By: Kyle Auger

Co-Sports Editor

Call me a fraud but I have to go against myself and my Celtics-Heat pick, and I now see the Celtics winning.

The Celtics have a tough match-up however after their first series with the Knicks the squad should be confident. Rajon Rondo has been a star offensively, averaging 19 points and 12 assists. In the last two games of the series Rondo has found his offensive game, finally attacking the hoop again, after early in the series he started to take a lot of jump shots. These shots were caused by the New York defenders giving Rondo 5 or more feet of free space so he wouldn’t cut by and get to the hole where he can finish or pass.

Looking forward for Rondo he will defiantly have a favorable match-up against the Heat where he will be playing against an aging Mike Bibby and a young, offensive minded Mario Chalmers and even Dwayne Wade. He should have his way with Bibby or Chalmers and I think he will be what will keep the C’s in the series against the “Big 3” who brought their talents to South Beach.

Another advantage for the C’s will be up front, as Shaquille O’Neal will finally make his triumphant and will make an impact against the weak big men hailing from Miami. Miami starts with Chris Bosh at power forward and Zydrunas Ilgauskas at the center with Joel Anthony. Anthony has been playing his best defense in the play-offs and should challenge the Big Shamrock and the other big men for the green.

On defense, Paul Pierce will play on Lebron James most of the time and I think the C’s should let James get his 20-30 points and try to cover the paint and Wade. Although the defensive side could be a challenge for the experienced squad, Rondo and Ray Allen, with his 65% 3 point shooting will lead the offense, and the team to a series win in 6 games.