Orlando Magic (3) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (6)

Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs

It all came down to the last game of the season to determine the Sixers’ fate for the postseason. The final win versus the Cavs guaranteed the Sixers would clinch sixth seed as the Bulls had dropped to seventh . And their reward? Sixers will now have to face the Orlando Magic who had accomplished the second best record in franchise history (59-23).

Regular Season: Orlando won 3-0

Feb. 28: at Philadelphia 100, Orlando106
Nov. 26: at Philadelphia 94, Orlando 96
Mar. 17: at Orlando 98, Philadelphia 88

Starting 5

Point Guard (Rafer Alston v Andre Miller)

The key component of the Sixers is their main man Andre Miller, who averaged 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists in the 2008-09 season. The past few years playing as a Sixer has brought out Miller’s strong suit – he has become a leading scorer and catalyst for the team. Rafer Alston who was traded from the Rockets to the Magic, was a beneficial move for the Magic to find someone who could take Jameer Nelson’s place in the starting lineup starting point guard as Jameer suffered a season-ending injury to his labrum from February and on. “Skip-to-my-lou” Alston has found his comfort zone and reeled the Magic back by feeding his teammates efficient passes and controlling the pace of the game. Still, Rafer averaged 12 and 5, slightly less than Andre Miller , and since Andre’s such a factor in the Sixers game, Andre’s one up on Skip.

Edge: 76ers

Shooting Guard (Courtney Lee v Willie Green)

One can shoot better, the other can guard better. Courtney Lee has a slight advantage over Willie because he can play D. However, Willie Green’s got the upper hand in experience and may fare better under playoff pressure. A decent matchup, but neither will make or break this series.

Edge: Even

Small Forward (Hedo Turkoglu v Andre Iguodala)

This is a matchup to keep your eye on. Hedo’s undoubtedly got range from the outside but how will he fare against Andre taking it to the rack? Iggy finished the season 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists while Turk’s got similar stats at 16, 5, and 5. It all comes down to who will want this more. Don’t forget, Hedo just recently sprained his ankle which may not affect his shooting game much at all. Due to Andre’s fearlessness inside the paint, we give him the (slight) edge here.

Edge: 76ers

Power Forward (Rashard Lewis v Thaddeus Young)

Rashard has always been a confident player who believes in his own game – enough to bring it strong and lead the Magic as the top scorer during last year’s playoffs. After 10 years playing in the NBA, he’s got experience and his versatile style of play is a necessary element for the Magic to win this series. Thaddeus Young is a critical offensive contributor for the 76ers and has the potential to fire up his game as long his minor sprained ankle return won’t bother him. Young will have a tough time though stopping Rashard if he’s at the top of his game.

Edge: Magic

Center (Dwight Howard v Samuel Dalembert)

Even without his cape, Dwight Howard still lives up to his Superman alias. He is the beast who will block, board, and throw down anything in his path. Perhaps Dalembert’s got the toughest job of all this series. Samuel Dalembert has proven during the regular season that he can provide some defensive support on the inside. He’s a stronger center than most, but still won’t be able to produce enough kryptonite to overcome Howard.

Edge: Magic

The Bench

Both teams have OK reserves. The Magic is backed up with guys like Pietrus or Battie. The Sixers can go to Lou Williams, Marreese Speights, and Reggie Evans. The Magic bench brings more experience to the table which may be a sliver of an advantage there.

Edge: Magic

Intangibles

With coach Stan Van Gundy helping the team to a strong season record, and a team centered around this man-child Superman, don’t be deceived solely by numbers. The Magic themselves have also had their shares of ailments this year – losing more to injuries which have affected critical players Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu. And the Sixers’ critically acclaimed weapons like Thaddeus Young is still young and volatile and anything can happen. But the Superman is still super.

Edge: Magic

3 Questions

1) Will Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu bring their A-game after coming back from recent injuries?
2) Can the Sixers put a stop to potential MVP Dwight Howard?
3) Will the Sixers who haven’t been able to pass the first round since 2003, upset this year?

Prediction

While Sixers might have to say a prayer going into this first round matching up against a team they never managed to beat in the regular season, they shouldn’t be underestimated. Thaddeus Young may be a playoff sleeper, and Andre Miller will reliably be the driving force for the 76ers. Orlando’s weaknesses are exposed due to players’ return from injuries, but we predict it won’t hinder them from finding their shot on the floor. But even at their weakest, Orlando still gets the job done, particularly on their relentless defense, and success at shooting from the outside as well relying on Dwight. However, the Sixers throughout the season have shown they have had to fight to win. As a visibly weaker team plus with their lack of defense, Philly just will not offer enough to turn the tables around on the favored Orlando Magic. Even if they run quick plays and pump up their back court, the Sixers will struggle against the Magic.

Magic win 4-1