Here are my predictions, matchups, etc. for the 2009 NBA Finals!
Here are the matchups this year for all positions:
PG
Derek Fisher {LAL} vs. Rafer Alston {ORL}
The Magic are extremely fortunate that they managed to pull Alston out of Houston at the deadline because star Jameer Nelson was injured. And he really has helped the Magic get here. Fisher will have to step up his game a little bit, to ke! ep up with this playground legend.
Advantage: Magic
SG
Kobe Bryant {LAL} vs. Courtney Lee {ORL}
Lee is a solid role player, one that plays better than most rookies. He is a good defender, but Kobe is one of the most dangerous offensive players in the world. I'm going to have to give this to the Lakers.
Advantage: Lakers
SF
Trevor Ariza {LAL} vs. Hedo Turkoglu {ORL}
Ariza was acquired from Orlando in 2007, and he was a huge steal for L.A. His jumper has improved drastically and he is an amazing defender. Turkoglu's jumper has been pretty inconsistent lately, but I think he will heat up for this excit! ing Finals matchup.
PF
Pau Gasol {LAL} vs. Rashard Lewis {ORL}
Lewis is a great shooter and a decent inside player, but he will have to be more aggressive on defense to stop Gasol.
Advantage: Lakers
C
Andrew Bynum {LAL} vs. Dwight Howard {ORL}
Howard was pretty much unstoppable against the Cavs, and he and everyone else that follows the NBA knows he is the most dominant center in the league. Bynum is pretty inconsistent coming from his knee injury, and has been in foul trouble lately. I think he can probably do some good to stop Howard. If not, place Gasol on him, and grab Lamar Odom to guard Lewis.
Advan! tage: Magic
Bench
Lakers bench vs. Magic bench
When Odom plays well, the Lakers usually win. If he can stick on Lewis and not let him get any easy shots, the Lakers can pull this series out. Sure, they might need a lot more help guarding Howard, but if they can stop everyone around Dwight, they can win the Finals. Shannon Brown, Jordan Farmar, and Sasha Vujacic are also some keys off the bench for LA. For the Magic, Mickael Pietrus is being a beast, and he will get many opportunities to guard Kobe, and Anthony Johnson, Marcin Gortat, and possibly Tony Battie are some of their other guys off the bench.
Advantage: Lakers
Prediction: Lakers in 7
This will be a hard! -fought series. Both teams have matchup issues for eachother, ! but I th ink that it will go to 7 games and the Lakers will win on their home court. They have enough confidence, offensive weapons, and depth, and that will really help on their way to win a title.
