Lakers vs. Magic Preview

I am one of the few people that are giving the Orlando Magic, not only a chance, but I think they will win the series. The Magic are on a roll, and they are about to play a team that is similiar than the one they just beat. Now the Lakers have better post players than Cleveland, but they are similiar in other aspects. Lets look at the match-ups:

PG - Derek Fisher vs. Rafer Alston

Both players are veterans that know how to win. They will not beat you with their scoring, but if you leave them open, they will hit the open shot.

EDGE - Fisher. He has shown in the past that he can and will hit the big shot if needed. Plus, he has been in the finals before.

SG - Kobe Bryant vs. Courntey Lee

This is a no contest. Although Bryant will see Mickael Pietrus alot, Kobe will get his points. The difference in this series will be if he can get his teammates involved as well.

EDGE - Bryant

SF - Trevor Ariza vs. Hedo Turkoglu

This is a match-up that Orlando should win. Hedo's scoring is very important in this series. If he averages 15 points a game, and knocks down 3 or 4 threes a game Orlando has an advantage.

EDGE - Turkoglu

PF - Pau Gasol vs. Rashard Lewis

This WILL be the best match-up of the series. Gasol will want to take Lewis down low, while Lewis will keep Gasol on the perimeter. Whichever one can play their game more, will win. I look for Lewis to have a big series.

EDGE - PUSH

C - Andrew Bynum vs. Dwight Howard

This is also a no contest. As much as I like Bynum, he is nit ready for the quickness and jumping ability of Howard. Howard will be a defensive presense not only against Bynum, but also as a help defender. If he stays out of foul trouble, he will control the boards and the defensive end for Orlando.

EDGE - Howard

Bench - Both benches can produce sparks. Lamar Odom plays starters minutes, as does Mickael Pietrus for Orlando. The X-factor for Orlando is Jameer Nelson. If he plays, and that is a big if, and can contribute at all, Orlando is in good shape. He was the leading scorer for Orlando against the Lakers this year.

EDGE - Magic

With all being said and done, I am picking the Magic to win in 6 games. I have been wrong before, and will be again, but that is what I am going with.

Good Luck, and watch the games.

John Conner aka J-Conn