FD08: WE HAVE A CHAMPION!!!

[Warspite]

Wizards vs Raptors

Wizards

Brendan Haywood / Jeff Foster / Joakim Noah
Chris Bosh / Travis Outlaw
Caron Butler / James Posey/James Jones
Michael Redd / Deshawn Stevenson
Jose Calderon / Kyle Lowry


Raptors

Andrew Bogut / Antonio McDyess / Kwame Brown
Jermaine O'Neal / Robert Horry
Carmelo Anthony / John Salmons
Ray Allen / Cuttino Mobley
Chauncey Billups / Jason Williams / Rodney Stuckey



Wizards Strengths

1. Great outside shooting
2. Great Defensive rebounding

Raptors Strengths

1. Inside Scoring
2. PG play

Wizards Weakness
1. Halfcourt defense
2. Size

Raptors Defense
1. Low Post scoring


These teams are a very interesting matchup with the sleek quick Wiz vs the physical bruiseing Raptors. One team wants to run and the other play halfcourt.

It comes down to who can impose there will and that comes down to rebounding and Execution.

I love the SF and SG matchups. The SF is contrasting styles and the SGs are a Little brother vs Big brother battle. The true advantage is Bosh over ONeal (what is a healthy ONeal anyway??) but Billups owns Calderon. Both benches are suspect and neither has game changer on it.

I realy love the Wizards starting 5. There shooters simply light up the scoreboard. If they had a low post player Jefferson, or even Shaq they could win and win big.

The Raptors have holes... but they have Billups who controls the game and gives his team extra possesions.


2 key matchups PG and PF

Billups controling tempo vs Boshes inside scoring and rebounding. Every game Bosh gets 12+ rebounds his team runs and scores. Every game Billups has a TO ratio of 3:1 his team slows tempo and Melo goes off.

This series goes 7 games in which the Wizards win there home games big and the Raps win ugly. Im as torn as an old sweater here...

Winner: Raptors in 7 games

Raptors win game 7 with there experience and pressure play from billups and Allen. The Wizards are a yr away but take this learning experience and are a much better team in 09.

[Milkdud]

Thank you for the kind words Penbeast, personally the shear quality of Duncan handicapped my team.

[mudyez]

Trying not to complain but

1.No roster thread
2. 6 pages to go through with several posts of nonsense between writeups
3. Half the GMs havent writen anything.


I would pay money to have the writeups concurrent or in email form. Hunting former Nazis in Argentina is easier. Furthermore one GM didnt even name his team or give his lineups.

1. the roster threads have been horrid...i never looked at them, coz you never could find the right team and thousands of huge pictures made them useless...thats the reason I did the roster-thing myself....first post on the other thread...IMO thats 1000% better (and gave me a lot more work)
2. yeah....usually here only the write-ups and maybe some discussion should take place...the other thread is ment to be that chatt-thread...I didnt want to create like 4 or 5 threads an as we dont have any more use for the drat/trade thread, why not use it straight away...I hated to have like 4 stickied threads, when half of them where not needed
3. I'm pretty sure, that if a GM hasnt postet yet, he wont do so in 5 more days...I asked everybody, if they have enough time for it and all of them said they have

...we can open a new thread for round 2, I only would hate it if a where a non-participant and I see it beeing as confusing as this one

[Kosta]

The true advantage is Bosh over ONeal (what is a healthy ONeal anyway??)

The J.O bashing has to stop, he was a near 20/10 (19.4, 9.6) guy with 2.6 blocks last season in 70 games played. He was even considered by many as a defensive player of the year candidate. He's not getting the benefit of the doubt this year by many observers, but you have to understand that he's been playing through injuries and has lost some of his passion on a brutal Pacers team. Put him in the right situation, let him get back to 100%, he's blowing up like Gasol is in L.A right now. He has no help in Indiana.

He's a very, very good player when healthy.

[Teddy KGB]

Oxymoron or not, health is an assumption going into the game. Hell, we're considering Kenyon Martin as healthy lol

[penbeast0]

Jermaine O'Neal is a very fine defensive player but not a DPOY candidate in my mind. He's also a mediocre shooter and a poor passer . . . not sure where his coach got the idea that he was a good one.

Oh, and as long as I am at it, using Carmelo as mainly an outside threat negates the strongest part of his offensive game since he is at his best posting up.

[Kosta]

Jermaine O'Neal is a very fine defensive player but not a DPOY candidate in my mind. He's also a mediocre shooter and a poor passer . . . not sure where his coach got the idea that he was a good one.

