NBA FINALS Predictions

Yes, it is 2:15 am
Yes, I have a final tomorrow, but I want to post my predictions before the first game.

I'll start off with the keys to success for both teams

1. Andrew Bynum
He has not been nearly as good or as effective in the playoffs as we expected. However, if he puts up 25 minutes of solid minutes with good defense, that's all the Lakers need from him. If Bynum can't guard Howard one on one, you can effectively call him useless because that's the only thing he'll be good for. The Lakers are a lot more effective on offense, going small-ball, with Gasol as the center and having wing-men who can shoot the 3. If he can get 10pts-10reb and maybe a couple blocks, that's going to help significantly.

2. Which role players are going to show up?
The role players we saw in game 6 vs. Denver or
The role players that haven't done anything all series long.

3. Lamar Odom
Will he grow some kahunas or not? He has potential. Everyone writes about it. He has shown glimpses of it. Will he unleash it in the finals or cave in like last year against the Celtics?


Orlando Magic
1. Get Dwight involved early and often.
I don't see anyone on the Lakers sans maybe Bynum guarding him effectively. If he's commanding double-teams early, expect to see the Magic have a shooting spree from the 3-pt line

2. Take advantage of the mismatches with Lewis/Hedo
I can't imagine what type of lineup, the Lakers can throw that will efffectively contain Dwight, Hedo, and Lewis. Gasol can't hang on the perimeter against Hedo and Lewis and is too small to guard Dwight. It's going to be interesting to see what lineup Phil pulls to guard this team.

3. How much of Jameer will we see?
Any remotely fast point guard has terrorized the Lakers this season. Fisher is too slow to contain any penetrating point guard. Fisher made Aaron Brooks look like Tony Parker. If Jameer can play remotely decent, this may cause many problems. I don't think Farmer or Fisher can contain him. Hopefully, Shannon Brown will be played in the rotation more. Has anyone wondered besides me why this guy isn't getting the minutes he deserves?

Lakers in 6 is my prediction

G1: Lakers win
G2: Lakers win
G3: Magic win
G4: Lakers win
G5: Magic win
G6: Lakers win