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.

Boston Celtics

Strengths

What the Celtics do well.

• Defense
• High Assist Rate
• Defensive Rebounding
• Getting To The Free Throw Line

Weaknesses

Some problems the Celtics struggle with

• Turnovers
• Offensive Rebounding
• Three Point Shooting

Tendencies

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

• The Celtics play loose and free with the basketball.  They rack up a lot of assists, but also turn the basketball over a ton too.

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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.

San Antonio Spurs

Strengths

What the Spurs do well.

• Execution
• Movement without the ball
• Tough defense

Weaknesses

Some problems the Spurs struggle with

• Aging stars
• Tony Parker’s rust

Tendencies

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

• The Spurs aren’t a team that will run you to death, as they like to work in the half court.  That doesn’t mean they can’t score.  The Spurs are really good at executing their stuff in the half court.

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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.

Phoenix Suns

Strengths

What the Suns do well.

• Offense
• Transition Offense
• Three Point Shooting
• Pick and Roll
• Benchplay

Weaknesses

Some problems the Suns struggle with

• Defense
• Big man depth after Amar’e and Channing Frye
• Shot selection
• Open style leads them to blow big leads

Tendencies

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

• The Suns love to run and gun, and they will open things up every chance they get.  What makes their style of fast break so difficult to stop is that they are willing to shot a 30 foot three on the break.  The defense can’t just run back to the rim to protect it, because if they do the Suns will shoot the three ball.
• Prepare to see a lot of Goran Dragic.  Steve Nash is going to need his rest, and when he gets it Dragic will be getting the action.

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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.

LA Lakers

Strengths

What the Lakers do well.

• Kobe
• Length creates mismatches
• They take care of the basketball
• Very good defensively (again, length)
• Strong rebounding team

Weaknesses

Some problems the Lakers struggle with

• PG depth

Tendencies

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

• The Lakers are really good at using their length.  What I mean by that is the Lakers long frontcourt is what create their rebounding opportunities, and their length really helps their defense.
• If Lamar Odom gets it going, watch out.
• The ball has been known to stick in Kobe’s hands from time to time.

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