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Cast off by the Orlando Magic in a trade last season to the Los Angeles Lakers, small forward Trevor Ariza was arguably L.A.’s third best player behind Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol in the Western Conference Finals. While his length makes him a versatile defender, Ariza has surprised offensively with his ability to hit the three ball when his feet are set. One of the most clutch players on the Magic, Hedo Turkoglu has no fear of the big shot and has played well against the Lakers in the past. While Turkoglu may be known as a streaky and dominant scorer, his abilities to get into the lane and pass the ball merit much more recognition, especially when it comes to further opening up Orlando’s outside shooting. Continue on to examine this matchup between two very unique players.

Since returning from a fractured sinus suffered earlier in the playoffs, Orlando Magic rookie shooting guard Courtney Lee has been a spark plug demonstrating his willingness to take tough shots and even slam a few home on Lebron James. While Lee is a very promising player, he’s unfortunately going up against the best player and closer in the game in Kobe Bryant. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know where the edge lies in this position battle. With that said, Orlando’s Hedo Turkoglu will probably draw Bryant initially, with Michael Pietrus picking up the defensive slack off the bench. Continue on to examine how Lee can still be a key contributor in this series.

Well the matchup at the point guard position in the 2009 NBA Finals has gotten a whole lot more interesting in the last couple of days amidst the drama of whether Orlando’s All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson will play in the series. Out since February 2nd with a torn right labrum, Nelson has recovered at a faster rate than expected and has been practicing with the Magic for about two weeks. According to his teammates, Nelson will play against the Lakers in the Finals. If this proves true, it will give the Magic an emotional boost regardless of how effective Nelson is on the court. At the very least, Nelson’s presence makes the point guard position a much more compelling watch beyond Rafer Alston and Derek Fisher. Continue on to examine whether the Lakers or Magic have the edge at point guard.

The 2009 NBA Finals tip off tomorrow night with the expected Los Angeles Lakers taking on the unexpected Orlando Magic. While David Stern’s dream Finals pitting Kobe Bryant versus Lebron James will have to wait for another time, this series between the talented yet frustrating Lakers and the surprising and peaking Magic is not without some interesting story lines. Will Orlando’s All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson return from a shoulder injury and play in the Finals? If so, how effective will he be? Which Lakers team will show up this series? Will Bryant finally win his first championship without Shaquille O’Neal? Can Dwight Howard put the Magic on his wide shoulders for another series and deliver Orlando a championship that seemed promising but never happened with O’Neal? Continue on to examine what figures to be a very interesting 2009 NBA Finals.

What is to be gathered from these 2008-2009 Chicago Bulls with the playoffs still attainable in the stretch run of the NBA season? While the Bulls looked terrible last night in Charlotte but better at home tonight against Golden State, this team is way too inconsistent in its mental approach to the game, from its players to its novice head coach, to make the playoffs. So let’s just kill that bird now.

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