#small-ball

#small-ball

The advantages: the speed we can play with on the offensive end, the dribble-drive, the pace that we can create. Defensively we can pressure a little bit more.

If you don't, I'll help remind you. The Braves gave up three runs in the early innings, and would scratch together three runs to tie the game in the sixth inning. Then the Braves poured it on in the eighth, scoring eight without aid of a home run. In the bottom of the inning, the Reds used two home runs to help score those eight right back. The Braves would take it to the tenth, when two well-placed fly balls brought home the Manfred ghost

Navigating their last two contests without the team's only true center, veteran Jakob Poeltl, who is currently dealing with a back issue, the Raptors have had to experiment with their starting lineup. They've taken a route that pays homage to recent years, reflecting the style of the current NBA, and also offering a glimpse into the future - all at the same time.

When one thinks of Miami's roster, it's not hard to envision why rim protection is an issue at times. Bam Adebayo does a lot of good things on the defensive side, but he's not a shot blocker. Kel'el Ware started to come along during the back half of last year, but Miami doesn't really have a second big man to rotate for him.