Oh, and as long as I am at it, using Carmelo as mainly an outside threat negates the strongest part of his offensive game since he is at his best posting up.

Coach sees him everyday in practice, he knows best.

I also pointed out that I plan to use 'Melo in the post on mismatches and iso plays late in the game when he can take over one on one. Not that it should mean much to you, but 'Melo was deadly in the world chips playing mainly on the perimeter for the U.S.

[LeQuitterNotMVP]

Trying not to complain but

1.No roster thread
2. 6 pages to go through with several posts of nonsense between writeups
3. Half the GMs havent writen anything.


I would pay money to have the writeups concurrent or in email form. Hunting former Nazis in Argentina is easier. Furthermore one GM didnt even name his team or give his lineups.

Ya, this is ridiculous. I'll need like 5 pages open to do my judging.

[mudyez]

so I'd recomment: stop posting something else than a writeup or a jdgement from now on and use the other thread for things like that!!!

that should solve the problem!

(if I'd open another thread for every round it still would be the same)

[LeQuitterNotMVP]

West:

Lakers vs. Mavs

Should be a great matchup down low. I like the Mavs' post more, due to playoff experience and depth. I also like that the Mavs have shooters, so Yao and Sheed will be able to kick the ball out to the shooters. The Lakers don't have great shooters, I wouldn't want Hughes shooting 3's (I would know...). Pierce is a solid scorer, but should be shut down a bit by Bowen. Then when it comes to PG play, the Mavs absolutely dominate. This should be an easy win for the Mavs.

Mavs in 5.

Blazers vs. Rockets

Once again, great matchups in the post. I love both teams' depth down low, and I love both teams' starters. But I like the Rockets' post more, as TD is obviously a playoff machine and Shaq should be able to roam with TD next to him. But overall, this should come down to the backcourts. The Blazers' backcourt is extremely explosive, but I'm not sure how well Johnson and AI can work together. The Rockets don't have any "stars" in the backcourt, but they have a solid setup guy in Ford and some shooters for TD and Shaq to pass out to.

Rockets in 7.

Spurs vs. Suns

2 great teams right here. Suns are very deep in the post, that should give them a lot of bodies to use on KG. Then again, I don't see many guys who will be able to defend KG. K-Mart is the only one, and he's not exactly a stud defender. In the backcourts, you have 2 great scorers in Ginobili and VC, and 2 great glue guys in Howard and Wallace. But, the edge in both those matchups goes to the Spurs. The Spurs obviously don't have Steve Nash, but Hinrich is a very capable PG. The Suns depth makes this close, but not enough to beat the Spurs.

Spurs in 6.

Nuggets vs. T-Wolves

This games will be dictated by D-Wade, and I'm not sure who will stop him on the T-Wolves. I also like the Nuggets' combo of offense and defense in the post. The one thing I am concerned about is the lack of 3-point shooters. On the T-Wolves side, they have a bunch of shooters and Big Al and D-Will should be able to get them the ball. But, they don't have great depth in the post, and once again, who will stop D-Wade?

Nuggets in 6.

East:

Bulls vs. Hawks

Lebron is Lebron. That's undenyable. And with solid players in the post, open looks on the perimeter will be often. Miller will be able to get the ball to all of the scorers. I also love the bench depth. As for the Hawks, I love the depth on the wings and Paul is a great PG, but I think Charlie V. will get beat up down low, and I'm not sure how much Artest can stop Lebron.

Bulls in 5.

Knicks vs. Magic

Where's the D? I don't see anything but offense on the Magic. I do like the shooters, however, for when Kaman and Boozer get doubled. The Knicks, however, should have D and O in the post, and with a great PG like Kidd, Nowitzki will get the ball right when he needs it, same with Terry. The Knicks seem like the much more balanced team.

Knicks in 5.

Raptors vs. Wizards

These teams seem very similar to each other, both have solid posts, solid PGs, and some good scorers on the wings. But I like the Raptors better in this matchup. Not sure who's going to stop 'Melo, let alone Allen also. With Billups leading the way, and JO clogging up the post, I don't see how the Raptors will lose.

Raptors in 5.

Pacers vs. Pistons

Just looking at the matchups in the post make me barf. The Pistons are so outmatched there it's not even funny. This will allow the Pacers to focus on Kobe, which should shut him down. Parker is a great scorer and will demand attention, but he's not the greatest passer, so I'm not sure who will be dishing the ball out for assists. The Pacers have many scorers and a great post, so I'm going to go with the here.

