Celtics vs Lakers - History repeats

Who would have imagined a Celtics and Lakers match-up in the finals at the end of last season? Not me for sure. It's only when big signings of Ray Allen & Kevin Garnett were brought in did it make any sense to put your money on the Celtics.

On the other side, Bryant hadn't really proved that he had it to take the team on his own with leadership and maturity. There was always a question mark after Shaq had left the Lakers way back then and proven he could do it on his own.

But this year, everything has fallen in place to see history come to life and the Finals air breezing across Boston & LA at the same time of the year.

Let's look at the main match-ups to see what could be expected.

Rondo vs Fisher

Fisher is a finals veteran and a go-to guy when it comes to 3's. He is averaging 55% in the playoffs from behind the arc and that should continue unless Rondo plays as well as he did against Chauncey Billups. He will use is speed to keep the pressure on Fisher.

Bryant vs Allen

Bryant has been crazy this playoffs scoring almost 32 points a game with 51% shooting. He has got all the experience required and with Allen struggling in the playoffs, it is going to be really difficult to slow him down but you need your best defender and maybe 2 on him to get the ball out of his hands. That is the key I feel for the Finals if Boston to have any chance whatsoever. Allen has to step up and show why he is one of the most feared shooters in the game especially from the 3-point arc.

Pierce vs Odom

The 3F spot is a difficult one to guard for Boston because of the 6-10 Odom who has the body of a forward but can play guard anytime. Pierce has been a great captain all through the season and playoffs and needs to continue his big time plays when required. Odom has been killer on the glass as well and play an even important role especially on the offensive end.

Garnett vs Radmanovic

No doubts here. Garnett is the best defensive player in the NBA and is killer on the Offensive Glass. He will be playing multiple roles and needs to stay foul-free to help out on double-teams and big-time blocks on Kobe. Radmanovic has an outside shot and that is what Phil Jackson will be trying to use to move KG away from the boards as much as possible. Even though its a clear advantage for Boston in this one, I feel it is going to be key how Radmanovic plays his outside shot. If he gets hot, Boston will have to change match-ups smartly.

Gasol vs Perkins

Gasol has been pretty much the major difference between last year's Lakers and this year's one. He has provided with the points support for Kobe automatically making difficult for other teams to build a defense strategy on Kobe. Perkins has to produce an independent defensive effort while staying foul-free to ease up the pressure on KG for the rebounds. It is usually the dark-horses that become the difference in playoff games and Perkins' performance could be a defining factor in many games. Jackson might try running some plays off Gasol with his triangle offense as he is a great passer as well.

The Bench

Celtics will be the one suffering if their starters get in foul trouble cos after James Posey, not much is happening in the playoffs for them. It would add real value if veterans Sam Cassell and P.J. Brown could bring up some strong numbers. That could change the scope of the series. Lakers have been circling around players well and would feel more comfortable with a young bench although I expect the starters to play a lot of minutes for both teams.

I think the stage is set for a great series and I feel its going to be tight throughout. I wouldn't want to pick a winner now but I feel the Celtics are feeling it a bit more at the moment where they have KG, Allen & Pierce who have never got the ring. Not to mention the Doc Rivers as coach. Its going to go till game 6 or 7 I feel.