Top 5 Most Intriguing Matchups of Sim #1
Sept 21, 2015 7:58:36 GMT
Minnesota, Swoosh, and 5 more like this
Post by Piraeus on Sept 21, 2015 7:58:36 GMT
#1. Beijing Aoshen @ Barcelona Regal FC (10/31/2000)
The most intriguing matchup of opening night is this contest of Eurasian powers led by two top 10 picks in Mikan and Jordan. It's an interesting matchup because Chuck Taylor actually matches up very nicely with Michael Jordan, as he is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. He is, however, a bit slow footed compared to the uber-athletic Jordan, which could present some problems on drives to the basket. For that reason, I don't think Jordan will shoot particularly well from long range but will get to the line quite a bit. Mikan faces an excellent defensive center in Wennington (who went off in preaseason for about 20/10), but should have the ability to win that matchup. I like Perkins to take Mikan out to the perimeter and create some matchup issues that neutralize Mikan's value as an interior defender. Kersey is a good defensive matchup for Stackhouse, who should be able to neutralize his offense. I think Dick is the better point guard but Lemon is no slouch and might be a touch better offensively. Neither team has a particularly strong bench, with Ferrin being the most interesting player on either side. I like Beijing to keep MJ human in his debut and steal this game on the road.
Prediction: Beijing 102, Barcelona 96
#2. Seattle Supersonics @ Mexico City Titans (11/1/2000)
Seattle is a team that I think matches up tremendously well against the preseason favorite Titans. They have enough muscle inside with Mikkelsen and Schayes to conteract the frontcourt of Mexico City, even if a bit undersized. I unfortunately don't project Battier to do as well as Seattle is hoping given his very pedestrian athleticism, and Pollard is a solid defender who can give him fits, so I think Mexico takes that match. While I have Diamantidis for Seattle and Belov for Mexico, I don't think either matchup is as uneven as one might think, as Paolo has enough firepower to really get going if he can overcome DD's athleticism, and Phillip has the tools to lock Belov down. Mexico City's depth is better, and that's what will ensure they get the win at home on the second day of the regular season.
Prediction: Mexico City 117, Seattle 110
#3. Auckland Sky City Breakers @ Mikawa Aisin Seahorses (11/11/2000)
Mikawa had the most peculiar draft strategy that I've seen going for an army of front court guys who can pound it down low and picking up perimeter defenders (and sacrificing their guards having any offensive ability whatsoever). In fact, 3 of his yellow rated guards are "A" defenders. It's going to be interesting to see how much their offensive deficiencies will hurt them and to what extent Mikawa can minimize the number of shots they take. Hoffman and Daneu are both jump shooters, and if I understand Mikawa's strategy correctly, his guards should prevent them from doing much damage in this game. As great as Gallatin and Korac are, McDaniel and Maciel are really good as well, to the point where I am not sure if either duo will have a significantly upper hand in this one. Yes, White is a sieve defensively, but Willis is not known for his offense and I think White has enough offensive ability to punish him down low in this particular game. Auckland has the much better bench, but I chose this game in particular to show how Aisin's wacky strategy can help him beat a top team especially at home. Let's see if I am right.
Prediction: Mikawa 97, Auckland 95
#4. Bamberg Brose Baskets @ New York Knicks (11/11/2000)
Two really interesting teams here in Bamberg, probably the deepest team in the league, and New York, probably the owner of the most athletic and explose young frontcourt (and also fairly deep themselves). The key questions will be how much can Kurland and Robertson take advantage of Oden and Vandeweghe. New York has solid talent there, and Daniels should be able to bully Oakley, while Schempf showed in preseason why he may be the weak link in this Bamberg starting lineup. I'm also really interested in the Kirland vs. Haynes matchup. I am really bullish on Kirkland, who had a nice preseason and can get to the rim and draw a lot of fouls. Haynes is going to be really good, but how much will he be able to slow Kirland down? I like NY's bench, but Smith and Crossin could start on many teams and are better than Killick and Katkaveck, respectively. This is going to be close because it's at home, but I like Bamberg to take this one given their tremendous depth despite a huge night from Daniels.
Prediction: Bamberg 107, New York 102
#5. Pireaus Olympiacos BC @ Newcastle Eagles (11/13/2000)
This will be an interesting early test of depth vs. star power. Pireaus made several trades to pick up an extra 3rd and 4th round creation pick, whereas Newcastle went from two 1st round picks at the expense of some depth. Hakeem should be able to take full advantage of Sam Bowie, though while Zoran is better than Luisetti, I'm interested to see how big that gap is. I worry about Lusietti vs. quicker guards and Zoran has A+, so this will be a good test for Hank. Hannum is a solid power forward but Malone should get the better of him there, and the two wing matchups look relatively even. Eisley in particular had a very strong preseason that leads me to believe he's an even play vs. Jones, with less defensive ability. This game will come down to whether Pireaus's massive advantage in the bench can overcome the 30+ points that Hakeem may drop on the frontcourt. It might be wishful thinking, but I'm picking Olympiacos to get it done despite a big game from Hakeem.
