Pictured above are the two fellas I think will be squaring off for a chance to represent the East in the NBA Finals. That's right, I'm calling for a Boston upset in Round 2. What I really see happening is a bit of a surprise, but I think the Orlando Magichave the tools and the coach to make a run at the Finals. Assuming they can make it to the Conference Finals, they've already proved they can beat Boston, but here's how I see a Cavs-Magic Finals shaping up.
PG: Delonte West v. Jameer Nelson
Advantage: Tie. The former college teammates have slightly different styles but this would essentially be a toss-up.
SG: Maurice Evans v. Devin Brown/Wally World
Advantage: Evans, defensively and offensively. I think Evans will eat up both of these guys on the defensive end, forcing Brown into some tough shots that D Howard will swallow up.
SF: Rashard Lewis v. LeBron James
Advantage: Lebron, but barely. This is where money speaks. Both players make an obscene amount of dough, and this is Rashard's chance to prove his worth. His height will present problems for LeBron, and Lebronobviously presentes problems for every defense. But the overall advantages for Orlando can make up for this ever-so slight advantage in LeBron's favor.
PF: Hedo v. Ben Wallace
Advantage: Toss up. Hedo will dominate on the offensive end while Big Ben would dominate on the defensive end. They cancel each other out.
C: Dwight Howard v. Z
Advantage: Obviously Howard makes the difference here as his youth and athleticism help the Magic wrap up the series.
Final Prediction:
If this series were to happen, I predict the Magic taking it in 6. LeBron can only carry his team so far, and the Magic have a great mix of youth and veterans. This could be their year...
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5 months ago
I would like to see you position-by-position breakdown that justifies Orlando beating Boston Eastern COnference Semi's.
5 months ago
let me rephrase...
I would like to see you position-by-position breakdown that justifies Orlando beating Boston in the Eastern Conference Semi's.
5 months ago
Boston won't even play Orlando in the semi's. And no Orlando can't beat them or Detroit. Not this year.
5 months ago
Good article. If this scenario happens and Rashard plays LeBron the same way he played Chris Bosh (I know, two different players, two different playing types) then he will have a hard time.
Michele, you, my friend, are ridiculous. To say the Magic are a fraud team is just dumb. They are a good team and they made their way to the post season fairy, just like every other team. Also, they are a completely different team than last season. Brian Hill is not our coach. Trevor Ariza, Travis Deiner, Grant Hill, Jackie Manuel, Darko Milicic, Bo Outlaw and Kasib Powell got no playing time for the Magic this season. To look at what happened last season is stupid. Also, Dwight hasn't stepped up? Dwight is one of only 6 players since 1986 to have two straight 20point, 20rebound games in the playoffs. LeBron is one of my favorite players of all-time...however, he can only make someone play so much better. The Cavs are seriously flawed and shouldn't make it past the second round.
Also, why is everyone hating on the Magic so much? They won the season series against Detriot, Boston and Toronto. They are very capable of going the distance in the playoffs. Do I think they WILL win the championship? Not necessarily...but I do think they are capable of it.
5 months ago
I actually have thought this scenario to myself also... i think that this conference finals matchup CAN happen...
But you are selling lebron short, in my opinion
5 months ago
Yes, I think that the Orlando Magic can make it to the NBA Finals. Detroit will not be able to stop Dwight Howard without Ben Wallace. Rasheed Wallace does not have a chance to play at the level that Dwight Howard does.
Great Article.
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