NBA SIMS LEAGUE |
Orlando (7 - 21) | Expert Pick 0% >< 0% |
Golden State (5 - 25) |
Race to Double Digits
Orlando Magic @ Golden State Warriors Mastery of Magic or The Will of the Warrior Orlando will meet Golden State in Week 8. Two teams with a point to prove and two GMs making moves to change the fortunes of their respective organisations. Orlando made the bold move to acquire Kyrie Irving and it hasn't been smooth sailing. With sporadic wins, the Magic have been elevated by the efforts of Keldon Johnson. While Golden State saw a 4 game winning streak in Week 7, with the new figurehead of the Warriors, Jordan Poole igniting in all four wins. Each of these teams have reason to want a win here. Both teams do not possess their 2025 First Round pick, and both GMs have moved players around and acquired assets to maximise the best from their teams. The Match Ups Point Guards Kyrie Irving v Jordan Poole Irving returns to stifle the Poole Parade. As good as Jordan has been for GM Daz, the return of Kyrie is a huge in. An in that could dismantle the whole gameplay of this Warriors outfit. Not many players have the capabilities of being able to achieve such a swing, but Ky is one of them. Irving brings this team a significant way forward, and I expect him to have a stacked stat-line by games end. Sadly I think Poole might find this hard going. 1 - 0 Shooting Guard Ochai Agbaji v Ben Simmons This matchup intrigues me. Agbaji has been quietly achieving in his own way. Once upon a time you would say that it was a clear battle won by Simmons, but the emergence of Agbaji as has been impressive. If I am looking at overall team impact, I think Simmons just wins it here. The level of 2k appreciation that Simmons has, makes this an advantage to Simmons. Although I think it will be a close competition between two well-balanced players. 1-1 Small Forwards Keldon Johnson v Josh Green Keldon Johnson has been exceptional for a team that hasn’t seen too much joy. Even dropping 30 in their most recent loss in Week 8 to the Charlotte Hornets. Green has held his own, but it hasn’t been a huge area for celebration. The more rounded game of Keldon Johnson could be the undoing of Josh Green here. Interestingly enough, the spider-graph of the two is quite similar, with Keldon’s scoring and rebounding being the largest disparity. 2-1 Power Forwards Naz Reid v Santi Aldama In many ways, Reid and Aldama have a similar impact on their teams and have been inconsistent in their ability to be the player each team wants. Similarly, these two have similar spider-graphs and have shown a similar stat-line. The scoring ability of both players is evident, and their ability to hit the boards. I genuinely believe that both of these players are similarly poised for this matchup. Naz has his low post scoring edge, while Santi has the 3 Point edge. Each has the ability to hit the boards, Naz can be a high-energy add, and Santi has that Euro-Style that can create on the floor. Calling this a draw. 3-2 Centers Jarrett Allen v Christian Koloko While Christian has the height edge, the overwhelming skill difference to Jarrett Allen is too much here. That height edge is as far as it goes for the plus column. Allen has a well-rounded skill-set for the 2k engine, while Koloko is still developing his profile. Koloko has the ability to shot block and get on the boards, but Allen will be too much on both ends and could have a very big game here. A recent match against Kessler was tough going for Allen, I do not foresee that here. 4-2 |
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| X-Factor |
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| The Return of Kyrie Irving I might sound a broken-record, but he is the X-Factor in this match-up. He brings the type of game that can blow this a part, and cause headaches that are irreparable. Kyrie also has the massive influence on his team at large, allowing for others to play a more confident and important role; in particular Keldon Johnson. Kyrie has also got the influence on the 'other' team. As good as Jordan Poole has been, the issues that Irving can cause him, and influence his game are insurmountable. The influence he has on this game, and many other matchups is elite, and will prove to be a significant turning point here - whether or not this is the Kyrie we see is a seperate issue altogether. |
| Injury Report | |
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| Injured Players: Dante Exum (Wrist) - 42 NBA Games missed this season Malik Monk (Ankle/Groin) - 8 NBA Games missed this season Isaiah Hartenstein (Hand/Calf) - 17 NBA Games missed this season Matisse Thybulle (Knee/Ankle) - 40 NBA Games missed this season Trendon Watford (Hamstring) - 29 NBA Games missed this season MarJon Beauchamp (Illness/Neck) - 4 NBA Games missed this season Returning Players: Ben Simmons (returning from Injury Management/Back/Calf) - 11 NBA Games missed this season Jordan Poole (returning from Hip) - 7 NBA Games missed this season Santi Aldama (returning from Ankle) - 7 NBA Games missed this season | Injured Players: Ziaire Williams (Knee) - 12 NBA Games missed this season Ayo Dosunmu (Achilles) - 9 NBA Games missed this season Cam Spencer (Ankle/Thumb) - 20 NBA Games missed this season Returning Players: Kyrie Irving (returning from Shoulder/Back/Illness) - 11 NBA Games missed this season Gary Payton II (returning from Calf) - 10 NBA Games missed this season Maxi Kleber (returning from Hamstring/Illness) - 9 NBA Games missed this season PJ Washington (returning from Knee/Illness) - 7 NBA Games missed this season Corey Kispert (returning from Ankle) - 5 NBA Games missed this season Collin Gillespie (returning from Ankle) - 18 NBA Games missed this season Simone Fontecchio (returning from Toe/Personal) - 5 NBA Games missed this season |
| Prediction |
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| Orlando has a clear edge in half-court offense, led by Kyrie Irving, whose scoring and playmaking would be too much for the Warriors to handle. The interior duo of Jarrett Allen and Naz Reid would dominate the boards and score efficiently inside, neutralizing Koloko and Aldama. Golden State's lack of half-court scoring (aside from Poole) and Simmons’ offensive limitations would hurt their chances against a more balanced Orlando Magic. It will make for interesting viewing especially considering the bench outfits. Bench influence will be interesting as listed: * Orlando will lean on Kispert, PJ Washington, Gary Payton II, Hayes, Watson and Shepperd. * Warriors will lean on Batum, Miller, Mills, Lee and Smith PJ Washington has been able to provide consistent coverage, and support that secondary and primary units he has been a part of. Kispert and Shepperd have proven to be a bright spark off the bench, supporting the team in their rotational role. Mills continues to be an exceptional 2k player, even with his reductions. A bright spark off the bench for the Warriors. I will watch with interest. I believe we will see an Orlando Magic win. Predicted Score ORL 107 GSW 99 |
| Comments (1) | |||
| dazman 01/21 04:07 am | Awesome write up. Thanks for choosing us! | ||