Bobcats vs. Magic (Lineup Comparison)

[SWedd523]

Part one of our (civil) debate between the #2 seed Orlando Magic and #7 seed Charlotte Bobcats will cover the most tangible and straightforward topics: starting lineup and 6th man (by way of minutes)




Magic Starting 6
Jameer Nelson (13p, 6a, 3r, 1s, .444/.376)
Vince Carter (17p, 3a, 4r, 1s, .425/.361)
Matt Barnes (9p, 2a, 6r, 1s, .484/.320)
Rashard Lewis (14p, 2a, 4r, 1s, .437/.400)
Dwight Howard (18p, 2a, 13r, 1s, .610/.000)
~Mickael Pietrus (9p, 1a, 3r, 1s, .432/.381)




Bobcats Starting 6
Raymond Felton (12p, 6a, 4r, 2s, .460/.387)
Stephen Jackson (21p, 4a, 5r, 2s, .423/.326)
Gerald Wallace (18p, 2a, 10r, 2s, .483/.371)
Boris Diaw (11p, 4a, 5r, 1s, .481/.324)
Theo Ratliff (4p, 1a, 3r, 0s, .461/.000)
~Larry Hughes (9p, 3a, 3r, 1s, .355/.307)





Looking strictly at statistics:

PG edge = CHA. Felton averages slightly better numbers overall while shooting a higher percentage. Very similar players (as many people have said) but we own the slight advantage.

SG edge = CHA. Jack averages slightly better numbers across the board but does shoot at a lower percentage. Neither guys are what we would consider consistent, but Jack has more experience which hopefully leads to better play. Still though, very slight advantage.

SF edge = CHA. This should be a given. Barnes and Pietrus are solid players, but Crash is our all star and is one of the better players in the league. Vastly better statistics and impacts the game to a bigger degree. Large edge here.

PF edge = ORL. Similar overall numbers with Lewis being the better scorer and Diaw being the better facilitator. Both are versatile guys who can spread the floor and do a number of things. Diaw is largely inconsistent (though he has been playing nicely in recent weeks) which leads to me giving a slight edge to ORL.

C edge = ORL. Like Crash at SF, this isn't much of a competition. Dwight is the best Center in the game and has a huge impact on the floor. Our platoon (gave Theo the start even though Tyson averages higher minutes) likely won't do much to limit him, though we do have a ton of fouls to throw at the big man which will hopefully limit him some. Huge edge.

[Give Me Redick All Day]

Part one of our (civil) debate between the #2 seed Orlando Magic and #7 seed Charlotte Bobcats will cover the most tangible and straightforward topics: starting lineup and 6th man (by way of minutes)




Magic Starting 6
Jameer Nelson (13p, 6a, 3r, 1s, .444/.376)
Vince Carter (17p, 3a, 4r, 1s, .425/.361)
Matt Barnes (9p, 2a, 6r, 1s, .484/.320)
Rashard Lewis (14p, 2a, 4r, 1s, .437/.400)
Dwight Howard (18p, 2a, 13r, 1s, .610/.000)
~Mickael Pietrus (9p, 1a, 3r, 1s, .432/.381)




Bobcats Starting 6
Raymond Felton (12p, 6a, 4r, 2s, .460/.387)
Stephen Jackson (21p, 4a, 5r, 2s, .423/.326)
Gerald Wallace (18p, 2a, 10r, 2s, .483/.371)
Boris Diaw (11p, 4a, 5r, 1s, .481/.324)
Theo Ratliff (4p, 1a, 3r, 0s, .461/.000)
~Larry Hughes (9p, 3a, 3r, 1s, .355/.307)





Looking strictly at statistics:

PG edge = CHA. Felton averages slightly better numbers overall while shooting a higher percentage. Very similar players (as many people have said) but we own the slight advantage.

SG edge = CHA. Jack averages slightly better numbers across the board but does shoot at a lower percentage. Neither guys are what we would consider consistent, but Jack has more experience which hopefully leads to better play. Still though, very slight advantage.

SF edge = CHA. This should be a given. Barnes and Pietrus are solid players, but Crash is our all star and is one of the better players in the league. Vastly better statistics and impacts the game to a bigger degree. Large edge here.

PF edge = ORL. Similar overall numbers with Lewis being the better scorer and Diaw being the better facilitator. Both are versatile guys who can spread the floor and do a number of things. Diaw is largely inconsistent (though he has been playing nicely in recent weeks) which leads to me giving a slight edge to ORL.

