Random Ravings: The Top 10 NBA Finals Matchups I'd Like To See

I was working at the mall, doing my usual thing, when my thoughts drifted to the NBA. I went over the 15 teams that had already qualified (as of this date, the final playoff spot in the East is still open), and thought about their good and bad qualities; specifically, what it would be like to see them matched against certain teams.

So, being the pot-stirrer that I am, I thought I'd list my 10 most appealing (at least to me) NBA Finals match-ups, in descending order (10 to one).

10. Los Angeles vs. Orlando

Am I the only one who dreams of seeing Andrew Bynum and Dwight Howard scrapping for rebounds, elevating for thunderous blocks, and jamming in each other's grills?

Just because of these two young big men, this pairing would appeal to me. And you wanna know the best part? This one actually has a chance of happening.

9. Denver vs. Miami

Think about this one for a second. Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade are not only bona fide superstars, but they're a part of the dynamic draft class that also produced LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

Their supporting casts (Chauncey Billups, JR Smith and Nene for the Nuggets, Michael Beasley, Jermaine O'Neal and Mario Chalmers for the Heat) are capable of winning games without premier nights from their respective studs.

This would be a very interesting matchup, but it would not be likely because of the talent out East; the Heat aren't good enough yet.

8. San Antonio vs. Boston

I could see the NBA marketing people right now, dropping a collective brick if this one were to materialize. Sure, the Celtics are sexy marketing-wise, but Kevin Garnett's knee is achy and other than Rajon Rondo, the Celtic's main men are starting to see the end of the tunnel.

The Spurs' Tim Duncan is hurting as much as Garnett, and Manu Ginobili is done for the year. What will they call this one, "The Battle of the Creaky Old Guys?"

Just to see what will happen if Garnett and Duncan can't go full-tilt, SA/Beantown would be cool with me.

7. Portland vs. Philadelphia

Seeing my avatar, you really can't blame me for mentioning the Blazers. This pairing would pit the top young team in the West against the top young team in the East.

It's a shame that the 'Sixers aren't at full strength, because Elton Brand vs. LaMarcus Aldridge would be a great power forward match-up, with Andre Iguodala/Brandon Roy being just as good.

6. Denver vs. Cleveland

Denver vs. Miami was only ninth because their two stars played different positions. This one is No. 6 because not only do their main men play the same position, but those two men are LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.

Seeing that match-up in the Finals would be both enjoyable and irritating...enjoyable to watch James play defense on Anthony, and irritating to watch Anthony pretend to play defense on James.

This one also has a chance of happening, although the Rich Creamies would likely need to beat the team that pasted them just a few days ago.

5. Portland vs. Orlando

These two are very similar when you look at how they do their business. They both rebound the ball very well. They both have steady veteran point guards. They both are accurate beyond the three-point arc. Both are run by no-nonsense, no-frills coaches.

While this match-up would be a great series, the Blazers need to cook for a couple years, and the Magic have the small problems of LeBron James and the Boston Celtics to overcome.

4. New Orleans vs. Boston

Whenever I see the Hornets these days, I'm constantly reminded of the fact that if Chris Paul had any real help at the 2 and 3 positions besides James Posey, he'd be unstoppable.

Think about a Joe Johnson or a Brandon Roy on that team for a moment, and quake in your space boots.

Boston has Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, and that'll be the difference in this match-up of present and future.

3. Houston vs. Orlando

If Tracy McGrady were healthy, this would be even more interesting to me. As it is, Yao Ming and Dwight Howard going at it for all the marbles is good enough.

As two former No. 1 overall draft picks, they'd be able to say they led their teams to the Finals, which is what you expect from any top draft pick (at least, a PROPER top pick...yes, I'm looking at you, Kwame Brown).

2. Los Angeles vs. Cleveland

"Kobe. LeBron. You've seen them battle over the MVP. Now see them lead their teams in the fight for the ultimate prize!" This pairing will get so hyped-up, it'll feel like being in the middle of a WrestleMania promotion; in fact, it already does.

It doesn't hurt the hype machine when you consider that most prognosticators are predicting this match-up as the eventual Finals.

1. Los Angeles vs. Boston

Putting my personal dislike for the Lakers aside for a bit, I do appreciate history. I do realize that these two teams have taken turns destroying teams and winning titles throughout the Association's existence.

I was as excited as anyone when these two behemoths of organized sport collided over the greatest prize in their league last year.

It was admittedly anti-climatic when the Celtics, who were clearly the superior team that year, pounded the Lakers.

However, if they meet this year, it hopefully will see both teams at full strength and motivation. It would be a much closer contest if that were to happen.

As a true basketball fan and a proponent of fair play, it is my fervent wish that we get to see the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics clash once again, for it never, ever, gets old.