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Message: [QUOTE="Shabizzness, post: 4603107, member: 1121"] I'm interested to see how we match up defensively to start the game. Hurley has a few options to go with. I've seen some talk of Andre on Jordan Miller. I think that could work well, but Miller as the small ball 4 is also the natural matchup for Karaban. I think I prefer that matchup for Karaban rather than having him try to stay with the athletic 6'5 Poplar. Miller is 6'7 and quick, but I think Karaban has enough size, strength and athleticism to do a nice job. Despite scoring 27 last game, Miller only took 7 shots. I think he's going to get his buckets in the flow of the offense no matter who guards him. The same can be said for the rest of Miami's starters. They are going to score in a balanced pick-up style offensive attack. We can try to slow them down using our height. I think the key player for Miami that raises their ceiling is Pack. When he's on, he's a flamethrower, creating space 1 on 1 to knock down long twos and threes. If he's hitting 7-10 on threes like he did vs Houston, then we're going to be in trouble. Pack is the main reason I like Karaban on Miller. That matchup allows Andre to guard Pack. I think Andre can use his length and athleticism to bother the 6'0 Pack like he did the 6'3 Primo Spears in February. That leaves the matchups as: [LIST] [*]Miller: Karaban [*]Pack: Jackson [*]Omier: Sanogo [*]Poplar: Hawkins [LIST] [*]Poplar is a good player and athlete, but shoots the least of the Miami starters. I think it's a fine matchup for Hawk, and will allow him to spend most of his energy on the offensive end. [/LIST] [*]Wong: Newton [LIST] [*]Wong is strong and quick getting into the lane and likes to use his size to pull up or pivot into turnaround jumpers. I think Newton's size can slow him down a bit. [/LIST] [/LIST] We won't be able to shut down Miami entirely. Their guys hit shots at a high rate. But I think the above matchups can provide some defensive advantages for us. We'll see what Hurley and the staff go with Saturday. They know their guys much better than I do. [/QUOTE]

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