Boston Celtics (2) vs. Orlando Magic (3)

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

Point. The Orlando Magic got a few days extra rest and many of the Celtics have logged a lot of minutes, playing with some heavy legs. Counter-Point. The Celtics have a nice rhythm going and their playoff experience from last year is a bigger factor than rest. Point. The Orlando Magic have no one that can chase around Ray Allen. Counter-Point. The Celtics have no one that can match up with Rashard Lewis. What is the point? This series has a lot of interesting matchups and a lot of different factors will decide the eventual winner. Game 1 is Monday on TNT at 8pm ET. Let’s break it down.

Regular Season: Tied 2-2.

Dec. 1: at Boston 107, Orlando 88

Jan. 22 Boston 90 at Orlando 80

Mar. 8 Orlando 86 at Boston 79

Mar. 25 at Orlando 84, Boston 82

Starting 5

Point Guard (Rajon Rondo v. Rafer Alston)

The MVP of the Celtics, Rajon Rondo showed the impact he can make, finishing just shy of averging a triple double in the series against the Bulls. Rafer Alston has been a capable replacement for Jameer Nelson but will need to take better shots and get his team involved. Skip to my Lou may have the handles but Rondo has the speed and is quickly turning into a very good player in the league. He needs to get in the lane and put pressure on Alston down the court.

Edge: Celtics

Shooting Guard (Ray Allen v J.J. Redick)

Without Courtney Lee, J.J. Redick got the start for the Magic in game 6 and delivered. But the Magic will need someone who can keep up and run around screens with Ray Allen. Expect Michael Pietrius to get the bulk of the minutes. Allen showed he is deadly for 3 point range and can get his shot off anytime. If he continues his hot shooting, the Magic could be in for a long night.

Edge: Celtics

Small Forward (Paul Pierce v Hedo Turkoglu)

They can drive through the lane, post you up, or step back and hit the three. Both Paul Pierce and Hedo Turkoglu bring versatility to their respective teams. The Truth representing Inglewood. Mr. 4th Quarter representing Turkey. While Turkoglu distributes the ball a little better, Pierce is a better scorer, has a knack for drawing fouls, and is a better defender.

Edge: Celtics

Power Forward (Glen Davis v Rashard Lewis)

Big Baby Glen Davis’ has filled in nicely but he’s no KG. Contrary to popular belief, his frohawk does not give him extra aerodynamic speed. His big body mass down low may be a little tough for Rashard Lewis to guard but Lewis has a lot of length and it doesn’t hurt that the defensive player of the year is playing behind him. Not only does Turkoglu bring versatility to the Magic but Rashard does as well. Playing at power forward, he will be a matchup problem for the Celtics. The Magic will need to expose this matchup and force the Celtics to double team Lewis.

Edge: Magic

Center (Kendrick Perkins v Dwight Howard)

Kendrick Perkins gives the Celtics a respectable big man that can help alter shots and play some defense. He’ll have his hands full this series against the former slam dunk champion. Dwight Howard has lived up to his superman nickname by averaging 24 points and close to 16 rebounds a game against the Sixers in the 1st round. The Bulls did not have a low post presence, so the Magic need to go down low to Dwight early and often to see how the Celtics handle the different play. Both players will need to stay out of foul trouble for their teams to succeed.

Edge: Magic

The Bench

With no Leon Powe, the Celtics will need someone to step up besides Eddie House. Brian Scalabrine and Mikki Moore will have to fill their backup roles taking turns guarding Dwight Howard when Perkins sits. Stephon Marbury may be the wildcard for the Celtics. He has enough games under him now to know the system and could be the scoring punch off the bench that the Celtics need. For the Magic, the loss of Courtney Lee, means one less player coming off the bench. If Redick is in the starting lineup, Mickael Pietrus will be the key Magic player off the bench. He will be asked to guard Ray Allen and Paul Pierce throughout the series. Anthony Johnson and Tony Battie are serviceable backups but don’t expect either to have much impact.

Edge: Celtics

Intangibles

The Celtics have battled adversity and have the champion experience but the Magic match up well and have a better 3-point shooting team. Both teams have injured players but the Celtics’ loss of Garnett and Powe will really hurt them in this round if Perkins gets into foul trouble.

Edge: Magic

3 Questions

1) How will the 6 overtimes affect the Celtics?

2) Can Rajon Rondo continue his excellent play?

3) Will lack of playoff experience hurt Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard?

Prediction

After 7 games and 6 overtimes and still no KG in sight, the Celtics will have another battle with a team that is confident it can win. Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard will be tough for the Celtics to match up with. Ray Allen will provide equal problems to the Magic. The Magic will be able to steal one of the first 2 games in Boston and win the games on their home court, eliminating the defending champions out of the Eastern Conference semi finals.

Magic win 4-2