Opening Night Position Battles (Celtics @ Cavs)

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

After pretty much beating down every possible question anyone could possibly have about the 2009-2010 Boston Celtics it is almost time to begin the quest towards the 18th banner. As I write this there are roughly about 4 days 5 hours and 30 minutes until the opening tip-off of the regular season against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Today I thought I would take some time to look at the individual match ups against the team we are opening with, and possibly the team will have to beat to return to the NBA Finals.

Point Guard

 vs.

Mo is an above average guard in the NBA, he has a different style of playing the point, compared to Rondo. He is more of a shoot first guard, he has good handles, but lacks the floor control that Rondo has. Mo is a very good shooter from long range and has the capability of hitting a big shot at any moment. He has said before that he is committed on the defensive end, but does he have the capability to keep up with the quickness of Rondo? Rondo has transformed himself into a top five guard in the league over the years. Working with the Big Three and Doc Rivers he has turned into what I like to call a true point guard. Unlike Mo, he is not a shoot first point guard, he is always looking for a way to distribute the ball to the true scorers on the team. As long as he shows up to play on Tuesday I have to give the advantage to Rondo.

Advantage: Celtics

Shooting Guard

 vs.

This matchup was one of the clear no brainers in all of the matchups presented for opening night. In Ray Allen you have a All-star guard who is considered to be one of the best, if not the best, shooter of all time. If it is crunch time, this guy is not someone you want on the floor if your the opponent. Nothing against Anthony Parker, he is a player coming into shape, but matched up against Ray he stands no chance. He is better known for being the brother of WNBA star, Candace Parker, who is also the wife of Celtics forward Shelden Williams.

The clear advantage in this matchup goes to Jesus Shuttlesworth aka Sugar Ray aka Ray Allen

Advantage: Celtics

Small Forward

 vs.

At small forward we have two of the greatest NBA players to ever step on the floor. Without question they are both future hall of famers. Lebron James is the clear leader of the Cavaliers, and at any point in a game he can throw the rest of the team on his shoulders. Many people believe he will go on to surpass MJ as the greatest player of all-time. While his outside shot is still not great, his ability to muscle his way to the hoop and finish is unreal. Paul Pierce is also no slouch, NBA finals MVP two years ago, team captain, and an extraordinary basketball player. Whether it was the championship season, or a season the Celtics did not make the playoffs, he has come up big in so many games. He definetly will go down as one of the top five Celtics of all time. With all that aside I hate to go against my favorite player of all time, Paul Pierce, but I have to give Lebron the advantage in this matchup.

Advantage: Cavs

Power Forward

 vs.

This matchup was the other clear no brainer for me to choose. This is kind of like David vs. Goliath. In Kevin Garnett you have one of the top players of this decade on both sides of the floor. In Varejao you have a former bench player, recently turned starter, who is not very strong inside and lacks the offensive skill to beat a defender like KG. Ball Don't Lie recently rated KG as the second best player of the decade, Verajao probably wouldn't even make the top 200. Clear advantage to the Big Ticket.

Advantage: Celtics

Center

 vs.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?