For these playoff previews we are going to take a look at each team individually, and then we are going to look at the match-up.

Orlando Magic

Strengths

What the Magic do well.

• Shoot threes
• Defend the paint
• Inside-out ball movement

Weaknesses

Some problems the Magic struggle with

• Can settle for outside jumpers and ignore their biggest strength, which is Dwight Howard.
• Dwight Howard’s foul troubles.
• Perimeter defense

Tendencies

Some things you are going to notice when watching the Magic play.

• Obviously the Magic love to shoot the 3 pointer, and that makes sense, because they are very good at it (set the record for most threes in a season during their final game).

Key Set

Not the most run set, but maybe most important.  A play that the team likes to run when they need a basket.  You are probably going to see this play run once or twice a game.

• Inside out ball movement

What makes the Magic so good is they surround Dwight Howard with 4 shooters.  When they are at their best, they are swinging the ball around, spreading the floor, and then they get it inside to Dwight.  This forces the defense to make a decision.  Are you going to cover Dwight one-on-one and let him muscle you up?  Or are you going to double him and free up a shooter.  Whatever the defense chooses is wrong.

Charlotte Bobcats

Strengths

What the Bobcats do well.

• Defense
• Ball movement
• Execution on the offensive end
• Larry Brown

Weaknesses

Some problems the Bobcats struggle with

• Will suffer scoring droughts
• Turnovers (lead the league in turnover rate)

Tendencies

Some things you are going to notice when watching the Bobcats play.

• This team has really bought into Larry Brown’s system.  Whenever Coach Brown calls a set, they are going to run it all the way through, and most times get an open look from it.
• Also when it comes to buying into Larry Brown’s system, this team plays defense.  They lead the league in defensive efficiency, and they sport a team of long athletic players who are willing to work on the defensive side.
• Turnovers.  The Bobcats don’t really score a ton as they rely on their defense, but they turn the ball over way too much.  When you don’t score a lot, you need to make the most out of your possessions the Bobcats are a team that can’t afford turnovers.

Key Set

Not the most run set, but maybe most important.  A play that the team likes to run when they need a basket.  You are probably going to see this play run once or twice a game.

• Coming Out Of Timeouts

We already talked about coach Larry Brown, but when the Bobcats come out of timeouts, they are almost guaranteed to get themselves a good look.  If this trend can continue in the playoffs, the Bobcats should be able to keep the game close.

Key Matchup

Dwight Howard vs. Tyson Chandler

Chandler said he was going to be ready for the playoffs, so this matchup will happen.  This matchup is key because if the Bobcats can cover Dwight without having to send a double-team, you can stay home with the shooters.  Tyson Chandler is a terrific shot blocker, but they usually come from the help side not on the ball.  Chandler is going to have to be able to handle Dwight’s strength, and if he can, he will be able to cover him without a double.  Dwight’s goal for this matchup is to score enough early to force the Bobcats to send doubles, freeing up everyone else.

My Prediction

Magic in 6

This could go to 7 if the Bobcats do everything right, but I just think too many of the Bobcats’ turnovers will turn into Magic three pointers.  Since the Bobcats don’t score a ton, it is going to be hard to make up those points.  With that being said, it is going to be a great series, in my opinion, so expect a lot of close games late.