2009 NBA Finals – Preview and Schedule

We now know the two teams that will play in the 2009 NBA Finals. On Saturday night, the Orlando Magic defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers to win the Eastern Conference championship. In the Finals, Dwight Howard and the Magic will go up against Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Dwight Howard AKA Superman flies to the Finals (Image: Newscom)

Who will win the NBA Finals in 2009? On paper, I give the advantage to the Lakers. At this point of the playoffs, experience is a huge factor. The Lakers were here just last year while the Magic are in foreign territory. Despite the Lakers loss against the Boston Celtics last season, they undoubtedly learned a lot.

The Magic beat the Cavs due to the Cavs having a number of matchup problems. The Cavs couldn’t defend Rashard Lewis and struggled to find someone capable of defending Hedo Turkoglu. The Lakers have the mobility the defend Lewis and Turkoglu, so they won’t have the same matchup issues.

Dwight Howard is obviously going to be tough for the Lakers to stop but they have the size to slow him down a little bit. Andrew Bynum could be useful, as can Paul Gasol and Lamar Odom.

On the other end, the Lakers could be tough for the Magic to slow down. Kobe’s ability to hit the outside shot could negate Howard’s shotblocking at the rim. Howard could also find himself in a lot of foul trouble trying to defend all the various options the Lakers can use.

My prediction for the Lakers vs. Magic Finals?

Lakers in 6.

Here is the schedule for the 2009 NBA Finals:

Game 1: June 4 – Magic at Lakers – 9:00 PM EST
Game 2: June 7 – Magic at Lakers – 8:00 PM EST
Game 3: June 9 – Lakers at Magic – 9:00 PM EST
Game 4: June 11 – Lakers at Magic – 9:00 PM EST
Game 5*: June 14 – Lakers at Magic – 8:00 PM EST
Game 6*: June 16 – Magic at Lakers – 9:00 PM EST
Game 7*: June 18 – Magic at Lakers – 9:00 PM EST