A King will Emerge- the Prince vs the King

Charlotte Hornets (2^nd) vs Philadelphia 76ers (7^th)

NSL playoff action is ready to commence and we�re in store for one of the match-ups of the first round, in Charlotte vs Philly.

The Hornets come in with form and record on their side. They�ve been the hottest team in the competition throughout the run home, closing the season on a red hot 14 game streak. Charlotte finished the regular season 2^nd in the East behind Detroit with an impressive 64-18 record. GM Craig is an expert at the controls and had a clear vision that many GMs scoffed at early in the season, but his moves are proving masterstrokes as his team gears up for a huge first assault.

The 76ers have had a contrasting season to the Hornets though both teams ended up at the same destination. Building behind Lebron, this team was touted as one of the favourites to win it all. With an aging but defensively sound roster, they began the season looking fearsome. A rough patch, highlighted by a slew of injuries prevented the 76ers from reaching their full-potential on the court and standings, however they finished with a solid 45-37 record. The main box has been ticked, make the playoffs and let old dogs show off their new tricks. The stage is set.  

LUKA VS LEBRON

NBA fans drool over the prospect of a handing over the torch moment. The former champion conceding to the up and comer, a �the league is yours now do with it what you will� moment is what all fans crave. First it was Magic and Bird, then Michael, then Kobe followed by our current king Lebron James. In recent years the baton has been passed around as Lebron, Curry, Durant, Kawhi and Lebron (again) have captured the imagination of fans and each deserving mention in the best player debate. But with the veterans aging, the league is the league gearing up for the next wave of stars. Is now the time for a new star to shine bright?

If you�re looking for the next stud ready to take over the ranch, look no further than Luka Doncic. His skill level matches and in some cases eclipses the names above and he�s only 22 years old. He has as many big shots as anyone in the game and he has 15 great years of superstar level basketball in front of him (if Lebron James� career translates to mortals). Luka is primed, armed (with badges) and ready to take it up to GOAT Lebron.

For Lebron, this series is about legacy. He probably doesn�t have the team to go all the way but if he can hold off this contender and win this series, it�ll be another reminder of his god-like status. It seems he�s stood the test of time, like Maximus the Gladiator he has felled all that have come before him and has gained revenge on those who nearly triumphed. Now he faces the next contender and the crowds are cheering his name. The NBA world will stop and watch every game of this series just to watch the to-and-fro between these heroes.

Win the series, win your freedom.

Projected Starting Five

GM Ben of the 76ers will openly tell you that his strategy is to put the ball in the best player in the world�s hands. �We will run point lebron and try to surround him with shooters and defenders. Hopefully that�s enough.� He is as transparent as an NSL GM comes, he trusts his players and understands the winning formula for his team, play Lebron at the point. The big questions in Philly�s starting 5 will be, does Dray start? Is a stopper played on Luka? Can Tobias be unleashed in a secondary position?

The starting five for the Hornets however, poses far more intrigue. GM Craig will be deciding whether he goes ahead with what has been working throughout the win-streak or if tweaks can be made to nullify the opposition and maximise his stars. The big question that will occupy his thoughts will be, how do I slow down Lebron at PG. If Beverley isn�t the guy to defend him, does he use CP3 head-to-head? Or do the fans finally get what they want in a point Luka vs Lebron match-up?

Charlotte

PG- Patrick Beverley
SG- Chris Paul
SF- Jerami Grant
PF- Luka Doncic
C- Chris Boucher

Philadelphia

PG- Lebron James
SG- Draymond Green
SF- Tobias Harris
PF- Al Horford
C- Daniel Gafford

There�s no doubt both teams will stick to a strategy that has worked in some capacity for their team. Charlotte will want to avoid matching Luka and Lebron, while aiming to exploit mismatches vs slower and older lumbering big men. Hornets might lose the battle on the glass but the offensive benefits will be significant.

GM Ben will have a look at his best line-up which probably means Dray must start sans Danny Green. Dray could be the swing man, he could start at PF as the 76ers try to slow Luka or he could be thrown up against the small back court of CP3 and Patrick Bev. The length and defensive IQ of Draymond Green and Lebron could create some serious headaches for the favourites of the series.

