In this matchup, the teams are quite similiar, yet different in certain aspects. Defensively, the zone will not be as effective as it would've been in Atlanta's last matchup. A man to man would be the most effective defense against this roster.
Now, going on matchups. Mike Conley and Russell Westbrook should be evenly matched. They are both young players and both are good at what they do. Russell is a good defender, whereas Conley is a great passer and scorer. This matchup would be fun to watch and I think it's even. Gilbert can abuse Captain Jack on offense because Gilbert is savvier, faster, and too good of an offensive player for Stephen to defend. Thaddeus is a young talent and is a growing player, however in this case Mike Miller can exploint the younger player. Mike is a savvy scorer and an excellent shooter. Dirk and Luis is an interesting matchup. Dirk is obviously better, but they both play in a European style and have matched up against each other before in international play. Chris Kaman vs. a rookie Greg Oden will be fun to watch as well. But I think even Kaman can play with a rookie Oden, as good as he is.
Bench-wise, I feel like my bench has the edge. The young Lowry will be against a veteran Marko Jaric. This will be up to Marko to exploit the younger player. Keith Bogans can handle an older Brent Barry. Barry is on the brink of retirement, whereas Bogans is a capable defender and shooter. Age plays a big factor in this one. Wilson Chandler is a younger Tayshaun Prince in the making and I think he can handle a Desmond Mason who can't shoot straight. An elder Joe Smith will be matched up against a younger Jeff Green, and say what you will, Green is a great rebounder and defender. He is also capable of scoring when given the opportunity. I have no clue who Oleksiy is, and being matched with Harrison, I take the one with more experience, as little as it is, it's still more. The great thing about playing Dirk is that I don't need strong bodied big men to play him. Donte Greene will get more minutes in this matchup than he would last one. I'd bring him as a PF or SF to take advantage of his scoring and playmaking ability. Kareem would be brought in when shots are needed, and he can make them and make them in bulk.
The key to this matchup is on my offense to make sure the game is slow. We cannot let Conley, Lowry, Jackson, Young, and Desmond run. Keeping it a halfcourt game, Desmond and Thaddeus won't get their dunks, and the easy points will be limited, therefore nullifying some of what Williams and those mentioned players can do.
DW6 '08!
