2009 NBA Finals - Orlando Magic vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Money23 · 05-31-2009, 04:52 AM

Disneyland vs. Disney World!

So...who do you got?

I'm saying Magic in 6. If it goes to 7, though, Lakers won't lose. I just think the forwards present L.A. with more match-up problems similar to the ones Cleveland had with them. One of their bigs is going to have to guard Turk or Rashard Lewis.

hack · 05-31-2009, 06:28 AM

I just don't want to see Kobe winning again, so I'm hoping Eastern Defense reigns.

Hobbs · 05-31-2009, 08:52 AM

LA in 5. LA has big guys to both keep Howard honest, with jumpers so he can't float, score over him in the post (and draw some fouls), and to slow him down offensively. In addition they have the tweeners to keep Hedo and Lewis from getting wide open shots and shooters of their own to keep Orlando from collapsing. It'll be a blood bath.

tin mad dog · 05-31-2009, 11:05 AM

I think LA matches up a lot better with Orlando than Cleveland did. Guys like Odom and Ariza will be able to hang a lot better with Hedo and Lewis, as opposed to Cleveland's midgets.

In theory, Bynum and even Gasol should contain Howard moreso. It will be interesting to see how Pietrus can do against Kobe. Alston is still better than Fish but Fisher's strength (and the occasional flop) should help.

Whereas Boston last year had the physical players to make LA wilt, I don't think Howard and Gortat will be enough.

Kobe also has much better players around him as compared to Cleveland. I don't think Orlando can take the same approach that they did with Cleveland. Their focus has to be spread out to other players.

I hope to be wrong but I think LA in 5 sounds about right.

detroitsportsfan · 05-31-2009, 04:53 PM

LA v. Orlando. Who would've thought??? Remember everyone thought the Magic would've been the best match-up scenario for the Pistons in the 1st round??? Not only did Orlando beat Boston (the defending champs) in the playoffs, they also beat LeBron James (who seemed unstoppable this year) & the Cleveland Cavaliers (who seemed almost unbeatable this season). Give them some credit. I don't know how they did it. Still, I think they're playing over their head. I can't seem them beating the Lakers too. LA is groomed to win a title this year. Kobe will get another ring. Lakers in 6.

Jeff Hause · 05-31-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by detroitsportsfan

Not only did Orlando beat Boston (the defending champs) in the playoffs, they also beat LeBron James (who seemed unstoppable this year) & the Cleveland Cavaliers (who seemed almost unbeatable this season).

Boston without Garnett took them to the limit in the previous series. I think Boston with Garnett would've mopped the floor with Orlando in a 7-game series.

The King · 05-31-2009, 06:25 PM

Lakers in 6.

The Lakers bigs can negate Dwight and they have the more athletic/bigger players to close up top on Orlando's shooters. Gasol should be the difference here. His ability to run the floor and step out to defend will be the difference.

I also look for Kobe to elevate his game. The stage is there and this title is really the only thing Kobe needs to cement his status as a legend of the game.

Money23 · 05-31-2009, 06:31 PM

I think Pietrus might be wearing down, too.

The King · 05-31-2009, 06:35 PM

This whole Orlando game where the guys drive and kick it outside will become more and more common in the league. I look for it to become a trend. Hell, it already is in college basketball. It's more of a Euro style, but it is here to stay.

Personally I don't like it, but you can't play real basketball in the NBA anymore because of all the lame foul calls, so now what you will see it a bunch of drives and kickouts. Get used to this lame ass brand of basketball.

Money23 · 05-31-2009, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tin mad dog

I think LA matches up a lot better with Orlando than Cleveland did. Guys like Odom and Ariza will be able to hang a lot better with Hedo and Lewis, as opposed to Cleveland's midgets.

But which of Bynum and Gasol are going to lose starter minutes to
Ariza? Bynum has to be on Howard a lot, and Gasol can't chase Rashard Lewis around. I think it's a different type of mismatch, but might still be trouble. Denver was best against L.A. when exploiting their own athleticism.

