Boston Celtics (3) vs. New York Knicks (6)
Celtics Starters: The Celtics don't have a Big Three, they have a Big Four. Allen, Pierce and Garnett are getting more and more dependent on star guard Rajon Rondo every game. Unfortunately, that 5th spot (occupied before by the burly Kendrick Perkins) is getting to be problematic for the C's. They've tried the O'Neals (both injured), Jeff Green (ineffective) and even Glen Davis (mixed results) but that spot remains the chink in their armor.
Knicks Starters: The Knicks have their own Big Three in Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups. They also have a solid player in 2nd round draftee Landry Fields and the defensive-minded Ronnie Turiaf at center. The Knicks starters promise to be a tough out as they can match the star power of the Celtics in 3 positions, are barely edged out in another (Landry vs Allen) while having the same weakness at center.
Advantage: Celtics, on the possibility that Shaq comes back in good shape. If he does, no one on the Knicks can match up to him.
Celtics Bench: The Celtics have Jermaine O'Neal, Glen Davis, Jeff Green, Nenad Krstic, Carlos Arroyo and Delonte West. Davis, Green, Krstic and J. O'Neal are rotation players who can definitely make a difference in this series.
Knicks Bench: The Knicks can call on Toney Douglas, Shawne Williams, Sheldon Williams, Anthony Carter, Jared Jeffries and Bill Walker. Douglas, Shawne Williams and Jared Jeffries are serviceable back ups but there is a big drop off in the talent level.
Advantage: Celtics.
Celtics Coach: Doc Rivers is phenomenal as a coach, motivator and tactician.
NY Coach: Mike D'Antoni is an innovator as well as a offensive genius.
Advantage: Tie.
X-Factor: Rondo vs Billups. When Rondo is running on all cylinders, he can potentially destroy Billups on both ends of the floor.
Advantage: Celtics
My prediction: Celtics in 7. This should be an exciting series and one the Celtics will win because of their experience.
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