Point Guards: Rajon Rondo vs. Derek Fisher
Two years ago, Fisher had the edge, but now it's definitely with Rondo, who has developed into a premier point guard in the league. He is the unquestioned leader of the Boston attack, and must play well to guide the Celtics to victories in the series. Fisher, meanwhile, has played well, given his age, knocking down some big jump shots in the West Final against Phoenix as well as playing good defense against Steve Nash.
Edge: Celtics
Edge: Celtics
Shooting Guards: Ray Allen vs. Kobe Bryant
Ray Allen has found his shooting touch again in the playoffs, and is hitting on 42.3% of his three-point shots this postseason. Always dangerous running off screens, Allen has also taken the ball off the dribble more, especially against the Magic, and has been successful at doing so. Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant, what can I say? Kobe (or Michael as Suns' coach Alvin Gentry called him) is playing unbelievable basketball right now, as he is hitting highly contested long range jump shots like they were layups. He has taken over games down the stretch for the Lakers, and for Boston to win the series, he must be slowed down through double teams.
Edge: Lakers Small Forwards: Paul Pierce vs. Ron Artest
Pierce has once again been the scoring leader for the Celtics, and after battling through an injury-plagued regular season, is also at the top of his game for the playoffs. He is averaging a team-high 19.1 PPG and is Mr. Clutch for Boston and will have to be big if the game is close down the stretch. Meanwhile, Ron Artest has struggled to fit in the triangle offense this year, but has played better in the playoffs. His shot is hit or miss, so the bigger impact he will have on series is his defense on Paul Pierce. Artest, although not the defender he used to be, is still solid, and has played well against the likes of Kevin Durant and Jason Richardson this postseason.
Edge: Celtics
Power Forwards: Kevin Garnett vs. Pau Gasol
Two years ago, this matchup would have gone the other way, but not this year. Kevin Garnett has clearly aged a lot over the last couple years, but is still a solid starting power forward in the league, with the ability to impact a game enormously on both ends of the court. While his defense has tapered off along with some of his inside post game, Garnett has been rebounding the ball well, something that Boston needs him to do to prevent second-chance baskets for the Lakers. Meanwhile, Pau Gasol has made big strides since the '08 Finals, and is a much stronger low-post defender, while still retaining his tremendous footwork and offensive skills. As Kobe's #2, Gasol needs to play well for the Lakers to repeat as champions.
Edge: LakersCenters: Kendrick Perkins vs. Andrew Bynum
Kendrick Perkins has been solid when he's been in the game (and out of foul trouble) as a good defender and rebounder. He brings toughness to the Boston frontline and must have a strong series to keep the Laker 7-footers Gasol and Bynum at bay. Andrew Bynum, though banged up, will still play in series. He has made great strides as an above average center this year, but we'll see how effective he can be on the biggest stage while hurt.
Slight Edge: Celtics
Sixth Men: Glenn Davis vs. Lamar Odom
Big Baby Davis has been Boston's sixth man, and played well against the Cavaliers and the Magic with good defense and timely shots off the bench. Lamar Odom, always the ultimate X-Factor for L.A. has been inconsistent once again in the playoffs, and needs to provide a spark off the bench for the Lakers to win.
Edge: Celtics
Coaches: Doc Rivers vs. Phil Jackson
Doc Rivers has done a great job with this team, getting them ready to play every game, in upsetting the #1 and #2 seeds in the East to reach the Final. He thoroughly out coached Phil Jackson in 2008, and is looking for his second championship. Phil Jackson is going for ring #11 as a coach and is a hall of famer. His Lakers have done well in responding to adversity these playoffs. Of course, it helps to have that #24 guy too.
Edge: Even
The Keys
It comes down to the role players for the Lakers stepping up. Kobe is playing unbelivable basketball right now and is practical unguardable when he's playing like this. When Boston double teams and makes someone else on L.A. beat them, other players, namely Gasol, Fisher, and Odom need to make plays. For the Celtics, in addition to staying healthy, their interior players of Perkins, Davis, and Rasheed Wallace must match the Laker bigs in production by rebounding effectively, and playing good defense.
My prediction: With Kobe playing this well, it might seem crazy to pick against the Lakers. But, I will anyway, because of Boston's superior depth off the bench. 
win series in seven games, 4-3
win series in seven games, 4-3
Last round’s record: 1-1
Playoff record: 9-5
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