2020 WBA Conference Finals predictions
2020 WBA Conference Finals predictions
by Timmy Frenchie
USA Conference
California Fighting Cocks vs Brooklyn Rage
(Brooklyn won 3-0)
As predicted, Brooklyn took care of business against Colorado, dispatching the Pioneers in 4 games. None of these games were close (except maybe a 5 point victory in game 4), as the Rage outscored his opponent by an average of 20 points per game for the series. Mario Bailey made his presence felt in all games, scoring an average of 34 points while also getting 9 rebounds and 4 steals per contest. For those of you waiting to see a decline in Bailey’s game, it has not happened yet. The 32 years old shooting guard is still at the top of his game, and that could continue for a few more seasons.
California were perfect in their second round matchup against a decimated Boston squad. It was not much of a challenge for the Fighting Cocks, as they won by an average 21 points per game. Hassan Watt looked like a man on a mission in the last game, scoring a career high 54 points. Let us hope he has other magnificent performance of that kind in store. Jarrod Roe played much better in the second round than he did in the first, posting an average of 22 points and 10 rebounds against Boston.
Do not let the regular season record between those two fool you. 2 out of those 3 games were close contest and 2 out of 3 were played in Brooklyn. California GM Justin Lawrence must be hoping that his latest addition at the center pays off. If Roe continue that trend he started in the second round, he could really give them an edge at the center position over Mayes and Faup. Which dynamic duo score the most point could be the difference maker here. Bailey and Miles have combined for 52 points in these playoffs thus far. Watt and Beck have 54 points. This is going to be war.
Prediction: Brooklyn over California in 7
World Conference
Paris Honeybees vs Albacete Burning Hell
(season series tied 2-2)
Albacete benefited from injuries to Cancun starting guards. Even without them, Cancun managed to win a game by 17 points and almost won another, losing game 3 by only 2 points. It would have been a different series if Rambuka and Summerall were playing, but it is what it is. Lonny Jordan led his squad with 28 points and 11 rebounds in that series. He also committed 5 TO per game which is something to keep a look on as he will face elite defense again in the Conference Finals. We also saw Mahara performance decline as the series progressed, closing out on a disappointing 6 pts and 6 asts in 35 minutes of play. Mahara will have to play much better in the next round against arguably the best defensive backcourt in league’s history.
After struggling a little in the first round, it looks like the Honeybees found their rhythm in the second. They won all four games scoring an average of 137 points per game. Game 2, were Paris and Barcelona combined for 325 points, is an instant classic. Even though Bissett has been on a scoring tear recently, these great offensive performances are the fruit of a collective team effort. I may be repeating myself, but I take my hat off to GM Arceo who build this efficient and cohesive unit in only one season. Impressive.
This should be very entertaining. Not only these teams split their regular season meetings, but half of those games were decided by 2 points or less. Both these squads are loaded with offensive power. And both squads have much depth. Albacete has all those big names, but Paris has multiple efficient role players. Burning Hell is rewarded for his great regular season performance with home court advantage, which could be a difference maker in a close series. But Paris has that hall of fame defensive duo of Timmons and Rogers who could derailed Albacete offence before it is even initiated. Pedro is a very experienced WBA GM, but he might be facing his toughest challenge ever, going against a master strategist with multiple weapons at his disposal.
Prediction: Paris over Albacete in 7