The two most successful teams in NBA History will be going at it in the NBA Finals tonight. The Celtics already own 16 championships while the Lakers are sitting at 13 championships. Each team will be looking to become one game closer to another ring. This will be the most exciting NBA Finals that we have witnessed in recent years. I like to call this years NBA Finals “Star-Studded”:
Point Guard (Derek Fisher vs. Rajon Rondo) Derek Fisher has been through it all with the Lakers. He already has 3 rings under his belt and he’s been in these NBA Finals before. He is also still pretty good defensively. On the other hand, Rajon Rondo has been running Boston Celtics the whole season and through the playoffs. He knows he will have to use his speed to his advantage. He will be getting into transition and slashing to the hole all day. He will have no problem keeping up with the not so fast Derek Fisher. However, Fisher’s experience will overcome.
Advantage: Derek Fisher
Shooting Guard (Kobe Bryant vs. Ray Allen) I love this matchup for the NBA Finals. I believe it will be a fiery series with these two superstars. Kobe has been incredibly impressive thus far in the playoffs, so expect no less from him. He is the MVP who also has 3 rings. Kobe’s game will be on point and he needs to he won’t hesitate to drop fifty n the opposing team 50 if he needs to. Ray Ray has not been that productive in the playoffs. He is also probably a little worn out after chasing Richard Hamilton around screens all of the Pistons/Celtics series. That does not mean he won’t come out in this series shooting the lights out. Kobe drive to win will be hard to for the Celtics to overcome.
Advantage: Kobe Bryant
Small Forward (Vladimir Radmanovic vs. Paul Pierce) This match is ridiculously lopsided. Radmanovic is basically on the Lakers just to hit a couple of threes a night. You’re not getting anything else from him. Paul Pierce is a great scorer and he will score in list of ways. He has been his consistent self so far in the playoffs. If the Lakers put anyone other than Kobe on Pierce, he will definitely torch them. Its like Pierce will be playing at home all series because his road games will be in his hometown and he like to put on a show for them. Expect the best out of the Truth this series especially if he puts on the scoring mentality.
Advantage: Paul Pierce
Power Forward (Lamar Odom vs. Kevin Garnet) The Lakers need Odom to step up this series if they want to win the championship. When Odom plays well, its almost a given that the Lakers will win. I’m pretty sure he will not be guarding Kevin Garnet. Garnet has been waiting to get this deep in the playoffs and have an opportunity to play for a ring forever. The Big Ticket has finally flown to his destination. No matter who is guarding Garnet, I expect to see someone I have never seen before. I know Garnet will be playing the hardest we have ever seen him play. I am looking forward to it.
Advantage: Kevin Garnet
Center (Pau Gasol vs. Kendrick Perkins) Last series Perkins displayed a little consistency and hopefully he keeps it up this series because it will be an added plus. The Celtics need him to get physical. Pau Gasol may have his hand tied guarding the NBA Finals version of Kevin Garnet. He will be getting worked defensively and may not have enough left to play offense. His presence will be needed with him being Kobe’s go-to-guy.
Advantage: Pau Gasol
Bench vs. Bench These two benches will play a big factor in this series. Walton, Vujacic, Turiaf, and Farmer have all been very helpful to the Lakers and look for them to keep doing what they do. Posey, Brown, Powe, House, and Davis will all be of great help to the Celtics if Doc Rivers decides to go that deep. The Celtics bench is deep and productive. Keep in mind they still have Sam Cassel who can still shoot real well.
Advantage: Celtics
Prediction: I’m going to go against a lot of people and say Celtics in 6. The 2-3-2 will probably not make my prediction a reality. But I’m sticking to it.
Good Luck Garnet, Pierce, and Ray. I know you guys want it.