Pacers in 5.

[TMACFORMVP]

Raptors vs. Wizards

These teams seem very similar to each other, both have solid posts, solid PGs, and some good scorers on the wings. But I like the Raptors better in this matchup. Not sure who's going to stop 'Melo, let alone Allen also. With Billups leading the way, and JO clogging up the post, I don't see how the Wizards will lose.

Wiz in 5.

[/b]

It seems like your post says the Raptors but you say the Wizards in 5?

[Kosta]

-= original quote snipped =-



It seems like your post says the Raptors but you say the Wizards in 5?

Yeah, I was liking what I read up until the Wiz in 5 part.

[penbeast0]

Round 1 Opinion: Wizards v. Raptors

Big Men Offense: Bosh is clearly the outstanding player here. JO is a scorer but an inefficient one, Bogut is better than Haywood but not a go to guy and the closest thing to a real threat off either bench is McDyess. Edge Wizards

Wing and Point scoring: Anthony has a clear edge on Butler, Redd on Allen, Salmons is easily the best man off the bench on either team. So, with the Raptors already holding an edge, it comes down to Billups v. Calderon and that's a clear edge to Toronto. Edge Raptors

Playmaking. Calderon does match up well to Billups here. Both sets of wings move the ball well with an edge to Toronto and inside, Bogut adds good high post passing. They have to keep the ball out of JO's hands except as a finisher and the edge belongs to Toronto.

Rebounding. Haywood isn't a great rebounder, Bogut has made good strides and Bosh and O'Neal cancel each other out (when healthy). Similarly Anthony is a stronger player than Butler, Billups than Calderon, and even Allen and Salmons are superior to their opposition. Edge Toronto.

Defense: The best interior defender is O'Neal, then Haywood, then Bogut who has made nice strides, then Bosh. Outside, the only top defender of the starters is Billups though Posey, Stevenson, and Lowry are a big step up from Toronto's bench. Still, edge Toronto.

Bench: McDyess and Salmons are the best bench big and wing. Washington has a lot of solid defenders but no one who can really step in and lead the second unit. Edge Toronto.

Intangibles: The Wiz start two real Wizards with another Wiz starter off the bench. I'm tempted to give them bennies for loyalty, but Toronto seems better balanced off the bench and Billups is the guy with big game experience in the stars. Edge Toronto

With the edge just about everywhere but big man scoring, I favor the Raptors to win this.

[penbeast0]

Round 1 Opinion: Chicago v. Atlanta

Big man offense: Aldridge is the Bulls' main scorer with Camby acceptable and Varenjao not providing much help (though LeBron can move over and play next to Marvin Williams for extra offense). Villaneuva is capable of the occasional explosion and Bynum too, but I'm not sure they are capable of carrying a playoff load with consistency yet (and the bench doesn't help much). Edge Chicago

Wing and Point Scoring: LeBron and Martin is a superb pair with Andre Miller capable as well. Chris Paul should help everyone on his team step up a bit but it's a big step for the likes of Artest and Maggette. Both benches feature explosive scoring as well but I can't pick against LeBron here. Edge Chicago.

Passing: Paul gives Atlanta a strong edge at the point where Miller has been scoring more and passing less . . . Watson is more the distributor than Chicago's scoring backups too. However, I'd give the edge to Chicago at all four other starting positions. Edge Chicago.

Rebounding: The biggest edge here isn't Bynum over Camby though Bynum should win this battle, it's LeBron over Artest who has never rebounded as well as his linebacker sized frame would indicate. Aldridge and Varejao help counter Bynum's edge inside, Maggette and Paul aren't enough to counter LeBron's edge outside. Edge Chicago.

Defense: Defense starts in the middle where Camby is the key to stoppping penetration by Atlanta's athletic players. Artest, if he has his head fully in the game, will force LeBron to play a bit more playmaker and less scorer than Chicago would want, but again, the edge goes to the top player, in this case Camby and Chicago.

Bench: Inside, Varejao is a step up from Pryzbilla or Maxiel, Barbosa has a big edge on Watson, and while Deng and Richardson are incredible talents to have coming off the pine, Marvin Williams and Brewer aren't terrible. Edge Chicago.

Intangibles: LeBron is one of the 4 main contenders for MVP every year, Paul is the up and coming 5th or 6th best player in the league and might be in that category with another year like this one. However, I'd rather trust LeBron's more veteran and steady teammates than Paul's more inconsistent ones. Edge Chicago

Overall: Chicago

[LeQuitterNotMVP]

-= original quote snipped =-



It seems like your post says the Raptors but you say the Wizards in 5?

