By Marc Lawrence — After 66 scrimmages, 88 seeding games, and one Play-In game, the matchups for the 2020 NBA playoffs are set and finally tipoff today. In an unprecedented atmosphere that could negate the benefits of home-court advantage, ESPN contends that we could be in for another wild two months inside Disney’s World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. Which teams will make a magical run? Which stars will emerge in the bubble? A break down all 16 teams, including each team’s bubble MVP, biggest questions and most intriguing matchups are outlined along with key stats and observations – such as the fact that before the season came to a halt, the Milwaukee Bucks boasted a league-leading defensive efficiency of 101.6. The difference between Milwaukee and second-place Toronto was the same as between Toronto and seventh-place Indiana. But the defense hasn’t been the same in the bubble, as the Bucks rank eighth since the restart (110.2). For a complete take on each of the 16-playoff teams that are currently parked in the bubble, click here.
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Speaking of the NBA playoffs, remember this: As great as Damian Lillard has been, Portland’s defense has been has equally bad trying to slow down opponents. In the seeding games plus Saturday’s play-in, here are the point totals put up by Blazers opponents: 135, 128, 102, 115, 122, 121, 131, 133, 122. Yikes.
Grinding Out The Profits
From the 2020 PLAYBOOK FOOTBALL PREVIEW GUIDE magazine: Philadelphia has scored more points than its foes 17 of the last 20 seasons. However, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the fact that the Eagles were also one of three teams to improve its stats on both sides of the ball, yet slip SUATS last season. And it’s been 15 years since a defending NFC East division champion has repeated.
