NBA Playoffs: #1 Lakers vs # 8 Nuggets

This is a match up that is in the Nuggets favor, Carmelo Anthony is a Superstar in this league and is a better player and by all accounts should win this match-up. Carmelo is a very dangerous player who has a game so versatile that if he is hitting his jumper he is almost impossible to stop. The Lakers have been starting Radmanovic at the 3 spot and he has responded well. He has been more productive starting instead of coming off the bench. He is the better shooter of the two Laker small forwards and can’t be left alone on the Arc.

The Lakers have the option of bringing in Luke Walton off the bench to solidify the second unit or starting him at the Small Forward position he is one of the teams best playmakers with excellent court vision, basketball IQ and knowledge of the game. He simply makes everyone on his team better.

This is another Key Match-up for both teams because the Lakers have gotten a lot of production from this position and if Radmanovic can get hot a game can get out of hand and the Nuggets can quickly be trailing on the scoreboard. The advantage remains in the Nuggets favor. The only thing now is with distraction that Carmelo’s brush with the law was, we’ll find out quickly if Anthony’s mind is on the task at hand or his run in with the law and a looming court date. Dealing with both during the season is a daunting task. Advantage: Nuggets 

PF Lamar Odom 6’ 11” 8^thYear, Avg. 14.2 Pts, 3.5 Ast, 10.6 Reb, 1 block

PF Kenyon Martin 6’ 9” 7^thYear, Avg. 12.4 Pts, 1.3 Ast,  6.5 Reb.

This match-up is one where Kenyon Martin will run the floor and seek to score on lob passes and put back dunks more than scoring in the half court offense. The advantage goes to Lamar Odom due to his production. This is a key match-up for both teams because Lamar’s production willl cause Marcus Camby to come over to help slow Lamar down which should free up Paul Gasol and cutters flashing in the painted area. This could also place Martin and Camby in foul trouble. He can fill out a stat sheet and has put up a double-double in the majority of the games since the All-Star break.  Advantage: Lakers  

C Paul Gasol 7’ 0” 250 lbs. 6^thYear, Avg. 18.9 Pts, 3.2 Ast, 8.4 Reb, 2 Blocks

C Marcus Camby 6’ 11” 235 lbs. 11^th

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