Ya, whoops. I'll fix that.

[Myth_Breaker]

EAST

1) Wizards - Raptors.
I like Wizards starting bigs more, but this advantage evaporates if we compare all bigmen from both sides. While as to the perimeter I don't understand voices declaring Butler equal to Melo or not so much inferior to him. Anthony is easily the most dominant offensive player in the series. The lethal duo of him and Billups - Mr Big Shot, check his numbers from 2004 and 2005 Finals! - supplemented by Ray Ray's long-range shooting will decide the tide of this series. Toronto has also more experienced and versatile bench. Raptors in 6.

2) Pacers - Pistons.
Detroit backcourt completely dominates its Indiana opponents. Sorry, but these days T-Mac even at his best gives you about 80% of Kobe - it's definitely not enough. Pacers have better frontcourt, what usually decides the case for me - but not this time. Marion is great help defender, but not a true stopper: Jamison is going to get his numbers on him anyway (actually, as to man-to-man defense Detroit's SF backup in Battier is easily equal to Shawn).
Similarly in case of Gasol - Dally matchup: Pau's too versatile and has too long range to be intimidated by Dalembert's physical defense. Brand is everything what Kurt Thomas was hoped to be coming out of college, while reserves at 4 pretty much offset each other - so you've got huge advantage at PF for Pacers. However, the overall advantage of Indiana frontcourt isn't enough to compensate Pistons' great backcourt dominance, plus Detroit's pieces seem to fit better. Pistons in 7.

3) Bulls - Hawks.
Well, THIS is the case when frontcourt decides the results so clearly and undoubtedly that it's hard to even think about injuries or some lucky streak from the opponents changing this fate. Camby, LMA and obviously LeBron not only take the cake individually here, but also beautifully complement each other. Atlanta has better bigs on the bench, but bench can only take you so far: especially as it tries to make up for inexperienced 'Drew and Villanueva and headcase Artest, traditionally inefficient/ball-hog in offense. The real K-Mart is the best off-guard in this comparison, however J-Rich and Maggette (BTW, I'd definitely start J-Rich here) are 2 starting-caliber guys here, something that Bulls lack - so let's declare it a draw. Hawks enjoy the clear advantage at 1 with CP3 - second-best player in this series - however, he can't do it all to offset Chicago's overall dominance. Bulls in 5.

4) Knicks - Magic.
I'm quite surprised random didn't present his writeup this time - he was such a good poster during the previous league. But let's get to the point: as to bigs, Okafor - being basically Dampier on steroids - is IMHO almost flawless complement to Nowitzki. He's also at least as valuable as Kaman, whose numbers are much inflated now due to Brand's absence. In turn nowadays Boozer is almost as valuable as Dirk - but again, the key word is "almost". While Nazr, Collison and even ancient Deke (look at his magic during replacing Yao in the starting lineup: he's doing this again!) are much better backups than inexperienced Horford and both inexperienced and extremely inefficient Bargs. At SF Magic have 2 virtually redundant players (with Miller being better passer/ballhandler), while NYK have great mix of defense, shotblocking, shooting and scoring in Childress, Garcia and Kirilenko. Terry and Kidd: well, this backcourt doesn't seem to be great just now - but there's definitely potential in this combo. I'll give them a slight advantage over Guy (who'd be better at 3 slot anyway) and Baron. Especially as Fish - Raja combo is clearly better and more efficient than Livingston (underachieving even before his tragic injury), shoot-first Maurice Williams and Des Mason... well, just read the Bucks board to see what their fans think of him (it's not much, I may assure you). In summary: Knicks in 6.



WEST

1) Rockets - Blazers.
While I have some doubts about TD and Shaq complementing each other (TMACFORMVP apparently also has, having tried to deal Diesel ), it's at least more feasible now - when Shaq's more of a role-player - than it used to be. I have fewer doubts about Brad and Amare complementing each other, yet it's still less potent duo. Josh Smith's flourishing at 4 spot, so I wouldn't give him advantage at SF over Stephen Jackson, who also happens to be excellent defender and experienced veteran. However, bench SFs swing momentum in Portland's favor. (BTW, if I were Blazers GM, I would start Amare, Josh and Prince). Somehow I don't trust Joe Johnson much: Hamilton's less versatile, but almost flawless in his role, while JJ is another wannabe Magic. AI's not at his best as a point - look at Nuggets now - however, at least in this case they complement each other quite well with Joe as two combo guards. Houston has significant experience advantage. Rockets in 5.

