If David could slay Goliath…

Here is the second of Sixerdave’s contributions.,

It’s a breakdown of the series that is going to start tonight.

You gotta love the Bible reference and I think that Dave remembering David is not a coincidence. In the pic, an image of a winning David carrying Goliath’s head, courtesy of guido italian painter Caravaggio (“Sixers4guidos: where teaching italian culture happens”).

Enjoy the read:

SIXERS VS ORLANDO BREAKDOWN

As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. (1 Samuel 17:48)

Dwight Howard is an animal, a beast, a giant. Howard is one of the most unstoppable forces in the NBA. Nearly 7 feet tall and 265 pounds, few teams can contend with the newest NBA “Superman”.

However, as David slayed Goliath, perhaps there is one more stone in the Sixers’ sling. Can Miller or Iguodala cast the stone? Can Dalembert and Ratliff slow the giant Howard? 

Breaking down the series by position.

POINT GUARD – Miller vs. Alston

Miller has looked slower toward the end of the season, but Alston has not played that well against Philly. Miller is one of the leaders of the Sixers, has never won a playoff series, and is playing for a contract.  He should shine against Alston. EDGE – Sixers

SHOOTING GUARD – Green vs. Pietrus

Green would be a nice player coming off the bench. But he’s one of the weakest starting guards in the league. Pietrus is tall, strong, can rebound and nail the three. EDGE – Magic

SMALL FORWARD – Iguodala vs. Turkoglu

Iguodala looks like he’s been pressing in games recently. After last year’s poor shooting performance against Detroit, Iguodala should be looking to have a breakout series. Turkoglu is a highly skilled small forward, but he’s lacking on defense and coming off an injury. EDGE – Sixers

POWER FORWARD – Young vs. Lewis

Young is an up and coming player and will probably be in the top 3 for most improved player. But Lewis is a smooth shooter and a proven player. EDGE – Magic

CENTER – Dalembert vs. Howard

Howard is one of the best players in the NBA. Dalembert is a decent shot blocker and adequate rebounder, but has shown that he can’t stop Howard. Ratliff has been a better defender against Howard and will probably get a lot of minutes because of effectiveness and foul trouble.  EDGE – Magic

BENCH – Sixers vs. Magic

While it would be nice to look at Lou Williams and Speights and think about their potential, they are still highly unproven and inconsistent on the big stage. The Magic are lacking on their bench as well. EDGE – EVEN

COACHING – Dileo vs. Van Gundy

Dileo has done a fine job, but Van Gundy is a veteran coach who has been there before. EDGE – Magic

INTANGIBLES 

The Sixers lost 6 of 7 entering the playoffs, and they don’t look like the same team that heated up in January. When the Magic run into trouble, they can always dump it down to their Superman, Dwight Howard. 

Can the Sixers slay the mighty giant? The way the Sixers cast stones from the perimeter, they won’t have enough. 

Magic 4, Sixers 2