Chris Mannix of SI: The Bobcats will rally to make the playoffs

[Black]

The firing of Larry Brown leaves an already unsettled team in complete chaos, and rumors are flying that owner Michael Jordan is ready to hold a fire sale for the roster. But the firm hand of interim coach Paul Silas will regain control of the team and offensive-oriented point guard D.J. Augustin will thrive away from Brown's controlling hand. Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace will pick up their play in the second half of the season and Charlotte will beat out Milwaukee for the No. 8 spot.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/chris_mannix/12/28/2011.nba.predictions/index.html?eref=sihp

Just Mannix making predictions for 2011, but it's always nice to read someone from the national media has some faith in us.

[stun704]

So we shall let the heat bend us over then?

[Black]

Or the Celtics.

[ammofan]

We believe!

[stun704]

seriously though, i think we match up well against the heat and it would be a good series.

[ammofan]

seriously though, i think we match up well against the heat and it would be a good series.

I dunno about that lol.....as much faith as I have in all of my teams, the Heat are awfully good. I think we can compete but IDK if we will come anywhere close to them.

[Marvel]

seriously though, i think we match up well against the heat and it would be a good series.

Take them shades off dude for real. Yeah we came close to beating Miami, but have you seen them play lately. Time playoffs roll around they will shatter teams like us IF we make the playoffs.

[DY_nasty]

I'm supposed to be excited about a first round sweep? :/

[stun704]

Take them shades off dude for real. Yeah we came close to beating Miami, but have you seen them play lately. Time playoffs roll around they will shatter teams like us IF we make the playoffs. we'll see on monday when we play the heat, but I think orlandos team last year was much more of a mismatch for us then the heat will be.

[fallen xxi]

At least 2 of those four games against the Heat will be fun to watch! Just trying to be optimistic...

[ohara831]

It's possible. But I still think we need to make a move to solidify our opportunity. As currently constructed, we are the 8th seed and the sacrificial lamb. I want more for this team, so MJ has to make some magic and get us someone will help take us to the next level. Not necessarily a superstar. But a very solid player who will help make everyone's job easier and allow this team to possibly advance past the 1st round.

[dnbman]

I actually think the Heat might be much more beatable in a series than in the regular season. Yeah, they're ridiculously good, but I think they're a team that will no respond well if they're punched in the mouth at the beginning of the series, especially considering how shallow they are down under.

I have had to bet it on, yeah, Heat probably sweep. However, I wouldn't be shocked if a team like Charlotte or another scrappy 8th seed beat them.

[teej]

I actually think the Heat might be much more beatable in a series than in the regular season. Yeah, they're ridiculously good, but I think they're a team that will no respond well if they're punched in the mouth at the beginning of the series, especially considering how shallow they are down under.

I have had to bet it on, yeah, Heat probably sweep. However, I wouldn't be shocked if a team like Charlotte or another scrappy 8th seed beat them.

Yeah, they aren't deep nor are they mentally tough outside Wade. And the way we're running now, GSW-Dallas isn't a reach.

[dnbman]

GSW-Dallas isn't a reach.

That's the exact series I had in mind.

[Dcarnys]

I like the idea of a Charlotte-Miami matchup. I highly doubt there would be an upset but I could see stealing two games and turning some heads.

[ajbry]

Getting matched up with Miami in a series would be awesome, if for publicity and media reasons alone.

[Felton for Prez]

Its amazing how two wins over bottom feeders changes opinions. We've gone from thinking about an early lottery pick to putting a scare into the Heat. Thank you Paul Silas.

[Ampsportsduo]

Considering that the Cats will only have to beat out one competent team to make the playoffs, they should remain in the discussion.

[Chef]

Its amazing how two wins over bottom feeders changes opinions. We've gone from thinking about an early lottery pick to putting a scare into the Heat. Thank you Paul Silas.

this is called delusions of grandeur.

the entire thought process of us and miami is ass backwards. they are much much better than us at 3 of 5 positions. their game is running our new game is running. we don't stand a snowballs chance in hell.

[Pepperz]

this is called delusions of grandeur.

the entire thought process of us and miami is ass backwards. they are much much better than us at 3 of 5 positions. their game is running our new game is running. we don't stand a snowballs chance in hell.

This is so fucking true.....for now.

What ever happen to taking baby steps? We win 2 games and we now talk about taking Miami in a best of 7. I want to see how this team continues to grow and preform under Paul Silas. Do we regress back to the team under Brown or do we still progress as a team? I want to know if DJs 2 games are not flukes but a real show of is potential being tapped and if Wallace can bounce back from the injury and get back to last years Wallace that can rebounded like Rodman's spirit just possessed him and if Jackson can stop forcing things and just let them come natural. We have so many more questions that need to be answered before we go off talking about beating a team in the playoffs. Lets get ready to whoop some Golden State ass tonight. :)

[Chef]

. Lets get ready to whoop some Golden State ass tonight. :)

should be a fun game to watch now that we are running more.

[BlockParty]

Lets get ready to whoop some Golden State ass tonight. :)

Gametime is 3:00 p.m. EST don't miss it.

[DY_nasty]

Gametime is 3:00 p.m. EST don't miss it.
Monta is probably going to destroy us...

[ammofan]

Even if we got swept, a series vs MIA would be huge for the city and team. Can you imagine the energy around the city during the week that MIA would be here for Games 3+4? It would be awesome. Anti-LBJ mania!

[Carolina Swagger]

what? we didn't enjoy the sweep last year from Orlando ?

[Pepperz]

Thanks Block. I totally would have missed this game if you didnt say something about when the game starts.