I can guarantee that this won't be happening again in the NBA Finals.

 The youthful, energetic Orlando Magic.  The experienced, battle-tested Los Angeles Lakers.  The NBA Finals.  Game 1.

And let me be the first to say it – if I was Stan Van Gundy I would not even consider playing Jameer Nelson in this series.  Why would I even bother disrupting the chemistry that my team has built throughout three tough playoff series?  Is Nelson that good?

In a word, “no.”

Point guard Rafer Alston is a veteran who knows the value of running an offense.  He also is streaky from the field, but he does provide another Magic option which you have to respect.

Go with him and Anthony Johnson as the backup. 

I am waiting to see the Pietrus-Bryant matchup.  Michael Pietrus did not back down from the physical specimen that LeBron James is.  But he will face the cerebral Bryant.  Lots of fun here.

The Magic will not have the numerous mismatches that they had over the Cavaliers.  I wouldn’t be surprised to find this being a neck-and-neck series.  Both teams know how to play with each other.  That’s exactly why these two teams are in the Finals.

I think I’m going with the Lakers in Game 1.  I just can’t see Kobe letting the Lakers get into a deficit.  And I can’t see him losing two NBA Titles in two years.

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