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ShareSixers vs. Heat Match-up Preview - 4/15/2011
Point Guard: Jrue Holiday vs. Mike Bibby
This is one matchup in the starting 5 that favors the Sixers. The Heat acquired Mike Bibby in March and figured he’d be able to fill their void at the point guard position. Bibby has done a solid job so far, but although he has plenty of playoff experience, he is far from his defensive and offensive prime. Jrue Holiday, on the other hand, is making his first playoff appearance, so the Sixers have an “unknown” at point guard. However, Holiday is one of the best defensive point guards in the game, and, with an advantage in size and speed, shouldn’t have too much trouble guarding Bibby. Offensively, the only person that will be able to stop Holiday is himself. If he lets the bright lights rattle his nerves, it could be a long series for him. However, if he’s able to handle the pressure of a postseason debut, he’ll become Bibby’s worst nightmare. Holiday is too fast for Bibby to stay in front of and has been able to consistently knock down the open jumper.
Shooting Guard: Jodie Meeks vs. Dwayne Wade
Jodie Meeks will have his hands full with Dwayne Wade, who has solidified himself as one of the top players in the NBA. Meeks is a quick, disciplined defender who can chase Ray Allen types, but he's vulnerable off the dribble and in the post. In their last meeting of the season with the Sixers, Wade finished with 39 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, five blocks and three steals -- an effort matched only by Shaquille O'Neal in the last 25 seasons. If Jodie Meeks can at least keep Wade to his season average of 25.5 points, the Sixers will be able to expose other matchups in the Heat’s starting five.
Small Forward: Andre Iguodala vs. LeBron James
Andre Iguodala defends LeBron James about as well as anybody in the league. But that's only if he is healthy, and Iguodala missed time at the end of the season because of persistent knee tendinitis. During the teams’ three regular season meetings, James spent much of the season deferring to Dwyane Wade on offense. LeBron knows he must singlehandedly produce 30% of the Heat’s offense if they want to win the series. Iguodala, on the other hand, will go back to his role of point-forward, running the Sixers’ offense in tandem with Jrue Holiday and creating scoring opportunities for other players.
Power Forward: Elton Brand vs. Chris Bosh
The matchup between Brand and Bosh contrast in styles. Where Bosh is more of a finesse forward that will step out of the paint to knock down shots, EB is a hardhat guy who can bang, scratch and claw for his. Though he has the ability to pull up for mid-range jumpers, Brand must initiate the physicality in this matchup. He’s not going to get Bosh into foul trouble by shooting 15 footers; he must work in the paint to keep Bosh on his toes defensively. Brand’s injured hand has not slowed him down much and hopefully will not bother him in this series. As long as Brand stays calm and in control, he can eliminate Miami’s third option.
Center: Spencer Hawes vs. Žydrūnas Ilgauskas
If the small units don't work, the Sixers will have to get something from Hawes, who can grease their half-court offense with his shooting and passing -- when he's going well. The problem, of course, is Hawes' inconsistency on both ends; he had a strong run in late March but has cooled off since. The Sixers will need good minutes from him. Miami will use Ilgauskas will sparingly, sometimes switching Bosh to the center position. However, Ilgauskas is a veteran who can spread the floor with his outside shooting. Z also has more postseason experience than the 22-year-old Hawes. In 64 playoff games, most of those with LeBron in Cleveland, Ilgauskas has averaged 12 points and 8 rebounds per game. Doug Collins knows that when the 22-year-old is playing with assertiveness, it frees up space inside for Elton Brand and clears the lane for Jrue Holiday to penetrate, which can be a key to this series.
