Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Would Rather Play Boston

So far the 2009 NBA Playoffs have been a cake walk for the Cleveland Cavaliers.  They have swept Detroit and Atlanta and are awaiting either Orlando or Boston in the East Finals.  Both teams had some success against Cleveland this season.  In one of their last regular season games, the Cavs pounded a Kevin Garnett-less Celtics team.  Orlando blew out the Cavs in Orlando.

When looking at potential matchups, I would rather see the Big Baby / Scalabrine led Celtics than Dwight Howard.  Right now, Howard is establishing himself as a big-time inside force.  For this reason I think the Cavs would much rather play Boston. 

Don’t get me wrong, I think either series will be tough for Cleveland.  Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and now Stephon Marbury are playing well and Big Baby Davis is playing way above his expectancy.  However, I just feel that the Cavs match up much better with the Celtics than they do with Orlando.  Offensively, Lebron James will make or break this team in the end.  He can kick out to Delonte West and Mo Williams who have repeatedly hit big shots, but ultimately, James shooting, and more importantly, shot selection, will be crucial in either series.

Cleveland lacks that big guy who can post up and get to the hoop.  Big Z thinks he is a guard sometimes and Ben Wallace was never a weapon on offense.  Anderson Varajeo is about the closest thing there is on this years team.  If Orlando wins and Howard is patroling the paint, it diminishes the Cavs arsenal to Lebron and the outside shooting of the rest of the team.  Against Boston, Cleveland would have some success in the paint.

These are just my thoughts, please comment if you agree or disagree.

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