Prediction: Piraeus 97, Newcastle 94
The most intriguing matchup of opening night is this contest of Eurasian powers led by two top 10 picks in Mikan and Jordan. It's an interesting matchup because Chuck Taylor actually matches up very nicely with Michael Jordan, as he is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. He is, however, a bit slow footed compared to the uber-athletic Jordan, which could present some problems on drives to the basket. For that reason, I don't think Jordan will shoot particularly well from long range but will get to the line quite a bit. Mikan faces an excellent defensive center in Wennington (who went off in preaseason for about 20/10), but should have the ability to win that matchup. I like Perkins to take Mikan out to the perimeter and create some matchup issues that neutralize Mikan's value as an interior defender. Kersey is a good defensive matchup for Stackhouse, who should be able to neutralize his offense. I think Dick is the better point guard but Lemon is no slouch and might be a touch better offensively. Neither team has a particularly strong bench, with Ferrin being the most interesting player on either side. I like Beijing to keep MJ human in his debut and steal this game on the road.
Prediction: Beijing 102, Barcelona 96
#2. Seattle Supersonics @ Mexico City Titans (11/1/2000)
Seattle is a team that I think matches up tremendously well against the preseason favorite Titans. They have enough muscle inside with Mikkelsen and Schayes to conteract the frontcourt of Mexico City, even if a bit undersized. I unfortunately don't project Battier to do as well as Seattle is hoping given his very pedestrian athleticism, and Pollard is a solid defender who can give him fits, so I think Mexico takes that match. While I have Diamantidis for Seattle and Belov for Mexico, I don't think either matchup is as uneven as one might think, as Paolo has enough firepower to really get going if he can overcome DD's athleticism, and Phillip has the tools to lock Belov down. Mexico City's depth is better, and that's what will ensure they get the win at home on the second day of the regular season.
Prediction: Mexico City 117, Seattle 110
#3. Auckland Sky City Breakers @ Mikawa Aisin Seahorses (11/11/2000)
Mikawa had the most peculiar draft strategy that I've seen going for an army of front court guys who can pound it down low and picking up perimeter defenders (and sacrificing their guards having any offensive ability whatsoever). In fact, 3 of his yellow rated guards are "A" defenders. It's going to be interesting to see how much their offensive deficiencies will hurt them and to what extent Mikawa can minimize the number of shots they take. Hoffman and Daneu are both jump shooters, and if I understand Mikawa's strategy correctly, his guards should prevent them from doing much damage in this game. As great as Gallatin and Korac are, McDaniel and Maciel are really good as well, to the point where I am not sure if either duo will have a significantly upper hand in this one. Yes, White is a sieve defensively, but Willis is not known for his offense and I think White has enough offensive ability to punish him down low in this particular game. Auckland has the much better bench, but I chose this game in particular to show how Aisin's wacky strategy can help him beat a top team especially at home. Let's see if I am right.
Prediction: Mikawa 97, Auckland 95
#4. Bamberg Brose Baskets @ New York Knicks (11/11/2000)
Two really interesting teams here in Bamberg, probably the deepest team in the league, and New York, probably the owner of the most athletic and explose young frontcourt (and also fairly deep themselves). The key questions will be how much can Kurland and Robertson take advantage of Oden and Vandeweghe. New York has solid talent there, and Daniels should be able to bully Oakley, while Schempf showed in preseason why he may be the weak link in this Bamberg starting lineup. I'm also really interested in the Kirland vs. Haynes matchup. I am really bullish on Kirkland, who had a nice preseason and can get to the rim and draw a lot of fouls. Haynes is going to be really good, but how much will he be able to slow Kirland down? I like NY's bench, but Smith and Crossin could start on many teams and are better than Killick and Katkaveck, respectively. This is going to be close because it's at home, but I like Bamberg to take this one given their tremendous depth despite a huge night from Daniels.
Prediction: Bamberg 107, New York 102
#5. Pireaus Olympiacos BC @ Newcastle Eagles (11/13/2000)
This will be an interesting early test of depth vs. star power. Pireaus made several trades to pick up an extra 3rd and 4th round creation pick, whereas Newcastle went from two 1st round picks at the expense of some depth. Hakeem should be able to take full advantage of Sam Bowie, though while Zoran is better than Luisetti, I'm interested to see how big that gap is. I worry about Lusietti vs. quicker guards and Zoran has A+, so this will be a good test for Hank. Hannum is a solid power forward but Malone should get the better of him there, and the two wing matchups look relatively even. Eisley in particular had a very strong preseason that leads me to believe he's an even play vs. Jones, with less defensive ability. This game will come down to whether Pireaus's massive advantage in the bench can overcome the 30+ points that Hakeem may drop on the frontcourt. It might be wishful thinking, but I'm picking Olympiacos to get it done despite a big game from Hakeem.
Prediction: Piraeus 97, Newcastle 94