2) Spurs - Suns.
SAS has very balanced roster, one of the best in this league - with right mix of offense and defense, though not so balanced as to post offense (not enough) vs. jumpshooting. While Suns are basically another incarnation of... Suns, what shouldn't surprise anyone. Gerald is very good help defender and Kenyon at least tries - despite being more limited than in his glory days - while the rest of Phoenix's starting 5 is soft as marshmallow. Randolph can barely stand coexisting with freakin' Eddy Curry as Knicks' starter: I doubt whether he'd take coming off the bench very favorably. Anyway, at PG Nash is gonna dominate Hinrich, but at least Hinrich will limit him a bit - with the help of very good backups in Felton and AD, both being much superior to unproven combo guard Randy Foye. 2-guard: I love VC's raw talent, but at this point I'm not sure at all whether he's more valuable than Manu. I'd also take Euroleague superstar Anthony Parker over Webster and Nick Young combined. SF: you may know I've already preferred J-Ho before - having selected him in the previous league over Butler, R. Jefferson or Ray Ray - so you shouldn't be surprised with my selecting Spurs at this position, even despite Granger being far more valuable player than Moon (who's nonetheless a great hustle role player). PF: Garnett is going to dominate his counterparts so much that's not even funny (though if Martin was in his form from 2003 playoffs, when - despite the flu - he was the only defender limiting Duncan to below 50% shooting, it could be more interesting). While Joe Smith, decent at everything, though obviously great at nothing, is KG's ideal backup. Center position is Spurs' weakest link: I know I had selected before Bynum, who'se similarly unproven to Biedrins, but after watching their matchups you know Andrew can tear Andris a new one. I mean, Biedrins looks good pretty much only in Nelly's-like system: he's too limited for PF in any system and too weak physically for C in traditional game that Spurs seem to employ. So Suns with two proven winners in Okur and Darko prevail in this matchup, but it doesn't change the overall picture. Spurs in 6.

3) Mavs - Lakers.
Well, in the beginning I must say I love Dallas' roster - while Lakers GM hurts his case in second consecutive league with not delivering his writeup. I mean, why to bother to participate at all then? Anyway: both Yao-Sheed and Dwight-Haslem duos are virtually perfect fits, but Wallace's dominance over Udonis in both scoring, defense, passing, experience, size and athleticism makes it easy choice: Mavericks all the way. SF: Pierce (hard worker and do-it-all, albeit not on great levels), Peja's shooting and Ariza's defense/athleticism make it huge advantage for the Lakers. SG: I love Iggy, though he's quite inconsistent... but Gordon and Sasha are as well. Laker's advantage, though Bowen can still wreck some defensive havoc - although he will be on Pierce anyway and IMHO Paul's too strong for him. Devin is great defender vs. Nashes and TPs, but not vs. Barons and Gilberts. Arenas is going to outproduce him by like 300%, while Harris doesn't even have advantage of being more of a pure playmaker. That's why I envision Blake getting much PT in this series - what is great for LAL's playmaking, but not so much for all other facets of their game. In general: I can see Mavericks taking their 1st round matchup in 6.

4) Denver - Wolves.
C: I appreciate Big Z more than your average poster, but as for now Tyson is more valuable (though still a garbage scorer). Big Ben and Curry are a pair of great backups: but in reality it will be hard to find a right combination of PT for all 3 of them to get optimum mix of offense and defense. Chandler's/Zo's combination is IMHO more deadly at pivot (at least if we don't consider Zo retired ). Al Jeff is the best PF here. though his backups are relatively weaker: slight advantage Wolves. I prefer Lamar over Rashard, while ancient Brent isn't going to change much vs. LO, Thornton and Stack - advantage Nuggets. One of the reasons why Grant Hill left Orlando was his unwilligness to play at SG: he's much too slow for this at this stage - especially vs. Wade (even injured) he's gonna get murdered. While at PG Minnesota enjoys a clear advantage: Roy's quite overrated right now and can only dream of stopping Deron, even regardless of lack of playoff experience of the former. Overall: Nuggets in 5.

[randomhero423]

sorry i havent' done a write up. i've been busy with school work and i had to cover some HS games this week. since the judging as already began i'll just see how this round goes (lookin good so far ) and i'll def write round 2 up.