The King · 05-31-2009, 06:42 PM

Gasol can close on Lewis on defense. It's on the boards and offensive end where Gasol will work them. No way can Lewis stop him. This whole mirage of Lewis at the 4 will be exposed big time in this series.

sam dav · 05-31-2009, 06:52 PM

Lakers in 5.

Orwellian O. · 05-31-2009, 07:28 PM

Magic in 6ish.

Stefan S · 05-31-2009, 08:20 PM

According to Associated Press:

Quote:

Updated: May 31, 2009, 3:04 PM ET
Magic considering G Nelson for Finals

Comment Email Print Share
Associated Press

2009 NBA Finals

Want an in-depth look at the Lakers-Magic series? Check out all the stats, analysis and opinion here:
• Lakers-Magic page

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando is evaluating All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson for a possible return to the Magic lineup for the NBA Finals that begin Thursday night in Los Angeles.

Magic spokesman Joel Glass said on Sunday that Nelson's rehabilitation from a shoulder injury is ahead of schedule but that his status remains uncertain.

Nelson has been out since early February with what had been called a season-ending shoulder tear.
Magic president Bob Vander Weide told The Orlando Sentinel after Saturday's win against Cleveland that he wanted Nelson to take another MRI and consult with doctors for a possible comeback.
Nelson has been working out and has said he has full range of motion. But Magic general manager Otis Smith has repeatedly said there is no way Nelson could return this season.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

Orwellian O. · 05-31-2009, 11:12 PM

Skip seems to be doing fine (I'm sure that is making Nelson antsy), it would be bad for the team's long-term health and particularly Nelson's if he plays.

Money23 · 06-01-2009, 02:43 AM

Yeah, all that's going to do is interrupt their much needed chemistry at this point, trying to integrate Nelson back in.

Billl · 06-01-2009, 09:51 AM

This is definitely going to be a series of match ups. Besides pg, every other match up presents some sort of a problem - sometimes for both teams.

Howard is becoming a beast in the paint and could easily get Bynum in foul trouble. On the other end, Bynum is a space eater and will live on the offensive glass if Howard is forced to rotate.

Gasol can't be guarded by either of the magic forwards. He should live in the paint. On the flip side, he isn't quick enough to keep up with either of the magic forwards.

The 2/3 match ups are a bit of a mess too. Lee will probably start on Kobe, but Pietrus will get major minutes there as well. Both those guys are spotup shooters though, so Kobe's impact defensively just won't be there. He won't be able to help much and his 1-on-1 play isn't that important on guys who just want an open look at a 3. At SF, turk is just going to run those 3/4 pick and rolls and force all sorts of switches and generally muck up the Lakers defense.

The X-Factor is Lamar Odum. He has the size and quickness to match up with the Magic forwards. If he plays well, you can pair him with ariza and neutralize the Magic's 3/4 pick and roll game. He also could provide the size and rebounding in the second unit to keep the pressure on orlando's forwards. Wit h Pietrus playing Lebron most of the series, their forwards basically got a free ride defensively.

El Axe · 06-01-2009, 09:55 AM

I agree that Odom is the x-factor of this series. Rumor is that he's been playing hurt, but if he plays well, he will really hurt the Magic because he should be a matchup advantage.

detroitsportsfan · 06-01-2009, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Hause

Boston without Garnett took them to the limit in the previous series. I think Boston with Garnett would've mopped the floor with Orlando in a 7-game series.

You still have to give the Magic credit. Even without KG, I think most thought the Celtics would beat the Magic. I know a lot of people around here were hoping the Pistons would meet Orlando in the 1st round (as we've had their number the past few years). Certainly, most people thought LeBron & the Cavs would easily handle Orlando. Didn't happen. Dwight Howard played like the superstar he was supposed to be. Hedo Turkoglu & Rashard Lewis have been big. Rafer Alston has been a fine addition. If they go on and beat the Lakers in the NBA Finals, it'll be one of the biggest upsets in NBA Finals history. A Magical ride indeed.

