2009 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Preview
Two Great Match-Ups On Tap In The Second Round Of The NBA Playoffs
In the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Cleveland Cavaliers will square off against the Atlanta Hawks while the Boston Celtics face off against the Orlando Magic in what promise to be two very entertaining series.
1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 4 Atlanta Hawks
Season Series - Cleveland leads 3-1
The Cleveland Cavaliers hope to shake off their rust quickly from an eight day layoff. They will be tested by a young and hungry Atlanta Hawks team that is coming off the emotional high of a game 7 win. Here is a look at how these teams match up.
At the point, veteran Mike Bibby has brought a lot of leadership to the inexperienced Hawks, but at this stage of his career, he is not as good a player as his counterpart Mo Williams who made the all-star team this year and is a more consistent scorer. At the two guard, the Hawks have Joe Johnson, an all-star and their best all-around player. The Cavaliers counter with Delonte West, a decent player but the Hawks clearly have the edge here and should take advantage of this match-up.
Up front, all eyes will be on the small forward match up. The Hawks hope to have Marvin WIlliams back, who missed most of the previous series with an injury. If he cannot go, Mo Evans will likely start in his place. Their task - only the best basketball player in the world right now - Lebron James. If Williams is able to go, his height could bother James and he could make James work at the defensive end, too. Mo Evans is a good defender but he does not have the size to keep Lebron out of the post and he will not make Lebron work defensively since he is not much of a scorer. The Hawks are going to need all the help they can get against Lebron and it will be a devastating blow if Williams can't play. Regardless, Lebron gets the edge here. At the power forward Varejao gives the Cavaliers solid defense and rebounding but the Hawks have the advantage with Josh Smith, a more accomplished offensive player. At center, the young Al Horford for Atlanta is a high-energy guy that brings solid defense and rebounding but Ilgauskas for Cleveland is a more feared scorer. Call it a push at center.
Both teams have solid benches. The Hawks are led by Ronald "Flip" Murray, a guy who can get hot at any time. Zaza Pachulia brings toughness inside. Mo Evans gives them solid defense. The Cavaliers bench is a little stronger, though. Joe Smith, Wally Szczerbiak, and Daniel Gibson are all capable scorers while Ben Wallace is a solid rebounder and defender.
Overall, the Cavaliers are a better team and they have the league's best player in Lebron James who is a man on a mission this year. Expect a fairly routine win for the Cavaliers.
Prediction: Cavaliers in 5
2 Boston Celtics vs. 3 Orlando Magic
Season Series - tied 2-2
The Boston Celtics have to be mentally and physically spent after that series with the Chicago Bulls. They will have little time to recover, though as they play today against the very tough Orlando Magic. This promises to be another highly competitive series.
At the point, Rafer Alston was a solid pick-up for Orlando and has done a good job in the absence of Jameer Nelson. His counterpart, though, Rajon Rando, is developing into one of the best young point guards in the league. The edge is with Boston here. At the two, Courney Lee for the Magic will miss the first two games and that will be a tough blow as he was playing well. J.J. Redick will step in in his absence and he gives them one thing - three point shooting. On the other side is Ray Allen, an all-star who played great in the last round. Once again, an edge for Boston.
Up front Hedo Turkoglu will match up with Paul Pierce at the small forward. Turkoglu is a capable scorer but not nearly the player that Paul Pierce is. Pierce is a perennial all ster and last year's Finals MVP. Once again, advantage Boston. Now we get to Orlando's strength. At power forward, the Magic have an all-star in Rashard Lewis, who is coming off a strong series vs. Philadelphia. This would have been a great match-up with Kevin Garnett, but unfortunaely, he is out. Glen Davis will attempt to fill in. He is a solid player but cannot match up with Lewis. Boston may have to alter their lineup as Davis will not be able to guard either of the Magic forwards on the perimeter. At center, Kedrick Perkins has played very well for Boston and was a big factor in the Chicago series. He is however, no match for Dwight Howard, who is the best big man in the NBA. Orlando has a huge edge here and if they are smart, they will feed him early and often, forcing the double team that will open things up for their perimeter shooters.
Orlando has a very formidable bench led by Mickael Pietrus, J.J. Redick, Anthony Johnson, and Marcin Gortat who was great in Howard's absence in the close-out game vs. Philadelphia. Boston has a decent bench which played well in Game 7 vs. Chicago, but was very quiet prior to that. Eddie House, Brian Scalabrine, Tony Allen, Stephon Marbury, and Mikki Moore must be more consistent if they are to have a chance in this series.
The feeling here is that the short turnaround will hurt the Celtics who must be exhausted from that epic series vs. Chicago. Orlando will steal game 1, taking the home court, and make it hold up.
Prediction: Magic in 6
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