C edge = ORL. Like Crash at SF, this isn't much of a competition. Dwight is the best Center in the game and has a huge impact on the floor. Our platoon (gave Theo the start even though Tyson averages higher minutes) likely won't do much to limit him, though we do have a ton of fouls to throw at the big man which will hopefully limit him some. Huge edge.

Looking at raw numbers, it's easy, for me at least, to almost say the PG matchup is a wash. Both players offer the same intangibles (excellent penetration, sweet outside, mid-range jumpshots, good 3-point range). Yes, Felton (love that dude) is getting slightly better percentages, but Meer's impact on a game can be huge. He's actually our x-factor, right next to Peaches and Redick.

I give the edge to the Cats at the SG position, unless of course Vince goes vintage Tar-Heel in his old stomping grounds. We, as Magic fans, know he has it in him to score big. And his hops have improved DRAMATICALLY over the last month or so. He's attacking the rim better, drawing fouls. And that's important, because, honestly, the refs might be favoring us this round, as unfair as that may be, and he could get a lot of calls in his favor. Still, I give it to you guys though... if only slightly.

SF - yeah... um, no argument here. I think Barnes is a GREAT defensive stopper, but so is Crash. In a way, depending on the intensity level Matt brings, I'd say he has the CAPACITY to make Wallace's job a little harder, especially on the offensive glass, since Barnes is a great rebounder. Still... yeah, you get this one.

PF - I think Shard really shows up in the postseason (had some ice-water in his veins last year, for sure), and I'm not too caught up on Diaw's game to really make a comparison. All I know is, if Shard doesn't hit his shots, he's pretty useless, especially on the defensive end. So, Good Shard gives us the advantage at this position. Bad Shard, goes to you.

C - Yeah, well, ya know. I mean, granted, you guys have a lot of fouls to give up on D12, but in the playoffs, I'm sure Dwight will be ready to go. We ran into the same problem with the Celts last year, with Perkins, and Big Baby, and Powe... but we all remember how that went.

And as far as the bench goes, that can be the next installment in the comparison thread. Stay tuned, folks.

[lemonrat]

Wow, this is SO not biased

[/sarcasm]

[teej]

First off, PG is a wash. We have a better bench (Williams isn't in his prime anymore) there but Ray isn't the playmaker Jameer is. If DJ's shot is falling and Ray isn't turning the ball over, we'll be fine, but otherwise Jameer is better.

SG is all up to who has their shot falling. Vince can be a worldbeater or worthless, depending on if he shows up. I personally think he's been coasting the whole season for the playoffs, and he'll show up. But I also think Jack is going to show up, and if both are on top of their game, Jack is better. Also, I'll take Larry Hughes defense but Redick's offense. Bench is about equal here.

SF is clearly ours, Crash is better than any wing the Magic have, no question. Barnes is a mini-Rodman with his ability to get in your head, but unless Crash succumbs to that, I don't see anything changing his star power. My only concern is if Mickael is playing on Crash, since Crash has no perimeter D whatsoever.

PF is probably Lewis, but like Carter, I think Diaw's been coasting too. If both show up, it's a wash. Bass is a moron who probably won't play much, and Anderson might play but not enough to worry me. Tyrus Thomas is better than both and if he has half of what he did against Boston last year, he'll torch you guys.

C is clearly Dwight, but we'll be employing the Hack-A-Dwight I'm sure, with 24 fouls to throw around. Also, Tyson, Theo, Tyrus, Gana, and Gerald can block him at the rim any given possesion, so he's likely not going to go off like he did on Okafor. But still, he's the best player at his position today, and the best player in the series. Keeping him to 20/10 would make me happy.

Coach is interesting. Larry has prepared these guys really well, but Stan is an excellent game manager and if Larry has a couple brainfarts like he's known to do, then we're screwed.

Overall, it's a good matchup. I'm looking forward to it. Just remember, Magic fans, what happened the last time you played a Charlotte team.

[110oldeast]

Even though I don't really do the player by player comparison thing much:

Pg: Wash. I think Ray is a better defender, but Jameer with their spread floor is a tough cover with his strong pullup ability that is more consistent than Ray's. Both are offensively similar. I don't necessarily see Jameer as a better playmaker, however. I actually think Ray would be a serious playmaker in the Magic's offense, and would average more than 6 assists in that offense which is basically drive and kick to knockdown shooters or lob to Howard (a pgs dream, similar to N.O.'s and Phx's in their primes). I think this can definitely be a swing matchup. In most of our close games or wins against Orlando, Ray has outplayed Nelson.

Sg: I'm gonna go wash again, as both guys can win you games or be in complete funks. Both have tremendous talent, but also can become overdependent upon their jumpshots. They can carry you when they are at their best. I think some folks may be writing off half man half amazing too soon.