[Baller 24]

EAST



2) Pacers - Pistons.
Detroit backcourt completely dominates its Indiana opponents. Sorry, but these days T-Mac even at his best gives you about 80% of Kobe - it's definitely not enough. Pacers have better frontcourt, what usually decides the case for me - but not this time. Marion is great help defender, but not a true stopper: Jamison is going to get his numbers on him anyway (actually, as to man-to-man defense Detroit's SF backup in Battier is easily equal to Shawn).
Similarly in case of Gasol - Dally matchup: Pau's too versatile and has too long range to be intimidated by Dalembert's physical defense. Brand is everything what Kurt Thomas was hoped to be coming out of college, while reserves at 4 pretty much offset each other - so you've got huge advantage at PF for Pacers. However, the overall advantage of Indiana frontcourt isn't enough to compensate Pistons' great backcourt dominance, plus Detroit's pieces seem to fit better. Pistons in 7.

Well first off Marion might not be a true stopper, but Jamison is not even half the defender Marion is. If thats the case, then Marion will also likely go off on the offensive, as Marion this season is shooting 51%, while putting up 15pts, and 10 reb in 37 mins, so in a series where he is guarded by Jamison would only hurt Detroit more, as Marion would kill Jamison, I'm saying kill because of the fact that Marion defensively>>>Jamison.

Kobe is the series in here, but how many times has Kobe won a playoff series on his own without the help in the post? 0, Remember injuries don't matter, and all players are 100%, and I know more then anyone what kind of player Tracy McGrady is when at his best. McGrady at his best is capable of putting up 30pts, 6ast, and 6reb. He has shown that with Yao out, as they have won 4 games in row. Last season McGrady in 32 games without Yao averaged 30pts, 7ast, and 7reb while leading the Rockets to a 20-12 record, hard to do, don't you think? McGrady still has it in him, but Kobe is better overall, but Kobe still has the tendency to have bad games, as front court players rely on drives, and shooting. Inside my teams defense is REALLY strong. Kobe is a hell of a player, but I think the difference between Gasol-Dalembert and Brand-Thomas is more than Mac-Kobe.

So when did having a strong front court of Brand and Gasol not win playoff series'? The teams that got passed the first round last year were the Suns, Jazz, GSW, Spurs, Cavs, Det, Bulls, and NJ. The east had three strong teams last season, the Pistons, Bulls, and the Cavs, all have decent front courts. In the west, its pretty easy to say that having better post players, then front court players wins you games.

So you think his team fits better then mine? Tracy McGrady currently plays on a team that has the best center in the league, he also is one of the best play-makers, while Bibby will provide spacing with his 3 pt shooting. Brand and Gasol are the first primary options, and either will provide scoring, and help on the offensive end. Kobe might have his way, but not as much as Elton Brand or Gasol will.

BTW, I thought not having write-ups id s disadvantage.

[Warspite]

Rockets
Shaquille O'Neal / Nen

[penbeast0]

First Round opinion: Mavericks v. Lakers

Big Man Scoring: Yao is the more versatile scorer, Dwight the more efficient. Rasheed, however, has a big edge on Haslem and Wilcox is more of a scorer than the Laker reserves. Edge Dallas

Wing and Point scoring: Lots of scoring on both sides but despite the presence of Larry Hughes, I favor the Lakers outside by a hair. Slight edge Los Angeles.

Passing: Arenas is clearly a better passer than Harris, Iggy and Pierce than Jefferson, Bowen, and Gordon, Yao and Rasheed than Dwight and Haslem . . . Edge Dallas

Rebounding: Hard to pick against Dwight Howard, he's a beast, and Pierce and Iguolada are strong wing rebounders too. Edge Los Angeles.

Defense: Some very solid defenders on each side. Los Angeles has no holes in it's starting lineup though bringing in it's reserves creates some. Dallas has the best inside/outside defensive combo in Rasheed and Bowen, but Arenas and Tinsley aren't pretty (though to be fair, Harris and Blake aren't the guys to take advantage). Tough but edge Dallas.

Bench: Easy advantage for Dallas. Milsap and Turiaf aren't able to guard Yao, Dampier and Wilcox have the size LA is missing. Both teams have scoring off the bench but Gordon is clutch whereas Larry Hughes makes poor decisions. Dallas.

Intanglibles: Rasheed, Bowen, and Haslem have all won championships. But to me the key is that Yao's teams tend to go on winning streaks when he gets injured whereas Dwight's teams ride his shoulders. Edge Lakers.

Overall: Tough matcup but Dallas's inside strength and depth are telling for me. Edge Dallas.