Jameer Nelson/Keyon Dooling/Carlos Arroyo vs. TJ Ford/Jose Calderon

...Both teams will platoon freely at the point guard spot. The Raptor duo of Ford-Calerdon combined on a 4.35-1 assist-to-turnover ratio this season. Calderon is tops in the league in assist-to-turnover and is fifth in the NBA in assists (8.3). Toronto point guards make winning basketball plays and don't make many mistakes. Orlando's point guard play has been spotty this season, though Jameer has been solid since the All Star Break. I truly believe that a huge key to a Magic playoff run is going to be Keyon Dooling. Keyon has post season experience. He also is our best on-ball defender at that spot and will be counted upon to contain Toronto's lethal pick and roll game.

Edge: TORONTO

Shooting Guard

Maurice Evans vs. Anthony Parker

...This is a match up of two relatively unheralded but effective players for their respective teams. Parker, a former Magic player, is long and lanky and is within shooting range as soon as he steps over half court. Mo Evans is a gamer. He's a two guard who does the grunt work. He's not the most polished offensive player but hits the offensive glass hard and is a stubborn defender.

Edge: EVEN

Small Forward

Hedo Turkoglu vs. Jemario Moon

...The rookie, Moon, has come outta nowhere to start 75 games this season. The kid's athleticism is scary. But Jemario will square off against a guy who's on the verge of becoming the NBA's Most Improved Player. Hedo is a two-time Eastern Conference Player of the Month and should have been an All Star. Turk has become our go-to-guy this season and is averaging career high's in every category. Moon's athleticsm is no match for Hedo's versatility.

Edge: MAGIC

Power Forward

Rashard Lewis vs. Chris Bosh

...I don't expect Rashard to check Bosh defensively. Look for that assignment to fall upon the shoulders of Hedo and Dwight. Bosh has strangled us over the years with his inside-out game. CB-4 had a couple of 40 point outings against the Magic over the last few years and just loves going up against Dwight Howard. Rashard was paid max dollars in Orlando for this time of year. He's been terrific this season. Rashard's second in the NBA in three's attempted and third in three's attempted. Rashard poses a serious match up problem for Toronto.

Edge: TORONTO

Center

Dwight Howard vs. Rasho Nesterovic

...Rasho, you have your hands full! As gaudy's as Bosh's numbers are against Orlando, Dwight's numbers vs. Toronto have been grotesque vs. the Raptors. The fame Superman's attained by dawning the red cape in New Orleans back in February is nothing compared to the glory he will get when he succedes in the playoffs. Dwight has a long memory of last year's sweep at the hands of the Pistons and will not allow that to happen again. The Raptors will be physical with Dwight and will make him beat them from the free throw line. Can Dwight hit some big three throws in this series? I think he can....

Edge: MAGIC

My Pick: The last five years, the #3 seed has lost an opening round series just four times. It may happen out west this year (Spurs-Suns), but it ain't happenin' here in the east: MAGIC WIN IN SIX