SF: Advantage Cha. Gerald has to make sure to not get baited by Barnes' tenacity and physical play if he is not getting the calls he wants. Defensively, Crash has to be very measured in his gambling as he cannot afford to allow Barnes or Pietrus wide open corner 3s.

PF: Wash: This is yet another matchup that can be a barometer. Diaw is more balanced and has more total abilities, but if left uncovered, Lewis can shoot the Bobcats out of the series. He provides many of their daggers. If Boris is assertive, he can swing this in favor of the Bobcats. If Boris can make this a wash, it is an advantage for the Cats.

C: HUGE Advantage Orlando. It's huge as it sets the tone for everything else. How we defend Howard can ultimately determine the series. If we get caught doubling him excessively and the Magic knockdown kickouts, we are done. However, he can also get them into the bonus quickly when allowed to work freely. I am of the mindset that our guys have to get BEHIND him, try to push him out, let him catch and score over the top of them. Don't front him and let him get easy dunks.

[Give Me Redick All Day]

First off, PG is a wash. We have a better bench (Williams isn't in his prime anymore) there but Ray isn't the playmaker Jameer is. If DJ's shot is falling and Ray isn't turning the ball over, we'll be fine, but otherwise Jameer is better.

SG is all up to who has their shot falling. Vince can be a worldbeater or worthless, depending on if he shows up. I personally think he's been coasting the whole season for the playoffs, and he'll show up. But I also think Jack is going to show up, and if both are on top of their game, Jack is better. Also, I'll take Larry Hughes defense but Redick's offense. Bench is about equal here.

SF is clearly ours, Crash is better than any wing the Magic have, no question. Barnes is a mini-Rodman with his ability to get in your head, but unless Crash succumbs to that, I don't see anything changing his star power. My only concern is if Mickael is playing on Crash, since Crash has no perimeter D whatsoever.

PF is probably Lewis, but like Carter, I think Diaw's been coasting too. If both show up, it's a wash. Bass is a moron who probably won't play much, and Anderson might play but not enough to worry me. Tyrus Thomas is better than both and if he has half of what he did against Boston last year, he'll torch you guys.

C is clearly Dwight, but we'll be employing the Hack-A-Dwight I'm sure, with 24 fouls to throw around. Also, Tyson, Theo, Tyrus, Gana, and Gerald can block him at the rim any given possesion, so he's likely not going to go off like he did on Okafor. But still, he's the best player at his position today, and the best player in the series. Keeping him to 20/10 would make me happy.

Coach is interesting. Larry has prepared these guys really well, but Stan is an excellent game manager and if Larry has a couple brainfarts like he's known to do, then we're screwed.

Overall, it's a good matchup. I'm looking forward to it. Just remember, Magic fans, what happened the last time you played a Charlotte team.

What Bass lacks in b-ball intelligence, he more than makes up for in his ability to box-out, and produce cleanup buckets. Not to mention, when on an island, he has a decent post-up game, and can hit a mid-range jumper. He's been a good compliment to Dwight, when on the floor at the same time.

Ryno will probably be our biggest x-factor at the 4 spot. His ability to get hot is legend already... but he can also be an epic chucker.

Peaches has a knack for getting hot in the postseason. If he can force Crash to play perimeter D, we might stand a chance. Barnes is also really good on the glass, so at least he can make it interesting.

I think Redick is gonna be reinvigorated by playing in his alumni state. Couple that with the way he's been playing this season. Aggressive, excellent shot selection, and high IQ. He's the x-factor at the 2 spot.

To recap the potential Magic x-factors at each position:

PG - Meer's offense.
SG - Redick's shot selection and passing.
SF - Peaches being ignited on offense.
PF - Bass playing out of his head; not worrying about the plays, but operating on instinct.
C - Dwight's free throws.

Damn it... is it the weekend yet?

[CatNation]

Vince and Jack will be the most enjoyable and possibly frustrating matchup to watch. I think Good Jack is better than Vince, but Bad Jack can totally lose us a game by himself. For instance...I can easily imagine Jackson game 1 going 1-7 in the first quarter with 3 of the shots being his stupid jab step jab step 3 in his defenders face that he loves to do. It looks sick when he's on but when's off you wanna kill him. MJ needs to get in his ear.

Boris should be able to use his fat ass and move Lewis out of the way (especially with Lewis off his roids now, jk magic fans :biggrin:). He's been pretty efficient vs the Magic from what I can remember...

For Dwight..bleh. None of our guys can really slow him down one on one. Let him get his if you have to, but don't be afraid to foul him in the right situations.

