2010 NBA Playoffs: Boston Celtics Vs Orlando Magic Game 1 Prediction

It's that time of the year again! Game 1 of the 2010 NBA Eastern Conference finals between the Orlando Magic and the Boston Celtics opens in Orlando this Sunday. This highly anticipated game is a rematch of last year's second round series that was won by the Magic. This year, a much healthier Boston team is coming off of a 4-2 series victory over Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, while Orlando has easily swept their first two series opponents (Charlotte & Atlanta). Let's take a look at what should be a competitive contest, comparing each team position-by-position. I will also offer my game 1 prediction of this NBA playoff match-up.

Let's begin with the floor generals.

Guards: Both teams are led by dynamic young point guards in the Celtics Rajon Rondo and the Magic's Jameer Nelson, Rondo has been averaging 18 points, 11 assists and 2 steals in the 2010 Playoffs, emerging as a leader on the veteran-heavy Celtics team. He was clearly a difference-maker in Games 5 & 6 of the second round series with Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavs. For the Magic, Nelson has emerged as a star after missing most of last year's playoff run with an injury. Nelson is averaging 20 points, 5 assists and 1 steal, leading the Magic in scoring in their two early round sweeps of Charlotte and Atlanta. While Rondo is more disruptive on the defensive end and has more assists, Nelson has a higher shooting percentage and fewer turnovers. Both guards are playing terrific playoff basketball, making it a difficult pick. Advantage Celtics

The shooting guard match-up between Orlando's Vince Carter and Boston's Ray Allen has too veteran scorers and perennial all-stars facing each other. In the first two rounds of the 2010 NBA playoffs Carter has averaged 16 points, 4 rebounds while shooting 43% from the field. For the Celtics, Allen has tossed in 17 points, 3 rebounds per game while shooting 47%. These numbers are similar, but the key distinction between these two players is in 3-point shooting. Where Allen has made several key shots from long distance while hitting 42% of his treys, Carter has struggled from behind the arc, shooting just 25%. Advantage Celtics

Now, the forward position.

Small forward- The Orlando Magic start Matt Barnes at this position. Barnes is averaging 7 points, 4 rebounds in 25 minutes per game, serving primarily as a role-player who relies on his athleticism, length, and energy to contribute. He is complimented by forward/guard Mickael Pietrus who plays 22 minutes per game, and 10 points per game in the playoffs. What stands out with Pietrus is his 51% three-point shooting average. This is important for a Magic team who relies on perimeter shooting to compliment the inside game of Center Dwight Howard.

The Celtics counter with Paul Pierce and his 16 points, 5 rebounds 3 assists per game playoff average. A perennial all-star, who continues to be one of the most under-rated defensive players in the league, Pierce has been aided by Tony Allen, who has chipped in 7 points, a handful of spectacular plays, and 1.45 steals per game. Advantage Celtics

Power Forward-The Celtics are happy to have a healthy Kevin Garnett back in their lineup. Garnett is contributing 17 points and 8 rebounds, while shooting a solid 53% from the field. His veteran leadership and work ethic were sorely missed in last year's playoff series loss to the Magic. Garnett provides instant stability to the interior of the Celtics defense, and is a low- post scoring option who can also hit the mid-range jumper. Glen Davis has thrown his considerable body around in the first two rounds, chipping in 7 points and 3 rebounds per game.

The Magic counter with the steady play of Rashard Lewis, who comes into this series averaging 16 points and 5 rebounds in the playoffs. Lewis has hit several key shots in the Magic's two playoff series sweeps. What sets Lewis apart is his ability to shoot from the perimeter, where he is hitting 46% of his three-point attempt He is also solid at the free throw line, hitting for 86% of his shots on a team that averages just 69%. Ryan Anderson adds 3 points and 3 rebounds per game. Lewis' ability to compliment the inside presence of Dwight Howard by scoring from the post or perimeter present a challenge for any defense. Advantage Magic

Finally, the Center Spot

Center- In this category, the Magic's Dwight Howard would out-rate just about any other center in the league. With 2010 playoff averages of 15 points, 4 blocks, and 11 rebounds per game Howard, who is also shooting at 67 % , has the potential to alter the outcome of games in several ways. If Howard can avoid early foul trouble, he is capable of carrying his team to victory. He is spelled by capable back-up center Marcin Gortat who adds 4 points and4 rebounds in 16 minutes per game. The Celtics counter with Kendrick Perkins who is pulling down 7 rebounds per game in the playoffs and is coming off of a physical Cleveland series. Veteran Rasheed Wallace adds 5 points and 2 rebounds. Advantage Magic

Game 1 Prediction- This game between two balanced, well-coached teams is an even match-up. Since Orlando is playing at home and won the regular season series, I'm picking the Magic by 4.

Sources

http://www.nba.com/celtics/
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/391886-nba-eastern-conference-final-celtics-vs-magic-preview-prediction
http://www.nba.com/celtics/stats/
http://www.nba.com/magic/
www.nba.com/magic/stats