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I don't get the "new blood" argument. Neither Toronto or Washington are going to be competing for the title in the near future (by near I mean the next decade). I don't see anything exciting about them taking away from more compelling matchups.
I was speaking relatively; neither one would've made the playoffs in the West, but for the wack Eastern playoffs, they make it a little more watchable (if the other option is, say, NCIS or Atlanta housewives).
I think it's good to have new teams like Washington and possibly Toronto make it to the second round (or further) because it can help the NBA generate interest in more teams. Teams like the Lakers, Knicks, Bulls, Heat, Thunder, and Spurs tend to get the nationally televised games on ABC so no one (outside those with NBA League Pass or local fans) know about teams like Washington or Toronto. If Washington or Toronto get the opportunity to play the Heat, for example, and give them a good fight on national TV, then that can increase the fan base for those teams, and, thus, help the NBA as a whole.
So I do believe that as much as having the Bulls lose in the first round and the Lakers and Knicks absent from the playoffs hurts ratings a little, it can also provide an opportunity for teams fans wouldn't get to normally see to generate interest. Now a Washington-Atlanta matchup would be a ratings disaster, but a Miami-Washington showdown would get great ratings just because of the Heat. And if the Wizards showed up during that series, that could benefit both the team and league greatly. I think more parity in the NBA would be a tremendous asset.
Considering the Raptors haven't beaten the Heat in like 5 years, I'd be shocked if the Heat lost even 1 game.
This point might be moot because I don't think the Raptors will win Game 7 against the Nets. If they do win, I agree that the well-rested Heat will sweep them.
This point might be moot because I don't think the Raptors will win Game 7 against the Nets. If they do win, I agree that the well-rested Heat will sweep them.
What about the Nets makes you think they will win Game 7? They damm near fumbled away the big lead they had at home during game 6. Raptors will have all the momentum in Game 7
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