May 19, 2009, at 7:35 pm
Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers return to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in three seasons to face Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic. Orlando is making their first trip this Century to the Eastern Conference Finals and was able to outlast the 2008 NBA Champion Boston Celtics in their last series. Led by Dwight Howard, the Magic looked as if they were going to finish with the leagues best record, however they nestled into the 3rd spot in the East. The Cavaliers finished with the East’s best record and an amazingly impressive 39-2 Home Regular Season Record. (It should be noted that they could have easily finished 40-1, however they rested nearly everyone in their last regular season game)
When you think Cleveland Cavaliers, only one name usually comes to mind, however this season, Cleveland seems to have two consistent performers in Lebron James and Mo Williams (Sorry Milwaukee … you messed up again). Both can drive it inside as well as provide pop from the perimeter and have been nearly impossible to shut down for one game, let alone a series. Getting quality minutes from bigs Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Andersen Varejao and Joe Smith has not been a problem for Cleveland but going up against the frontline of Orlando could prove to be an issue.
Speaking of the front line of Orlando, it begins and ends with Dwight Howard. Howard was a raw talent coming directly from High School and after a few years in the league is unarguably the most dominant big man in the NBA. Dwight should have little trouble averaging a heavy double double in the series but will need the help of his supporting cast to get by the best team in the East (Boston, when you lost Garnett and Powe, you moved to the 3 slot in my opinion). Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu will provide the perimeter play while Rafer Alston runs the point. Not much outside of those four for Orlando, (Sorry Courtney Lee, not yet) so these guys NEED to be on for the Magic to have a shot.
Cleveland’s defense has been the best all season and although Howard will cause a serious problem underneath, the depth and experience of Cleveland will prove to be far too much for the Magic to handle. Expect the games to be competitive, but for the series to be short.
Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers in Five games.
