Eastern Conference Playoffs Round

Charlotte Hornets (1) v. Chicago Bulls (8)

Some might say that the flames of passion burn brightest in the most desperate of times; such is definitely true for this match-up. Two GMs with a lot to prove and the professional nous to make things happen. After a long and winding season, the Hornets and Bulls have managed to make their way to the conference finals. The Hornets amassing a record of 62-20, while the Bulls managed to record 38-44.

The fire in the belly has never gone away for these two titans of the NSL. The Bulls will definitely be thrilled that they have Davis back in, having been sidelined for much of the season, while the omission of Bradley Beal due to a wrist injury will hurt. The Hornets are without their man � the one and only Luka Doncic. A huge omission from the squad � a monumental player that has helped this Hornets team become a nightmare for many-a-manager.

Though the viewing public will not be able to see a healthy bout, the punches are ready to be thrown in this one. Both GMs have been creative and considerate with their adjustments throughout the season, and will have their teams primed and ready for battle.

The Road to the Playoffs
GM Merencio will be naturally worried heading into this as the underdog. But can one truly define the Bulls as a fundamental underdog, when they have seen such heights. Chicago know how to win. They know how to make the changes and switch-ups to benefit against their opponents or provide a sniff of opportunity when they know they can counter.

On the opposing end, GM CraigB will be looking to get through without their MVP candidate in the lineup � a bold task against a worthy opponent. The Hornets managed 10 losses on the road and at home throughout the regular season. A differential of 11.77 and past 10 of 8-2, this Charlotte team has remained in the driver�s seat for much of the season. Man-management and a stable rotation of the players has ensured that this team reaches the very top of the East. Long throughout the season, I have marvelled at the team balance and poise of the Hornets � CraigB has done a remarkable job with this team. 

Team by Team Match-Up

A tale of two teams, of two cities. It will be interesting to see how these match-ups play out. We can speculate on the duels that we will see � ultimately the tale of the tape will look very different.

Let�s deep dive!

Point Guard Match-Up

Chris Paul vs John Wall

A duel between two very experienced players; two vets with something to prove. CP3 has been electric for the Hornets, amassing an average 15/6/2 throughout the regular season. He sadly will be called on to be more present and impactful on the scoring end with the lack of Doncic. Wall will serve up a challenge to the more talented Paul, however Wall only needs to be a provider, his route to success is more defined. Chris Paul will need to be a monolith in order to help his team in multiple areas.

Verdict � Paul to win the battle, Wall to win the war

Shooting Guard Match-Up

Paterick Beverley vs Kendrick Nunn

I am very interested by this pairing. Beverley has his junkyard qualities that can be a serious fierce to be reckoned with, however Nunn brings the scoring factor that he doesn�t. Both will be mighty important for each squad, especially with the previous match-up being what it is. Beverley should be able to stifle Nunn, but can he hold down the others is the almighty question here.

Verdict � Nunn and Beverley to take turns

Small Forward Match-Up

Jerami Grant vs Marquese Chriss

Expect a Chriss at Small Forward selection for the Bulls � a smart move against the agile Jerami Grant. Grant can get going, and his supply from Chris Paul is a large part of that. But can he find it in this match-up. Chriss has the size to go with Grant throughout this duel. Grant managed to put up 13 pts and 5 boards on average in the regular season. Chriss managed to put up 7 pts and 6 boards on average. Not too dissimilar between both players.

Verdict � Grant to win out here � by a flea�s d***

Power Forward Match-Up

Chris Boucher vs Anthony Davis

Boucher is sadly not up the task to overpowering Davis. Although he has the physical attributes to stay with him, AD will be posting above 20 pts per game and likely recording a double-double per contest. However, all he has to do is stay with him. Boucher can score on his own accord and post boards on both ends as well. He is no slouch. AD will have his work cut out for him to bolster his team and be the juggernaut he needs to be. A similar duel to Wall and Paul; sadly I think Boucher is lesser than here.

Verdict � Davis to get close to 20/20 vision

Center Match-Up

Javale McGee vs. Boban Marjanovic

What a duel! This is a fun duel between two giants of the NSL. Giants is stature and influence. The use of both will be interesting to observe, much of the duel will be split between Davis and Boucher as well. McGee has the attributes to be a menace for Boban. Similar to other match-ups though, Boban just needs to present a body and a presence. The more equip McGee may look more potent on paper, but Marjanovic can be that low-post scorer in tandem with Davis.

Verdict � McGee by a slight margin

How will it play out?

With Doncic, it would be a different series, but I think it is going to be a grind. Both teams have a claim for this one, and I think that the attributes and talents of both teams are quite evenly matched. Both GMs are savvy and clever in their roster management, and playbook usage.

As the match-ups suggest, the teams can be seen in many ways. Paul needing to be the messiah for the Hornets, and Davis likewise for the Bulls.

The players that surround them will be extra important.

You cannot undervalue the influence of these players and the combative nature of these line-ups will be extra exciting.

I think the Bulls will be just better � ever so slightly.

I think it will go in waves � each team finding chinks in the other.

Certain players having blow-out games � the likes of Nunn and Grant likely to be the added X-Factor is key games.

Many might see this as an unpopular opinion, but the Bulls can rally for the Playoffs and sadly no Doncic makes for a weakened team.

Chicago defeats Charlotte 4-3.