Playoff Predictions
Big 8
#4 Walker Wiggles vs. #1 I'll Replace You With Machines
I was about to write about how the Machines are probably celebrating crazily because they got to avoid the Jests in the first round, but then I took a look at these two teams head-to-head and surprisingly found that Walker has won all 4 league match-ups. Of note though, 3 out of 4 of those wins for Walker came with him exerting more enthusiasm. Walker is a team built for the outside while Machines is a more balanced team who has the flexibility to put up good offensive numbers whichever tactic they choose. Defensively I would give a slight edge to Walker.
Prediction: Machines learns from their past mistakes and finally puts out equal effort and wins because of home court, their offensive flexibility, and Walker's offensive predictability.
#3 New York Jests vs. #2 Slashing Dragons
The Dragons go from sitting pretty to looking at having an early first round exit. This rivalry has been more even recently, but the Jests still seem to have the Dragons number. In the past the Jests have tended to give the Dragons match-up problems, but the Jests recent transfers has given them a different makeup, as well as a team that looks like the team to beat, at least on paper. Both teams put up excellent defensive numbers, while the Jests put up slightly better offensive numbers. Both teams have the capability to run any offense effectively, and this should be a tight game, and one that neither team can be too comfortable with their chances.
Prediction: Jests wins a close game, as his three headed monster is enough to overcome the Dragons defense and home court advantage.
Great 8
#4 Dog River Riverdogs vs. #1 Technical Fouls
Riverdogs threw their game to fall into the 4th spot and get this match-up against Technical Fouls, so that would imply they like their chances. TF meanwhile has rebounded nicely from the injury to Riega and has managed to add a little more balance to his team, but he still is a LI team. Riverdogs is an outside team who has always been an excellent all-around defensive team and could quite possibly give TF fits. Riverdogs is a one-point loss away from having swept the season series between these two teams, so they definitely have no need to be intimidated by this TF team.
Prediction: I really considered picking the Riverdogs to win this game simply because I am a big fan of good defensive teams, but I think that the Home Court plus TF's inside game will be too much for the Riverdogs as Technical Fouls wins in a tight game.
#3 10inch Vertical vs. #2 DC Dribble Penetrators
DC's signature moment of this season was his CT win over the defending cup championship Lake Merritt Arrows, and I have been surprised by how they have managed to rebound after the CT. 10inch is a team that has responded well in their Sophomore season in Division II.4 after having finished 6th the previous season. Both of these teams are primarily inside teams, but DC has the more balanced offense, while 10inch has a slightly better defense. However, DC has won all 4 match-ups played between these two teams, so they definitely have history on their side.
Prediction: DC wins this game by double digits. Similar to the Walker - Machines game, home court, 10inch's offensive predictability and DC's offensive flexibility will be too much for 10inch to overcome.