fredsue · 06-01-2009, 01:41 PM

I hate to say it but I would have to go with the lakers as well...they have the players to matchup with Magic. Should be fun series to watch. Bynum does not have the strength of Wowrd but he has the length and mobility to keep him honest. Gasol may lack physicallity but he does not give up height or mobility. Those two with asmattering of powell if needed...Gasol may have trouble sticking with Lewis outside but will give lewis issues on the other end. Then you have Odom to come in and can matchup well with lewis. Walton can even give you minutes here....Ariza can play Turkey leg. Ariza had the speed and size to do it.... This allows kobe to be on guys that while mobile will nto taxed him tremendously on defense... PG pretty much a wash IMO. Kobe will give other teams fits..he does not need to get to the rim to be effective as much as James.

mn3 · 06-01-2009, 01:55 PM

I also think Boston with KG would have handled Orlando. But that's the thing with teams with older players - there's a much higher chance that they'll suffer key injuries at the wrong time in the playoffs.

Stefan S · 06-01-2009, 02:01 PM

Good summary, Billl.

It looks like neither team can guard the other really well. On O, the Lakers will have an advantage at one of the big men (plus Kobe), Orlando should have an advantage on perimeterer (plus, t osome extend, Howard).

Overall, it sems to me like the Lakers have a bit more scoring power, and experience (plus Kobe is a killer). They should prevail.

Stefan S · 06-01-2009, 02:04 PM

On the flip side, Orlando took both games during the regular season (just liek they tood 2 oit of 3 from Cleveland, and even during that lost game, they had an edge with but few minutes before the game was over). So, maybe we should take more seriously the fact that Orlando was so good against the super-elite teams.

rpmfla · 06-01-2009, 02:20 PM

If Orlando stays hot from the perimeter..say 40% or above on 3's...they win. If their shots don't fall it will be over in a hurry.

mn3 · 06-01-2009, 02:28 PM

Bynum will have to step up big time. Gasol is much too small to guard Howard.

fredsue · 06-01-2009, 02:28 PM

I would have to agree IF Orlando stays hot from the outside it becomes very different series...

Whitley · 06-01-2009, 02:29 PM

I like Orlando to win this series. Bynum is going to get into early foul trouble against Howard. And that is going to force Gasol to guard him a lot of the game and that should wear down Gasol some as well.

If i am Orlando what I am going to concentrate on is shutting everyone else down first. Kobe still has a very large ego and still wants to be the man at all times. Let him just go off as LeBron did and take care of everyone else. Kobe is a lot more likely to revert to his scoring ways and trying to carry everyone else on his back. LeBron did the same thing, and outside of Gasol the supporting cast isn't that great for the Lakers.

Something else I would look for from Orlando is that Lewis and Turkeyleg are going to spread the floor, and whoever is on Howard is going to have to be able to handle him isolated 1 on 1 defensively. If the Lakers try to collapse there are a lot of good shooters on the court with Howard and they can make the Lakers pay. This isn't a new style of offense, Orlando ran it with Shaq years ago and same thing with Houston. All this Orlando team does is invert it and that is only because Howard doesn't have the go to move that Shaq or Hakeem does(and not as a good a passer from the post).

The other problem LA has is that their point play overall is very bad. Fisher is old and can still hit an occassional shot, but is not very good defensively anymore and Farmer is even worse. Skip to My Lou is not a great point guard by any stretch but he should be able to break those two down whenever he wants to. And when that happens it's going to mean LA has to rotate over leaving someone open. Or that they are going to get into foul trouble.

When a team has an advantage at the point and at the center spot, that means everyone one else is going to have to really outplay their guys to compensate for it. Can Kobe do it? We'll see. I don't think he wil.

Orlando in 6. Kobe goes ringless again.

GC_STONES · 06-01-2009, 06:07 PM

I can't believe I'm saying this, but the mentally tougher team will win. Orlando in 6.

tin mad dog · 06-02-2009, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Money23

But which of Bynum and Gasol are going to lose starter minutes to
Ariza? Bynum has to be on Howard a lot, and Gasol can't chase Rashard Lewis around. I think it's a different type of mismatch, but might still be trouble. Denver was best against L.A. when exploiting their own athleticism.

The lakes could maybe even get a little crazy and go big, with Ariza and Bryant in the backcourt and Bynum, Gasol and Odom up front.

