Playoffs are shaping up and my predictions:
Big 8 - records and point differentials are pretty well defined to give playoff position
#1 Silverbacks, or as they are known as Heathens2, are the overall top seed for the league. Promotion or bust seems to be the philosophy given how well the guard corps has been trained and where their salaries will most likely end up next season.
Last game vs. TWSS - no real impact - both want to go into the playoffs with good GS and no injuries.
#2 TWSS had another solid Cup run for 10 rounds. Other than the cup game, no losses in league action since November and a nice Prolific outside attack in the PL game.
Last game vs. SB no real impact - both want to go into the playoffs with good GS and no injuries.
#3 East Siders picked up a nice US 18 year old who has been given significant minutes. For the playoffs, ES balanced attack will be difficult vs the slightly more powerful TWSS team.
Last game vs. Reston should be an easy rest game for both teams.
#4 Reston had a good season training the team in a balanced fashion. My guys are all 20-23 with high potential, so hopefully this approach pays off next season, but they don't fully match up yet with the older players.
Last game vs. East Siders should be an easy rest game for both teams. Even with a loss Reston should get the #4 spot on points.
Picks: #1 vs. #4 SB over Reston
Picks: #2 vs. #3 TWSS over East Siders
Picks: #1 SB vs #2 TWSS - TWSS - inside attack for TWSS too much, even for the prolific OD of SB
Great 8 - records and point differentials are pretty well defined to give playoff position, but some opportunity for movement
#1 Petersburg finally claims the top spot after 4 seasons as the runner up. Other than a surprise effort by Rocket Science, Petersburg has been running the table for the last month. Balanced attack and overall strong team.
Last game vs. Phi - no real impact and a chance to manage minutes
#2 Digging/ #3 Rocket
Last game Digging vs. Scrap - Scrap is motivated to win and face ATL in the relegation series. Digging to win to keep the #2 spot - probably the best of the final league games. Digging has been on a down streak to end the season, but should be able to hold on to second place.
Last game Rocket vs. Ginger - Rocket has the * from the earlier walkover with Reston and a steep point differential, but could move to #2 for home court vs. Digging with a win and DFC loss. Rocket has been on a roll in the second half of the season and the team looks in good form.
#4 Ginger Balls - Nice recent win over DFC with a solid lineup and ratings.
Last game vs. Rocket - low pressure game to build enthusiasm and hope for the no injuries.
#1 vs. #4 - Petersburg pulls out the win in a tighter than expected match.
#2 vs. #3 - HCA comes into play and DFC wins
#1 vs. #2 - Petersburg makes it to the finals
#2 vs. #1 - TWSS wins in 3