FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Flip Saunders has been fired as the coach of the Detroit Pistons. After three straight losses in the Conference Finals, Joe Dumars has had enough. He also publicy put his entire team on the trading block, saying "there are no sacred cows here, you loss that status when you lose three years in a row." Pistons assistant Michael curry has been promoted to head coach according to ESPN. It should be interesting to see what moves Dumars makes. As he assembled the team that has went to six straight Conference Finals from ground zero.

And now let's talk some NBA Finals.

The Celtics and Lakers renew their rivalry in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1987 when the Lakers beat the Celts for the second time in a decade. Boston won Eight straight times against the Lakers in the Finals until 1985 and after that they split the next two. This time the series should be different as the Lakers seem to be nearly unstoppable with Kobe Bryant giving visions of MJ and the Lakers cleaning house early in every series. Where as the Celts have struggled going to game 7 against the ATLANTA HAWKS(just wanted to make that clear) and the Cleveland Cavs.

Let's get to the matchups.

Center

Pau Gasol will likely start at center unless Andrew Bynum returns which is unlikely. Kendrick Perkins is the starter for the Celtics. Perkins is on a tear recently, having a classic performance on the glass in Game 5 and was the best player on the floor for most of the game. He followed that up with a solid Game 6 and is looking to make his name in the Finals. But Pau Gasol is really liking this new winning thing he has started to experience. Yes after years of being stuck in Vancouver(whoops I mean Memphis) and losing, Pau Gasol was traded to Los Angeles Lakers and has never looked back to Vancouver(I mean Memphis). I give the edge to Gasol simply because, well he is just way better than any center the Celtics put on the floor.

Edge-Lakers

Power Foward

This could be interesting. Kevin Garnett has the same story as Pau, but he went to the Western Conference Finals once, losing to guess who, the Lakers. Vladmir Radmanovic is better known for his incident in a Utah resort(like another player on his team) but is a great outside shooter at times, but will be overwhelmed by whoever is guarding him. this is Bostons biggest advantage in the series.

Edge-Celtics

Small Forward

This is another advantage for the Celts. Paul Pierce, who grew up in LA and hated Boston, is renewing the rivalry he grew up with, but on the other side of the spectrum. He has been great this postseason and is the reason they are this far, saving them with his great performance in Game 7 of the Conference Semis. Lamar Odom on the other hand, has been very off this postseason, especially in the Conference Finals. I look for him to post up okay numbers. Lamar Odoms play will decide if the Lakers win or lose this series.

Edge- Celtics

Shooting Guard

This is a very interesting matchup. Kobe Bryant, the next MJ in many peoples eyes, looking to finally win a title without Shaq, versues The Baskletball Jesus Shuttlesworth, an aging shooting guard on some wobbly ankles looking to finally win a title. Allen is going to have some problems guarding Kobe or Odom(if Pierce and Allen switch), and is going to have problems scoring because Kobe and Odom are decent defenders and have the obvious height and reach advantage. Ray Allen, like Odom has been suspect at best in the postseason and will be the main factor in Boston winning or losing.

Edge- Lakers

Point guard

This is an interesting one. Derek Fisher, one known for coming in the clutch, versues a young Rajon Rondo, who is only in his second year in the Association. Fisher, who is known for two great playoff moments. Last years game where he came in the third quarter from his daughters surgery and sunk a key corner three to seal the win, and the .4 seconds shot that sunk the Spurs. Now after coming back to LA to be closer to doctors for his daughter, Fisher has a chance to win his fourth title with LA. But fairy tale player or not, Rondo is the better guard and after a couple first game jitters, rondo should own the matchup.

Edge- Celtics

Bench

This is Bostons biggest downfall. At the start of the season, they used their bench and they performed excellent. Then came in Sam Cassell. Eddie House was used less and got worse and they didn't have a solid backup for Rondo. Also with the acqusition of PJ Brown, Big Baby Davis and Leon Powe, who were great role players in the reguilar season were reduced minutes. Meanwhile in L.A., the bench only got better. Luke Walton is a beast right now, Sasha Vujacic is holding his own, Jordan Farmarr is an excellent scoring option when he is on the court, and Ronny Turiaf is an excellent source of energy and is the KG of the Lakers(energy-wise). These Lakers bench players might just be thye Lakers wild card in this series.

Edge- Lakers

Coach

Phil Jackson is looking for his tenth title, Doc Rivers is often looking for his playbook. Next!!!!!

Edge- Lakers

X- Factors

Lakers- Lamar Odom

Celtics- Kendrick Perkins

Prediction

Lakers in 7 with a win in the Garden