I hope I am wrong and that Orlando can't be contained but I think the lakes will find a way.

Money23 · 06-02-2009, 05:16 PM

We'll see. Even though they're in the WCF, the Lakers have been fairly easily frustrated quite often in the playoffs.

The Guy · 06-04-2009, 04:29 PM

Lakers in 6, maybe even 5. Quit pretending Orlando has a chance, Money.

bozo the clown · 06-04-2009, 05:12 PM

I dunno. The sentiment seems pretty split on the forum.

Jeff Hause · 06-04-2009, 06:55 PM

TJ's hoping for Orlando so that he can crown us the true champions...

Hobbs · 06-04-2009, 10:04 PM

LA up 6 late in the 2nd quarter. From what I've seen they're going to force Howard to beat them at the line and work hard to stay out of foul trouble.

Also, Gortat looked great in limited minutes again. 2 steals, a block, and 4 rebounds in about 8 minutes.

Hobbs · 06-04-2009, 10:12 PM

10 point lead at the half for LA. Bryant has taken roughly 12 billion shots.

LA's defense has been spectacular so far.

tin mad dog · 06-04-2009, 10:53 PM

lakes are running away with this one...

bozo the clown · 06-05-2009, 12:18 AM

Oh well. So much for the Magic. They looked horrible.

Money23 · 06-05-2009, 12:37 AM

I still think they'll win game 2.

TJPiston · 06-05-2009, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Hause

TJ's hoping for Orlando so that he can crown us the true champions...

Bingo!

I'm rooting for Orlando but only because they're underdogs.

The King · 06-05-2009, 02:50 PM

One bucket for Dwight in Game 1.

Ya. He's a truly effective offensive player, alright....

Once he develops back to the basket ability he will be unstoppable, but he doesn't have that as of yet and that clearly showed in Game 1. I noticed the Lakers really controlling him on the boards by having 3-4 guys competing for rebounds and putting big bodies on Dwight. A much different matchup for Dwight with the Lakers big bodies compared to the sloths/washups that were the Cavs.

The Guy · 06-05-2009, 11:23 PM

Start Dwight, Battie, Turk at the 3, Rashard at the 2. Lakers might have a harder time matching up.

Money23 · 06-06-2009, 02:24 AM

At least Kobe might have to guard SOMEONE.

Dave Bing · 06-06-2009, 02:55 AM

But I'm pretty surt that you don't want Lewis tagging Kobe...

Money23 · 06-06-2009, 03:11 AM

Yeah. But then again, no one was with him in game 1.

bozo the clown · 06-08-2009, 01:42 AM

Well, the Magic took the Lakers to OT in game #2. Good game.

Money23 · 06-08-2009, 01:43 AM

Lewis was amazing.

The Guy · 06-08-2009, 02:04 AM

Stan Van Gundy tried so many different lineups. I like that. He should keep throwing weird stuff at the Lakers. Down 2-0, though...it's probably over.

Money23 · 06-08-2009, 07:57 AM

Probably. One hell of a nice play at the end of regulation, though. Too bad Lee couldn't get it to go down.

fredsue · 06-08-2009, 09:17 AM

yeah lee had a good look...even though he was totally grab by kobe on screen. Turk did ok at guarding kobe. he cannot stop the drive but with howard back there...turk can contest jumpers well with his size.

tin mad dog · 06-08-2009, 01:17 PM

It looked like Pau hit the backboard on that last play. It didn't look like he smacked it hard but isn't the rule that hitting the backboard while a shot is up should be ruled goaltending? Does anyone know if that's the case?

Either way, Lee should've made one of those two point-blank lay-ups in the last 25 seconds.

p.s.- Worst TV broadcasting team in Finals history.

05-31-2009, 04:52 AM	#1
Money23 Sixth Man Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: F-f-f-f-Flintown Posts: 3,941 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	2009 NBA Finals - Orlando Magic vs. Los Angeles Lakers Disneyland vs. Disney World! So...who do you got? I'm saying Magic in 6. If it goes to 7, though, Lakers won't lose. I just think the forwards present L.A. with more match-up problems similar to the ones Cleveland had with them. One of their bigs is going to have to guard Turk or Rashard Lewis.

