he has to chase Deron, he'll have less energy at the other end of the floor. Boozer versus Gasol is an interesting contrast in styles. They do not match up well. Which will better take advantage of the mis-match at the offensive end? A big question for Utah is whether their young center can hang with Bynum. Personally, I am unsure how advantageous the matchup ultimately will be for the Lakers. This series will be closer than it should be, and I would not be shocked by an upset. Why? The Jazz are playin gto their potential. The effort is there and they know how they win. The Lakers are not playing to their potential. They don't always bring the effort (hasn't been too bad though) and they win in fundamentally different ways from game to game. They're a great team on shaky ground.
Prediction: Lakers in 7
I do not think the Lakers will win game 6 in SLC, unless they are down 2-3 and desperate. The Lakers need to take the series by game 5 or there will be a game 7. I predict both teams protect homecourt to take it to seven games.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment