The NBA Finals 2009: Quick Thoughts

• The lynchpin of the series, to me, is Andrew Bynum. If he can keep D. Howard from dominating the offensive boards (or the scoreboard) when he is in the game, LA can play single coverage and stay on Orlando's shooters. If LA has to double down low or feels pressure to collapse the defense into the paint, Orlando could shoot their way to a chip.
• By the way, Orlando has been shooting the ball out of their minds. If Orlando shoots as well in the Finals as they did against the Cavs, they could win it all, even if Howard isn't spectacular. On the other hand, if they fall back to earth shooting wise, then Howard will need to be their Superman.
• The Rashard Lewis, Gasol match-up is big, but secondary to the above issue. I think Rashard will have a good series but that, in of itself, isn't a problem. It's the entire magic team getting open looks and shooting 40% plus from 3 point land.
• I think Turkoglu is a bigger IF for the series than Lewis. He is the Magic's Lamar Odom. Not because he is a candy fiend / general space-cadet like Odom but because he is defensible and not particularly assertive. As a Laker fan, I want Kobe/Ariza on him most of the night. I think he'll give Odom trouble. Odom will fall for his fakes and get flat-footed.
• This is going to be a weird series. Both teams are great road teams. Neither is a great home team either (I'd give Orlando the edge though). Expect a greater than average number of road wins.
• This series is close enough that I'd be seriously tempted to pick the Magic if they had home court. however, they don't so...
• MY PREDICTION: Lakers in six or seven. It will be a MUCH easier series for the Lakers if they win game 1. They lose game 1, I think it goes seven (unless Orlando collapses like the Nuggets did). If they win game 1, Lakers win in six or less.