Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA Playoffs 2016: 5 Bold Predictions

By Aaron Ferguson

January 25, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after making a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 25, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after making a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
NBA
Apr 6, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) brings the ball down court during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Pistons Overthrow The King, Cavs

The Pistons own bragging rights in the season series over the Cavs, having beat them three times in four meetings. But nobody can bank on that success in the playoffs, where LeBron James is a different animal and wills his teams to success, as he proved in the 2015 NBA Playoffs where Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving both got hurt. The matchup actually favors the Pistons, but it will all depend on the play of point guard Reggie Jackson.

Jackson has been the key to success when the Pistons have won games this year. In 43 wins this season, Jackson’s scoring was up to 21.7 points per game from his 18.8 season average. In losses he only scores 15.7 points per game, so it is critical for Jackson to drive through the paint to get high-percentage shots and set-up teammates on three-point attempts. Jackson is key offensively, but he’ll also have to keep either Irving or J.R. Smith in check defensively.

Live Feed

What would a successful 2023-24 look like for Cavaliers' Ty Jerome?
What would a successful 2023-24 look like for Cavaliers' Ty Jerome? /

King James Gospel

  • Prominent NBA agent says LeBron had a harder path than Jordan King James Gospel
  • A crucial year in the Land: 3 bold predictions for the Cavs this season King James Gospel
  • How many teams from the Cavs’ Central Division will make the playoffs? King James Gospel
  • Grade the Trade: Cavs swap Mitchell for rival's worst contract in B/R pitch King James Gospel
  • 3 disasters the Cleveland Cavaliers need to avoid this season King James Gospel

    • The Pistons have a small, but mobile lineup that will allow for Marcus Morris and Tobias Harris to have success offensively against Love by using their quickness. Morris will likely get the matchup defensively against James, which will likely be a physical matchup.

    The biggest factor that will give the Pistons a chance to win this series is that center Andre Drummond won’t have to defend away from the rim. Cleveland doesn’t have a mobile center that can step away from the basket and knock down long jumpers, which is what troubles Drummond.

    Cleveland may work against some of these matchups by going with smaller lineups to get Love or Channing Frye on Drummond, which will help pull him out of the paint defensively. The biggest key for the Cavs will Irving’s ball handling skills and his ability to get in the paint. If Irving can drive the lane with the option to score or kick out to an open shooter, the Cavs will have great success in the opening round.

    Next: Defense Versus Efficiency