Point guard — Andre Miller vs. Jason Kidd
The power forward matchup between LaMarcus Aldridge and Dirk Nowitzki will likely draw the most attention, but this one may be equally intriguing. Both floor generals are among the NBA’s top 15 all-time assists leaders, Kidd second with 11,578 and Miller 14th with 7,031. Neither are very explosive at this stage in their careers, but both excel using their instincts and knowledge of the game. Blazers coach Nate McMillan coached Kidd on the Olympic stage three years ago and said that his basketball IQ is as good as anyone’s ever seen, later adding that he and Miller are “very similar.” Kidd has proven to be a better 3-point shooter than Miller, but this battle will come down to who’s more cerebral.
Edge: Even
Shooting guard — Wesley Matthews vs. Jason Terry
Terry may be the Mavericks’ sixth man, but he’s also second on the team in minutes (31.3 per game) and scoring (15.8 points). A threat as both a slasher and outside shooter, Terry typically performs best down the stretch, annually ranking among the league’s top scorers in the fourth quarter. Matthews may not be able to match Terry’s penetration ability, but he is a lock-down defender who’s averaging 15.9 points per game while shooting .407 from 3-point distance.
Edge: Terry … but barely.
Small forward — Gerald Wallace vs. Shawn Marion
Two extremely athletic small forwards who can both score and defend. Marion comes in averaging 12.5 points per game and 6.9 rebounds while shooting and impressive .520 from the field. Wallace, meanwhile, is posting averages of 15.7 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting .454 from the field.
While Wallace gives up three inches to Marion, he is the better outside shooter. He also is one of the more physical defenders in the game and extremely fast in the open court. The difference between the Blazers going out in the first-round and being a threat to make a run may lie in the acquisition of Wallace. Look for him to have a big series.
