NBA Playoffs 2011: 5 Reasons Why We Will Have a Thunder vs Celtics NBA Finals

The second round of the playoffs is just about to get underway.

What is really intriguing about this year's NBA finals is that it will be played between two teams who made trades with each other at the deadline.

Danny Ainge went all-in on the trade that sent Kendrick Perkins to the Thunder for Jeff Green. This makes one wonder if ol' Danny knew he would have to defeat the monster he helped create to win the franchise's 18th NBA title.

The stars are now aligned and the Basketball Gods have spoken. I am predicting that the 2011 NBA Finals will be played between the Celtics and Thunder.

Here are five reasons why.

The Boston Celtics Have the Best Team Chemistry in the East

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 24: (L-R) Kevin Garnett #5, Jermaine O'Neal #7, Ray Allen #20 and Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics look on against the New York Knicks in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 24

Let's face it, the Boston Celtics have been there and done it before—with this team.

This Boston team is the most battle-tested squad in the Eastern Conference.

They also put the same amount of intensity into defense as they do offense, which spells trouble for the ever-isolating Miami Heat.

This Celtic team knows their window is small, and I believe this will motivate them more to seize the opportunity they have in front of them.

The Thunder Will Use Their Youth to Their Advantage

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks draws up a play for his team during a timeout in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on April 10, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Thunder defeated

Truth is the Thunder are a very good team.

Another thing working in their favor is age. Besides the Memphis Grizzlies, everyone else in the West is just downright old. 

Experience is a plus for the older teams, but against this Thunder team it won't mean much.

This young Oklahoma City team is going to give Dallas or Los Angeles fits trying to keep up with them. The Lakers just don't have a point guard who can keep up with Westbrook, and the Mavericks will have nightmares trying to stop Kevin Durant.

Which is why age will play a key factor in the West this year.

The Celtics Have the Best Team in the East

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 24: (L-R) Rajon Rondo #9 and Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics talk on court against the New York Knicks in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2011 at Madison Square Garden i

The Celtics from top to bottom have the best team in the East.

They may not be as young as they use to be, but a team with four Hall of Famers and an All-Star point guard will be hard to beat.

Also, unlike the Bulls and the Heat, the Celtics actually have a consistent half court offense. This will be huge as we get deeper into the playoffs. 

It's good to have a player who can isolate at times, but everyone knows the best "teams" usually make it to the Finals.

The Thunder Have Kevin Durant

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DENVER, CO - APRIL 25: Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket against Nene #31 of the Denver Nuggets in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Pepsi Center on April 25, 2011 in Denver, Co

Like it or not, this Thunder squad has Kevin Durant on their side. Most people know when he is at his best he is absolutely unstoppable. 

His ability to score from anywhere on the court will give Oklahoma City a chance against anyone.  Durant will be a tough match-up for any of their future opponents. 

He is the X factor that all teams wish to have on their side. This is why the Thunder will win the West and go on to the NBA Finals.

Danny Ainge Will Face the Man He Shipped Away: Kendrick Perkins

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BOSTON - JUNE 17: Executive Director of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge of the Boston Celtics celebrates after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the 2008 NBA Finals on June 17, 2008 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO

Yeah Danny, it's going to be grade time soon, and what would be a better way to grade than facing the same center you sent packing to Oklahoma City in the NBA Finals. 

Yep Danny boy, Perkins and the Thunder will be coming to Beantown for the Finals. As the old saying goes, smile now cry later. 

You helped create this monster in Oklahoma City, so it would only be right that you have to deal with it.