NBA FINALS: Game 1 Orlando Magic @ Los Angelas Lakers

[KSeal]

You may be fishing with us though if Dwight does go off. Gasol would just get into foul trouble trying to guard him.

Gasol has no hope at getting Howard in foul trouble? The Cavs had no bigs that could do anything offensively in the post to even make Howard work. The Lakers do. You're right though, if Howard goes ape and we have to double and then they get wide open threes all day we could very easily be fishing.

[TJastal]

Are you seriously defending Ben Wallace as a player nowadays? Holy , it ain't 04 anymore, Wallace is a 6'8 injured worn down of a player that shouldn't even be in the league anymore. He has no hope at guarding Howard and that showed. What a ing moron you. I'm not replying to whatever bull you spew out next.

Wallace didn't look all that worn down really.. unless I'm blind. Still made some nice defensive plays in limited action (blocked shot if i recall) grabbed some boards and even had a few garbage buckets at the offensive end.

Not the player he used to be obviously, but not terrible either. I bet his D right now is still better than either Bynum or Gasoft.

[SpurOutofTownFan]

I hope I didn't make it the Magic sound like they're lightweights. The defeated the Cavs whom many thought would steamroll right through the East. That's quite a feat.

Like I said, I hope Dwight and co. make me eat crow.

Not only this but they also beat the current champions in 7 games which I think it was even more impressive than the Cavs series. Unlike LA, Orlando had tough assignments to make it to the finals. I think that will count tremendously and I don't rule out them winning game 1 in LA. They did it before in the previous series.

[1Parker1]

Rooting for the Magic but I'm sure the Fakers will win in 6. Kobe will be putting on free throw clinic while Howard sits with 6 fouls for most of the games.

Basic summation

[Ghazi]

Won't the team that wins it all be "fishing" too?

[2Cleva]

Anyone able to post Hollinger on this series?

[TheManFromAcme]

I am taking a conservative stance here. Lakers in 7. I think this is the coming out party of Dwight and gang. Lakers should win but it is my opinion that it will not be the total domination by L.A. people are anticipating. Dwight is a beast and is the most athletic big man the Lakers have yet to face this play-off season. All L.A. has to do is not take this team for granted and it should guarantee them a win. 1 ounce of complacency by the Lakers and this will spell trouble. Magic are that good.

[LnGrrrR]

rooting for the magic but i'm sure the fakers will win in 6. Kobe will be putting on free throw clinic while howard sits with 6 fouls for most of the games.

+1

[KSeal]

Only one more day, thank god. This has felt like a 4 month wait.

[Allanon]

Well that took long enough...it's GAMEDAY!!!

I don't remember the Finals being this late.

NBA.com doesn't paint a very pretty picture (for Lakers) when pitting Lakers starting 5 vs Magic starting 5. On paper, it looks like the Magic hold all the cards.

http://www.nba.com/2009/playoffs2009...ion/index.html

[MambaJuice2408]

I don't agree with Lewis being even with Gasol. Gasol will play a far bigger role in this series as far as I'm concerned, and not even against Lewis. His D and Offense on Dwight will play a HUGE factor in this series. Im betting that Gasol steps up this finals and Fisher comes up with big shots in this series since he's been there and Rafer hasn't. But on paper i'd give the slightest of edges to Rafer, but in this series i'd give fish the edge over him

[kamikazi_player]

Well that took long enough...it's GAMEDAY!!!

I don't remember the Finals being this late.

NBA.com doesn't paint a very pretty picture (for Lakers) when pitting Lakers starting 5 vs Magic starting 5. On paper, it looks like the Magic hold all the cards.

http://www.nba.com/2009/playoffs2009...ion/index.html

too bad they did post who has the advantage in bench and coaching, i would really appreciate it.
EDIT: nvm i just read the article and it mentions it.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Only one more day, thank god. This has felt like a 4 month wait.

I would feel bad for you but I was 3 years old the last time the Suns were in the finals.

[The_Game]

LMAO at Gasol and Lewis being even

Gasol is the better player

[lefty]

Gameday Woooooooooooooooooooo

I agree with Allanon, when was the last time we've waited this long for the Finals to start?

That's David Stern's plan, build up the anticipation for more $$$$$$$$$$$

[Red Hawk #21]

I have a feeling Hedo will struggle in this series, but hopefully the Magic find a way to win...

[TampaDude]

It all comes down to see if the Lakers can guard the ing three point line.

+1

If the Lakers can effectively defend the 3, their depth and experience will prevail. If not, they're gonna get killed. Orlando is a VERY dangerous team, and all the pressure is on LA...the Lakers are SUPPOSED to win the le this year. If they don't, the shadow of Shaquille O'Neal will grow even larger over Kobe Bryant's legacy.

This should be a good series.

[Darrin]

If there's justice to this (bad) season of basketball, Lakers in four.

[lefty]

We're almost there; I can't believe i have to bump this thread


Good luck Lakers

[lefty]

What's with the re ed Batman voice ?????????????????

[DollarSlice]

Only 30 min. until tip. Pretty excited! Here's a cool highlight video of both squads to that Kanye tune. Should get you pumped for the game.

[Brazil]

Go Magic ! Do we know if Jameer will play?

[Allanon]

Go Magic ! Do we know if Jameer will play?

Yes, LakerHater, Jameer is going to play....he's coming in off the bench. It was just announced in the Pre-game show.

[ginobme]

Do you guys believe in magic?

[Brazil]

Yes, LakerHater, Jameer is going to play....he's coming in off the bench. It was just announced in the Pre-game show.

Me a laker hater ? no I just prefer see the lakers loosing.

Good game allanon !