I thought that Paul did well against Artest the last time they met in a playoff situation. I guess was wrong. I didn't check any stats on that, so I stand corrected. That said, that match up is not the key to the series, imo. It all comes down to Bynum. he has a bum knee, so if he plays poorly, that is going to Force the Lama or Odem to get in the paint with the dirt dogs like Baby and Perk for extended min. Those guys don't play physical and the need for them to put forth defensive effort at all times on KG, Davis and Perk might wear on them over the course of the series and negate their effectiveness on the offensive side of the ball.
Who's going to take Ray Allen? He's had a hot hand thus far.
As mentioned above, the Celtics have a lot of weapons. Last time these two teams played, Allen was not on fire like he has been this post season and Rondo was not the best pg in the NBA. I don't think the Lakers match up well with the Celtics outside their big three vs Bostons big three.
Boston has a superior bench to LA, imo.
"Utilizing what's primarily been a four-man rotation of Davis, Allen, Rasheed Wallace and Michael Finley, Boston's bench is averaging 23.1 points per game this postseason. The 2008 bench averaged 21.9 points per game in the playoffs." Add in Nate Robinson, Daniels and Toney Allen and you have a more talented bench as a whole.
Not saying the Celtics will win the series...just throwing some points out there for you to chew on.