05-31-2009, 11:05 AM	#4
tin mad dog Starter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Long Island City, NY Posts: 9,787 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	I think LA matches up a lot better with Orlando than Cleveland did. Guys like Odom and Ariza will be able to hang a lot better with Hedo and Lewis, as opposed to Cleveland's midgets. In theory, Bynum and even Gasol should contain Howard moreso. It will be interesting to see how Pietrus can do against Kobe. Alston is still better than Fish but Fisher's strength (and the occasional flop) should help. Whereas Boston last year had the physical players to make LA wilt, I don't think Howard and Gortat will be enough. Kobe also has much better players around him as compared to Cleveland. I don't think Orlando can take the same approach that they did with Cleveland. Their focus has to be spread out to other players. I hope to be wrong but I think LA in 5 sounds about right. __________________ 2011- Oh Bismack, where art thou?

06-04-2009, 10:53 PM	#36
tin mad dog Starter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Long Island City, NY Posts: 9,787 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	lakes are running away with this one... __________________ 2011- Oh Bismack, where art thou?

06-08-2009, 01:17 PM	#50
tin mad dog Starter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Long Island City, NY Posts: 9,787 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	It looked like Pau hit the backboard on that last play. It didn't look like he smacked it hard but isn't the rule that hitting the backboard while a shot is up should be ruled goaltending? Does anyone know if that's the case? Either way, Lee should've made one of those two point-blank lay-ups in the last 25 seconds. p.s.- Worst TV broadcasting team in Finals history. __________________ 2011- Oh Bismack, where art thou?

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05-31-2009, 06:28 AM	#2
hack Starter Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 11,065 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	I just don't want to see Kobe winning again, so I'm hoping Eastern Defense reigns.

05-31-2009, 08:52 AM	#3
Hobbs Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3,006 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	LA in 5. LA has big guys to both keep Howard honest, with jumpers so he can't float, score over him in the post (and draw some fouls), and to slow him down offensively. In addition they have the tweeners to keep Hedo and Lewis from getting wide open shots and shooters of their own to keep Orlando from collapsing. It'll be a blood bath.

05-31-2009, 04:53 PM	#5
detroitsportsfan Bench Player Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 1,511 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	LA v. Orlando. Who would've thought??? Remember everyone thought the Magic would've been the best match-up scenario for the Pistons in the 1st round??? Not only did Orlando beat Boston (the defending champs) in the playoffs, they also beat LeBron James (who seemed unstoppable this year) & the Cleveland Cavaliers (who seemed almost unbeatable this season). Give them some credit. I don't know how they did it. Still, I think they're playing over their head. I can't seem them beating the Lakers too. LA is groomed to win a title this year. Kobe will get another ring. Lakers in 6.

05-31-2009, 06:25 PM	#7
The King Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,900 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Lakers in 6. The Lakers bigs can negate Dwight and they have the more athletic/bigger players to close up top on Orlando's shooters. Gasol should be the difference here. His ability to run the floor and step out to defend will be the difference. I also look for Kobe to elevate his game. The stage is there and this title is really the only thing Kobe needs to cement his status as a legend of the game.

05-31-2009, 06:31 PM	#8
Money23 Sixth Man Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: F-f-f-f-Flintown Posts: 3,941 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	I think Pietrus might be wearing down, too.

05-31-2009, 06:35 PM	#9
The King Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,900 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	This whole Orlando game where the guys drive and kick it outside will become more and more common in the league. I look for it to become a trend. Hell, it already is in college basketball. It's more of a Euro style, but it is here to stay. Personally I don't like it, but you can't play real basketball in the NBA anymore because of all the lame foul calls, so now what you will see it a bunch of drives and kickouts. Get used to this lame ass brand of basketball.

05-31-2009, 06:42 PM	#11
The King Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,900 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Gasol can close on Lewis on defense. It's on the boards and offensive end where Gasol will work them. No way can Lewis stop him. This whole mirage of Lewis at the 4 will be exposed big time in this series.