Key to the Series

Depth
The eye-test says if these two starting line-ups play multiple games there will be a range of different results as they�re both loaded with talent. Philly appear to have some trump cards in size, however the playmaking and outside shooting of Charlotte will cause problems for the lumbering veteran starters. If you look deeper into each roster you start to see potential rotations that could make a huge difference for 5-minute intervals in each half. Those minutes could decide the outcome in a number of games.

Philly
GM Ben will need to get creative with his offence when/if Lebron leaves the floor. Unfortunately, there�s no gunner off the bench, however there is a number of defenders. If Philly can lock down in those short stints when Lebron sits, maybe they can keep it close enough to give the starters a chance to close in the clutch.

Projected bench rotation:
Boban- 26mins
Shaq Harrison- 18mins
Thybulle- 12min
Kabengele- 12mins




Charlotte
Charlotte hold all the power in the bench vs bench match-up, if they can shake off the clamps. Jordan Clarkson will be the sparkplug with his bench running mate Joe Ingles alongside him. Between the two, they will push the tempo and make opportunistic transition threes in big moments. They will keep the tempo high and keep the score board moving while Luka and CP3 recover for the push down the stretch.

Demarcus Cousins will play a vital role in making up the differential on the glass and he will be a force in the 20 or so minutes he receives off the bench. He will bring energy with offensive rebounds and emphatic jams on the opposing big men. He and Rondo will run the pick and roll masterfully and make Shaq Harrison and Boban look like speed bumps in an empty car park.

Fun fact- Rondo and Boogie have played together for Sacramento, New Orleans and LA Clippers in the NBA. They go together�




Projected bench rotation:
Boogie- 20mins
Joe Ingles- 18mins
Jordan Clarkson- 18mins
Rajon Rondo- 15mins

X-Factor

Charlotte
Jerami Grant and CP3

Grant is a vital cog in the Charlotte machine. He is the sole two-way wing who has the ability to contain a quality opposition wing. Grant�s importance comes in the balance and flexibility he gives this team. He will take the best wing and allow Luka to get a rest at the other end. If Grant can contain Tobias throughout the series, Philly probably won�t have the firepower to win� Unless Lebron goes to Super Saiyan Blue.

CP3 is the other understated, yet vital cog. His playmaking unlocks Luka at PF which is one of the most daunting assignments in NSL. Chris Paul also offers three-way (more than two-way) upside, he can score, defend and create for others. As an undersized guard, he may prove too savvy and quick for the oversized Philly match-ups, which could spell the end for the challengers in this series.

Philly
The Wings

Draymond, Lebron, Tobias and Thybulle is a lot of size and defensive power to have on one roster. Philly will need every bit of juice from the big-4 in order to steal this series. I won�t talk about Lebron anymore because if he doesn�t show up, nothing else matters, but Tobias, Dray and Thybulle have the series in their hands. If they can cause deflections, slow the pick and roll game of Luka/Paul and impact the outside shots with length and closing speed, then there is a chance.

Defence isn�t the only factor for the wings. They will have to carry the secondary scoring load too, especially Harris. Tobias will need to average mid 20 points per game to give his team a chance and it will come against a lengthy defender in Grant. His outside shot will be key as the rest of his team mates will look to him to carry that aspect of the game. Draymond and Thybulle won�t score, but if Dray can find 5-10 points and 5+ assist while bullying little guys, that will be enough to spark his team. Bully the little guys will be their goal.

Predictions
The only outcome that will be ruled out for this series is a sweep, the rest is a question mark. Philly could win four games with some savvy veteran gm moves but Ben will need to do some of his finest work. GM Craig is proven, he seems to understand the game on a different level and he knows all that is needed to make a killer roster. If Ben jumps out of the gates, there�s no doubt Craig will adjust, counter and equalize.

The eye-test, record and form guide all point strongly to a convincing series from Charlotte, but never rule out the heart of a champion, Lebron James.

Series outcome- Charlotte 4 Philly 2
Series MVP- Luka Doncic- averages- 34 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists
Series underperformer- Tobias Harris- 15 points and 5 rebounds
Bold statement- Philly lead the series at some point

Good luck to both teams as we eagerly await one of the match-ups of the first round. There�s no doubt this will be a hard fought, gallant and strategic affair. A king will emerge.