d-fish in the playoffs

This series is gonna be very interesting because of the complete contrast in... well... everything. I've already said this stuff in another diary but I guess I could repeat myself, these two teams are like complete polar opposites in every single way.

--> Free flowing offense vs. Systematical/Methodical execution
--> Full court offense vs. half court offense
--> Loose, run and gun coach vs. grind it out, strict coach

But these two teams do have two things in common. The very hostile environment each home team has in stored for the visiting team. And both coaches are Hall of Fame caliber coaches so this series is gonna be awesome. I can't wait till tonight.

Based on the regular season, both teams split the season series by protecting homecourt.  I would give the jazz the advantage there.  Of course,  the W's aren't the same team they were during the regular season.  They're a better road team than advertised right now.  

In terms of matchups against coaches, it'll be interesting how Nellie responds.  Sloan is a no surprises type of coach.  He'll play one style and stick to it.  If Nellie manages to find a flaw on the Jazz to exploit, it might put Sloan in a bind.  I expect Nellie to devise a strategy to make stockton and malone work for their pick and rolls,  oops I meant Deron and Boozer.  Frustrating those 2 should put a big enough wrench into the Jazz offense.    

In terms of players, I think AK47 and Ellis/Harrington are the x factors for their respective teams.  AK47 will severely hamper the W's offense and exploit our weak interior defense if he plays well.  He'll give our slashers a hard time if he plays well.  on the flip side, we're all praying that Harrington regains his confidence.  This guy would be a matchup nightmare on Boozer and Okur by forcing them to step out of the key to play him.  This would open the lanes for our slashers.  Monta's had sparks of brilliance but consistency from him would take pressure off Baron.  Monta's in a situation right now in which he han contribute both offensively and defensively.  Any contribution from him would allow make Baron's life easier.  I'm hoping he scores like 10- 14 ppg efficiently and in the flow of offense while pestering Deron Williams on the defensive end.  This would allow Baron to focus on what he does best,  leading this team.  

Most importantly,  this teams needs to stay healthy.  That Dallas series took a lot out of the W's and I'm hoping that Barnes and Baron got enough rest.  3 days may not be sufficient.  Here's hoping that they're all at full strength

will need to shoot a lot better from the foul line...they left a lot of points out during the last series...they may need every point they can get