NBA Playoffs 2010: How The Aging Celtics and Spurs Can Still Win

Much attention will be paid to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Orlando Magic in the upcoming NBA Playoffs. However, let's not forget about the older stalwarts in the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs, as they gun for one more title before their time officially ends.

Older team leaders and tougher schedules have many prognosticators believing the road is too difficult for the Celtics and Spurs, but NBA fans shouldn't write them off and here are 10 reasons why.

Point Guard Play

Both the Spurs and the Celtics boast some of the best point guards in the NBA. Rajon Rondo is arguably the future of point guard for the league. The Celtics baller can log close to a triple-double on any given night, and could be the difference maker if the Celtics offense gets bogged down.

Meanwhile, Tony Parker has been the force behind numerous San Antonio titles, providing the on-the-ball artistry to pace the Spurs' offense. Parker provides San Antonio with the youth to push the ball, and is still a player opposing teams must account for at all times.

Post Presence

Like their point guards, the Celtics and Spurs both feature imposing post players in Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett.

Both players have certainly put many miles on their legs and are no longer the dominant interior players they once were, but it is difficult to bet against two players who can post a double-double on any night and alter so many shots.

Three-Headed Monsters

Another common feature between the two teams are the trio of feature players with championship pedigrees.

The Celtics still very much rely on Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Garnett as the backbone of their offense.

Similarly, the Spurs run most of their offense through Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Tim Duncan. If all three are on top of their respective games in the postseason, both the Celtics and Spurs will be a handful for any opponent.

Championship Pedigree

The Spurs have won four titles since 1999. The Celtics won the NBA title in 2008 with much of their currently-constituted roster.

These two teams may have slipped due to age and production, but they are teams that have tasted winning and know what it takes. Very few teams in the playoff field have tasted an NBA Championship—advantage Celtics and Spurs.

The Playoff Road

Unlike the Spurs, who sit as the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference, the Celtics sit in the No. 4 spot, and possess home court advantage at least for the first round.

The Celtics may be staring down the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round, but having that home court advantage in the opening series against Miami could be the catalyst the Celtics need.

Spurs Defense Strong

The Spurs may still have their offensive hiccups and inconsistencies, but what the four-time champions still do as well as anyone, is play defense.

The Spurs allowed only 96.3 points per game this season, second-best of any Western Conference playoff team.

Add in Parker, who will find his rhythm in the first round after missing so much time due to injury, and the Spurs have the means to limit almost anyone they could see on the road to the Finals.