And if we're down big at half, we can send Sam Vincent to hide in their locker room to hear the plan while Jeff McInnis fixes up a batch of MJ's "secret stuff." Guaranteed comeback win.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_78CCoCD9wA8/Sh-OT_AuTZI/AAAAAAAAACg/POZni1z4G00/s400/SJ2.jpg

[SWedd523]

It's pretty obvious that there are two spots of clear advantage. Center and Small Foward. Sure Barnes/Pietrus MAY slow Crash, but the 38 big men we have MAY slow Dwight down. I don't like to get into conditionals though so let's just say they both have sizable advantages.

I think Jameer has the slight offensive advantage, while Ray has the slight defensive advantage. Jameer (a guy who I've loved ever since he almost took Saint Joe's all the way) and Ray might sure and well cancel each other out. But that might be to the Cats benefit because our wings will be able to stay home on their marks, keeping the outside shooters covered.

If you guys play inside out, you'll be able to open the wings up because I have a sneaky suspicion that our guys will cheat down on the big fella. With that though, I have a couple of questions for you Redick.

I know Dwight is somewhat limited offensively and it seems as if he doesn't put many shots up. How often do you run the offense through him, whether it be kick outs or post ups?

[Give Me Redick All Day]

I know Dwight is somewhat limited offensively and it seems as if he doesn't put many shots up. How often do you run the offense through him, whether it be kick outs or post ups?

Honestly, I'm probably not the best guy to answer that, since I don't think mathematically, but rather with the creative side of my brain... so actually digging up the percentages on that would be a chore... HOWEVER, from what I can tell, we like to open games up with a concerted effort to get D12 the ball on the low block.

Usually, and this has only really started happening this year, Dwight will face up his man, about 8-10 feet away from the basket. He'll either head baseline, or spin off and towards the middle, where he'll attempt a shake-and-bake, then a baby hook... or he might just try a running hook parallel to the basket (which I love, and he's gotten really good at).

His offensive game has jumped leaps and bounds from season to season, but no more so than from last year to this year. As long as the refs call a fair game, which I hope they will, then Dwight should be able to get what he wants on the inside.

Then of course there's Gortat, with his insane pick-and-roll ability. Honest to God, that dude has a baby's bottom-like touch around the rim...

... I hope that didn't come off TOO creepy.

[DY_nasty]

Orlando doesn't run the offense through Dwight. In any given game you might see Ryan Anderson get more touches.

BobcatsP is sleeping on JWill and Redick too. They'll both find ways to shame Charlotte before the series is over.

I do think that center depth is going to be a factor though. Dwight's got a history of picking up dumb fouls quickly and getting sidelined for long stretches. Not saying that it will be a deciding factor (Just look at how Orlando spanked Philly), but it will be important.

Also, one thing that really needs to be accounted for is coaching. When things get crazy in a close game or series, I'd take Larry Brown over Stan van Gundy in a heartbeat and it has to be said that we have a definite coaching advantage (despite the fact that Larry has put up out completely jacked lineups at many points during the regular season). If the Bobcats manage to steal game 1 and somehow keep game 2 close, I'd consider them favorites to win the series at that point.

This Orlando Magic team has no composure at all. If sh*t hits the fan, they'll implode.

[Marvel]

This Orlando Magic team shoots more 3s than last years.D12 doesn't get as many touches as he did last season in fact Shard and Turk have put up more shots than D12 over the last 3 seasons.Make no mistake about it this is a 3 point shooting team and the most effective way to shut down D12 is to not let him get position in the paint,which is easier said than done.If he's fronted than the lob pass will most likely ensue that's where our shot blockers come in to help stop D12 from getting the lob pass deep.
Shut down D12, frustrate him shit send him to the free throw line 50 times,he's shooting a little under 60% from there.Slow down the game, that's how Detroit beat them constantly.They were cunning and forced Orlando to play their game.
Seriously you guys gotta watch the 07-08 series against Detroit.The Pistons played a very smart series by stopping Orlando.

[EC123]

And that's important, because, honestly, the refs might be favoring us this round, as unfair as that may be, and he could get a lot of calls in his favor. Still, I give it to you guys though... if only slightly.

By the time it's over with, Larry Brown's team will get as many calls, if not more, than Stan Van Gundy's.

The Bobcats usually do.

[teej]

By the time it's over with, Larry Brown's team will get as many calls, if not more, than Stan Van Gundy's.

The Bobcats usually do.

I don't know. We'll get more total FT's because we're a driving team, versus the Magic being a shooting team. But in the clutch moments, we're not going to get calls.