2009-2010 NBA Finals Preview and Predictions

Robert Klimowicz says:

Boston comes in to the Finals as the surprise East representative, as many thought Cleveland or Orlando would be here. Much to the surprise of many, Boston has shown the world they still have that championship spirit and hard-nosed, disciplined defense that won them the championship in 2008. Los Angeles has barely broken a sweat this playoffs and has had their players deliver clutch shots in deciding games. Chasing the shadow of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant will look to win his fifth ring and second Finals MVP but standing in his way will be the toughest defense he has played against all postseason. This will most likely be the last ride for the “Big Three” and they are looking to make one last statement before the tumultuous NBA offseason begins.

X-Factors: Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce
In the two games against L.A. this season, Rondo averaged 11.5 APG (the highest for any player against L.A. this season). Rondo also lead the Celtics in scoring in those games, averaging 17.5 points. If he can continue scoring at this clip, he can take the pressure off Paul Pierce, who averaged only 13 PPG against L.A. and shot a poor 40% from the field and 36% from 3-point land. As the leading scorer for the Boston Celtics this postseason, Pierce needs to improve on those numbers against the defense of Ron Artest.

Prediction: Celtics in 6

Joseph Aughtman says:

We have another chapter in the Celtics-Lakers rivalry in NBA Finals. This should be a pretty even series with both teams having a plethora of stars on their respective sides. It’s the Lakers high-powered offense going up against a stingy Celtics defense. Rajon Rondo has to keep playing spectacular and hound Fisher defensively, but Rondo needs to show he can make a jumper or the Lakers will give him a cushion passed 15 ft. The “Big Three” need to step up and make timely buckets. Kendrick Perkins has to stay out of foul trouble and watch the technical fouls or he will be suspended for a game. Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol must produce offensively and get passed the big men of the Celtics. If the Lakers get the production off the bench, especially from Lamar Odom, the Lakers will have a great chance of winning.

X-Factor: Ron Artest
He has to play the defense that gives the Celtics fits and get into the heads of Garnett, Rondo and Perkins. If he can cause them to lose their cool, it will be an asset to the Lakers. He has to hit his outside shots and make smart decisions with the ball.

Prediction: Lakers in 6

Jeff Russell says:

The Lakers and Celtics are giving the fans exactly what they want to see in a rematch of the 2008 NBA Finals. The first time around, the Celtics defense was too physical for the Lakers and ended up defeating L.A. quite handily. This year, I expect Kobe and Pau to get their revenge. It helps that they are still in the prime of their careers and Boston’s top players have aged quite a bit. Expect Derek Fisher to be a key contributor as he is given the assignment of guarding Rajon Rondo, who is one of the hottest players in the 2010 Playoffs. Considering the Lakers are in better shape and still have that killer instinct to win another title, expect the Lakers to pull this one out and become back-to-back champs yet again.

X Factor: Derek Fisher
He will be called upon to play a big role defensively against Rondo and keep him from getting the Celtics running on all cylinders. He will also contribute quite a bit offensively with his playoff experience and clutch performance which should help the Lakers offense run smooth against the best defense in the NBA.

Prediction: Lakers in 6

Ian Price says:

Lakers vs. Celtics. This is a phrase that needs no context in order to have significance for NBA fans. For the 12th time in history, the Lakers and Celtics will battle it out for the right to be named champion. Their most recent encounter in 2008 resulted in a Celtics victory in six games. This year, the Celtics finished the regular season as the fourth seed in the East and entered the playoffs with less fanfare than two years ago. The “Big Three” have aged and it had looked like they lost a step, so there was some doubt as to whether they could perform at the same level as they did two years ago. However, their decisive victory in the Eastern Conference Finals over the Magic proved that their defensive intensity has remained intact. The Lakers have added Ron Artest, a player who is capable of defending the opposing team’s best scorer, but also whose focus has been known to wander during games. Overall, defense will be the focus of this series, and the more disciplined team will take home the hardware.

X-Factor: Ray Allen
Ray Allen is the best three-point shooter in this series. If he is able to establish his stroke on a consistent basis, he could decide a game or two on his own.

Prediction: Celtics in 7

Jason Lamb says:

Unlike any team the Lakers have played in the playoffs thus far, the Celtics can and will bang with the Lakers big men down low. Of course, that is if the can stay healthy and keep from accumulating too many technical fouls. Boston might have the best down low defense in the league and will need it against Gasol, Odom, and Bynum. The Celtics will need to find a way to slow down Kobe Bryant as well. Los Angeles will have a huge problem in Rajon Rondo, but as L.A. showed against the Suns and the Jazz, it takes a lot more than a great point guard to derail Tinsel Town. The Celtics match up well on defense but don’t have enough fire power to keep up with the Los Angeles Lakers.

X-Factor: Ron Artest
Artest will have a big assignment in Paul Pierce. If he manages to give Pierce problems with his tough defense, the Celtics might find it hard to make up for Paul Peirce’s offense. Artest can also be a scoring threat on the offensive side of the ball, which could help wear down team captain Pierce.

Prediction: Lakers in 7