05-31-2009, 06:52 PM	#12
sam dav Water Boy Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 787 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Lakers in 5.

05-31-2009, 07:28 PM	#13
Orwellian O. Bench Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,819 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Magic in 6ish.

05-31-2009, 11:12 PM	#15
Orwellian O. Bench Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,819 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Skip seems to be doing fine (I'm sure that is making Nelson antsy), it would be bad for the team's long-term health and particularly Nelson's if he plays.

06-01-2009, 02:43 AM	#16
Money23 Sixth Man Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: F-f-f-f-Flintown Posts: 3,941 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Yeah, all that's going to do is interrupt their much needed chemistry at this point, trying to integrate Nelson back in.

06-01-2009, 09:51 AM	#17
Billl Bench Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,382 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	This is definitely going to be a series of match ups. Besides pg, every other match up presents some sort of a problem - sometimes for both teams. Howard is becoming a beast in the paint and could easily get Bynum in foul trouble. On the other end, Bynum is a space eater and will live on the offensive glass if Howard is forced to rotate. Gasol can't be guarded by either of the magic forwards. He should live in the paint. On the flip side, he isn't quick enough to keep up with either of the magic forwards. The 2/3 match ups are a bit of a mess too. Lee will probably start on Kobe, but Pietrus will get major minutes there as well. Both those guys are spotup shooters though, so Kobe's impact defensively just won't be there. He won't be able to help much and his 1-on-1 play isn't that important on guys who just want an open look at a 3. At SF, turk is just going to run those 3/4 pick and rolls and force all sorts of switches and generally muck up the Lakers defense. The X-Factor is Lamar Odum. He has the size and quickness to match up with the Magic forwards. If he plays well, you can pair him with ariza and neutralize the Magic's 3/4 pick and roll game. He also could provide the size and rebounding in the second unit to keep the pressure on orlando's forwards. Wit h Pietrus playing Lebron most of the series, their forwards basically got a free ride defensively.

06-01-2009, 09:55 AM	#18
El Axe Water Boy Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 698 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	I agree that Odom is the x-factor of this series. Rumor is that he's been playing hurt, but if he plays well, he will really hurt the Magic because he should be a matchup advantage.

06-01-2009, 01:41 PM	#20
fredsue Bench Player Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2,487 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	I hate to say it but I would have to go with the lakers as well...they have the players to matchup with Magic. Should be fun series to watch. Bynum does not have the strength of Wowrd but he has the length and mobility to keep him honest. Gasol may lack physicallity but he does not give up height or mobility. Those two with asmattering of powell if needed...Gasol may have trouble sticking with Lewis outside but will give lewis issues on the other end. Then you have Odom to come in and can matchup well with lewis. Walton can even give you minutes here....Ariza can play Turkey leg. Ariza had the speed and size to do it.... This allows kobe to be on guys that while mobile will nto taxed him tremendously on defense... PG pretty much a wash IMO. Kobe will give other teams fits..he does not need to get to the rim to be effective as much as James.

06-01-2009, 01:55 PM	#21
mn3 Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5,502 : 0 For This Post 3 Total	I also think Boston with KG would have handled Orlando. But that's the thing with teams with older players - there's a much higher chance that they'll suffer key injuries at the wrong time in the playoffs.

06-01-2009, 02:01 PM	#22
Stefan S Starter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Texas Posts: 8,259 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Good summary, Billl. It looks like neither team can guard the other really well. On O, the Lakers will have an advantage at one of the big men (plus Kobe), Orlando should have an advantage on perimeterer (plus, t osome extend, Howard). Overall, it sems to me like the Lakers have a bit more scoring power, and experience (plus Kobe is a killer). They should prevail.

06-01-2009, 02:04 PM	#23
Stefan S Starter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Texas Posts: 8,259 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	On the flip side, Orlando took both games during the regular season (just liek they tood 2 oit of 3 from Cleveland, and even during that lost game, they had an edge with but few minutes before the game was over). So, maybe we should take more seriously the fact that Orlando was so good against the super-elite teams.

