2010 NBA Playoffs Eastern Finals: Magic vs. Celtics Game 5 Prediction and Preview

On Monday, the Orlando Magic came into game 4 of their best-of-7 NBA Eastern Conference Finals series with the Boston Celtics on the heels of a lopsided defeat in game 3. After being out-hustled, out-played and over-matched for the first three games of the series, the Magic entered this elimination game desperately needing to find their rhythm on offense.

They had yet to play with the kind of precision and poise that helped them earn the second-best regular season record in the league this year. With their pride on the line, the Magic put in their best performance of the series, moving on to a Game 5 in Orlando on Wednesday night. Riding a break-out performance by point guard Jameer Nelson (23 points, 9 assists) and complimented by solid performances by Dwight Howard (32 points and 16 rebounds), Rashard Lewis (13 points and 5 rebounds) and Matt Barnes (10 points and 7 rebounds), the Magic were able to finally string together four solid quarters of basketball, defeating the Celtics 96-92 in overtime and avoiding a series sweep in Boston.

Magic Adjustments

Harassed by the Celtics swarming defense through the first 3 games, the Magic made a key adjustment in game 4, relying on the penetration of Nelson to force the Celtics defense to collapse and switch, leading to several interior lob passes and open perimeter shots. The Magic were also able to free up Dwight Howard by getting him the ball on the move versus with his back to the basket. This strategy created space and prevented the Magic from double-teaming Howard by sagging into the paint. Game 4 was extremely competitive and heated at times, underscored with Celtics Kevin Garnett being inadvertently struck in the face and head on two different occasions by Magic center Dwight Howard. The Magic seemed determined to match the physical play of the Celtics.

Paul Pierce Has Strong Game

Celtics forward Paul Pierce (32 points and 11 rebounds) almost single-handedly kept the Celtics in the game with a variety of offensive moves, including an impressive drive and dunk in the second half. Guard Ray Allen (22 points and 5 rebounds) was also effective, especially in the fourth quarter when he connected on two key three pointers, and Kevin Garnett chipped in 14 points and 12 rebounds in keeping the Celtics close. Absent from the list of top performers was Rajon Rondo, who had a quiet game with only 9 points and 8 assists for the Celtics and was outplayed by Nelson.

Magic Show Character

With most national analyst prematurely crowning Boston as the Eastern Conference Champions, the Magic came out with an intensity that was absent early in the series. The game swung back and forth between these two teams, ultimately coming down to the wire as Magic guard Jameer Nelson connected on two critical three-point baskets in overtime, securing the win for Orlando. While not the dominating game that we have seen from the Magic in earlier series wins, this game speaks to the character and determination of the defending Eastern Conference champions. Many teams would have folded up the tent and headed back to Orlando for a summer of fun and sun, the Magic chose instead to fight and claw their way to a win in enemy territory.

Still, my prediction for Game 5 is that Boston will come out and defeat the Magic at home. The Magic were playing for pride and have not demonstrated that they can continue to perform consistently at that level against the Celtics. Expect the Celtics to re-group and end this series on Wednesday night.

Prediction: Celtics by 6

http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=300524002

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/37327449/ns/sports-nba/

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2010-05-24-magic-celtics-game-4_N.htm