Cavaliers vs. Magic Pre-Game Analysis

Here's my analysis of the match-ups in the Magic vs. Cavaliers series. It's going to be a tough battle, but I think we can overcome.

Mo Williams vs. Rafer Alston

Mo Williams is just a tad bit shorter than Alston, meaning there won't be any major size issue in the match-up. We know Mo Williams is a solid defender, and so is Alston. Rafer can hit some big shots if he needs to, and he's pretty good from beyond the arc. Mo needs to keep him from getting open shots because those can hurt us (the Cavs).

Another thing I'm worried about is any dribble penetration. If he does penetrate, besides defending him is the worry that Howard might pick up a pass down low, in which case he'll most likely score. Definitely a solid match-up-- I would say Mo Williams is better but Alston will still cause problems and is a solid player. Mo's shots are going to be needed big time

Delonte West vs. J.J. Redick

Redick has another small height advantage here, but I doubt it will hurt us a lot. West is a great defender and I think the match-up is pretty even. Redick isn't completeley used to the starting position and he doesn't seem to excel at anything. With Delonte's defense he shouldn't be a major scoring asset to us. I would definitely say West is a little better then Redick, no offense to the other team.

Lebron James vs. Hedo Turkoglu

An interesting match-up here, if nothing else. Turkogly is a tad taller, at 6'10, when Lebron James is 6'8. I don't see anything major here though because The King is one of the best defenders in the league. James is obviously the better player, but that doesn't mean Hedo isn't a good player. Turkoglu can rebound and pass the ball. He's pretty dangerous from behind the 3-point line and has made some clutch shots in earlier series, such as buzzer-beaters and game-securing shots. Lebron is twice as good at defense and the only stat Hedo seems to beat him in is free throws; 80% to Lebron's 78%. The 3-point % is close but we both know they can hit them, and at a good rate.

Anderson Varejao vs. Rashard Lewis

Anderson Varejao is an inside player and a good defender. Lewis plays very, very different though. Rashard can shoot the ball, and well. He's not afraid to shoot the 3 at all-- we know that very well, especially if you watched the All-Star Weekend's 3-Point Shoot Out. The Wild Thing might need to help Ilgauskas out with Howard, which would leave Lewis with a shot in some instances. Contrary to some power forwards, we can't give up those shots to Lewis a lot. It's likely to end up hurting us. If Varejao starts off with some offensive intensity I'm sure we can roll pretty well. There's going to be a lot of pressure and this match-up is going to be one to watch, because if nothing else, it may prove to be unpredictable and imperative to the success of each team.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas vs. Dwight Howard

Z is taller than Howard, but Howard can jump and definitely get up really high. I'd say it evens out, but even then Z can be blocked by Howard and it wouldn't be shocking. Z is a solid defender but not amazing. It'll be hard for him to keep up with Howard's heavy-weight muscular post up. One major role of Ilgauskas will be to make his shots and bring Howard out of the paint and away from the hoop. That gives other people chances to drive or make something happen in the paint. If Howard stays there to protect the hoop, then Zydrunas has to make them pay big time. I'm hoping he has a couple 20 night games in this series, as well as a double-double. His defense will need to be strong and grabbing rebounds will be a huge necessity in order to obtain possessions. The Cavaliers can't let up against this team as far as defense goes because they have so many options to score. Giving them more chances to score, like offensive rebounds, turnovers, or some type of defensive stops, is one of the worst things to do, and moreso against the Magic than another team. Cavaliers will have to beat them at their own game.

Wally Szczerbiak

Wally will most likely be playing against several different players. If he plays against Turkoglu, it'll be a hard match-up for sure. He's lacking in height and his role defensively would just be "hold out and don't let him score". He can't take advantage of a person who's taller and bigger and he most likely won't get too many chances to shoot. If he does shoot, we know that's good, and that'll spread the floor a little bit. Wally is by far one of the best shooters between both teams, and he can dominate that way if he needs to. He's pretty equal with Courtney Lee but he'll have the height advantage and muscle/body size and that could potentially lead into some points. I'm also confident that Wally can outdo Pietrus. If nothing else it'd be an even match-up where it'd come down to solid defense and when you get the ball, flush it down the hoop.

Wally could potentially be getting more minutes than usual. The Cavaliers will possibly be needing his height and veteran expertise. Scoring long, wide-open shots is Wally's and Gibson's thing and spreading the floor will definitely be important. Wally is definitely underrated as a defensive player-- last year he guarded Ray Allen at times, and remember that he didn't score all that much. He's also had to guard some tough opponents during the year but he doesn't give up 20 points like people exaggerate. If he can play solid defense I'm confident he'll receive a good 10 minutes on average, although I'd hope for more. It'd be great if Wally could pull another Hawks Game 2 performance, or something akin to the 14 point performance vs. the Magic early in the year, around late January. Best of luck to you, Wally.

Other Players

Pietrus can shoot the 3, and he hurt us in the one worst game of the season by knocking down shots. Whoever is guarding him at the time has to do it well. We also have to watch out that he doesn't fake us out and mix his game up with something else, like a drive to the hole. He can do more than roleplay. Gortat will need to be handled defensively and taken advantage of when Howard isn't in. Realizing his weaknesses and flaunting them will definitely help the Cavaliers. Letting him get easy dunks or shots won't work but his play is only solid, not amazing. With the other players, it's up to defensive pressure leading into offense. Gibson will need to hit shots if/when he gets them.

Wally Szczerbiak is likely to get in the post and take advantage of any smaller players or at least start some offense. Joe Smith will be needed for his height and big-man qualities. I'd like to see Smith his some shots as well. I'm confident that he can do it. Another hope of mine is Big Ben. If he can help with defense, he can help with offensive. He may have been the defensive player of the year several times while averaging less than 10 points, but his defense IS offense, just like how when Wally makes shots he starts to play better defense.