06-01-2009, 02:20 PM	#24
rpmfla Water Boy Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 384 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	If Orlando stays hot from the perimeter..say 40% or above on 3's...they win. If their shots don't fall it will be over in a hurry.

06-01-2009, 02:28 PM	#25
mn3 Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5,502 : 0 For This Post 3 Total	Bynum will have to step up big time. Gasol is much too small to guard Howard.

06-01-2009, 02:29 PM	#27
Whitley Water Boy Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 864 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	I like Orlando to win this series. Bynum is going to get into early foul trouble against Howard. And that is going to force Gasol to guard him a lot of the game and that should wear down Gasol some as well. If i am Orlando what I am going to concentrate on is shutting everyone else down first. Kobe still has a very large ego and still wants to be the man at all times. Let him just go off as LeBron did and take care of everyone else. Kobe is a lot more likely to revert to his scoring ways and trying to carry everyone else on his back. LeBron did the same thing, and outside of Gasol the supporting cast isn't that great for the Lakers. Something else I would look for from Orlando is that Lewis and Turkeyleg are going to spread the floor, and whoever is on Howard is going to have to be able to handle him isolated 1 on 1 defensively. If the Lakers try to collapse there are a lot of good shooters on the court with Howard and they can make the Lakers pay. This isn't a new style of offense, Orlando ran it with Shaq years ago and same thing with Houston. All this Orlando team does is invert it and that is only because Howard doesn't have the go to move that Shaq or Hakeem does(and not as a good a passer from the post). The other problem LA has is that their point play overall is very bad. Fisher is old and can still hit an occassional shot, but is not very good defensively anymore and Farmer is even worse. Skip to My Lou is not a great point guard by any stretch but he should be able to break those two down whenever he wants to. And when that happens it's going to mean LA has to rotate over leaving someone open. Or that they are going to get into foul trouble. When a team has an advantage at the point and at the center spot, that means everyone one else is going to have to really outplay their guys to compensate for it. Can Kobe do it? We'll see. I don't think he wil. *Orlando in 6. Kobe goes ringless again.*

06-01-2009, 06:07 PM	#28
GC_STONES Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,788 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	I can't believe I'm saying this, but the mentally tougher team will win. Orlando in 6.

06-02-2009, 05:16 PM	#30
Money23 Sixth Man Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: F-f-f-f-Flintown Posts: 3,941 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	We'll see. Even though they're in the WCF, the Lakers have been fairly easily frustrated quite often in the playoffs.

06-04-2009, 04:29 PM	#31
The Guy Water Boy Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 122 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Lakers in 6, maybe even 5. Quit pretending Orlando has a chance, Money.

06-04-2009, 05:12 PM	#32
bozo the clown Bench Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,145 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	I dunno. The sentiment seems pretty split on the forum.

06-04-2009, 06:55 PM	#33
Jeff Hause Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5,712 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	TJ's hoping for Orlando so that he can crown us the true champions...

06-04-2009, 10:04 PM	#34
Hobbs Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3,006 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	LA up 6 late in the 2nd quarter. From what I've seen they're going to force Howard to beat them at the line and work hard to stay out of foul trouble. Also, Gortat looked great in limited minutes again. 2 steals, a block, and 4 rebounds in about 8 minutes.

06-04-2009, 10:12 PM	#35
Hobbs Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3,006 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	10 point lead at the half for LA. Bryant has taken roughly 12 billion shots. LA's defense has been spectacular so far.

06-05-2009, 12:18 AM	#37
bozo the clown Bench Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,145 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Oh well. So much for the Magic. They looked horrible.

06-05-2009, 12:37 AM	#38
Money23 Sixth Man Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: F-f-f-f-Flintown Posts: 3,941 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	I still think they'll win game 2.

06-05-2009, 02:50 PM	#40
The King Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,900 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	One bucket for Dwight in Game 1. Ya. He's a truly effective offensive player, alright.... Once he develops back to the basket ability he will be unstoppable, but he doesn't have that as of yet and that clearly showed in Game 1. I noticed the Lakers really controlling him on the boards by having 3-4 guys competing for rebounds and putting big bodies on Dwight. A much different matchup for Dwight with the Lakers big bodies compared to the sloths/washups that were the Cavs.