let me throw my two cents into this one since no one has posted yet.

Matchups:

Kareem v. Shaq. Outside of Wilt, the two most unstoppable inside forces in the history of the game. Edge to Shaq offensively, edge to Kareem defensively . . . with the wide variety of scorers around, overall edge to the better team defender . . . Kareem.

Brand v. Lucas. Both excellent rebounders, Brand is the better post scorer and defender, Lucas the better outside shooter and passer. Lucas will bring Brand outside where he is less comfortable and with the middle being clogged up with the battle of the behemoths, that should be the edge . . . Lucas

Artest v. Arizin. Artest has the defensive edge though Arizin was a good defender. Offensively, Artest will also be hurt by the clogged lane since he like to work the ball downlow to use his strength and you can never discount the idiot factor but here, I have to go with the defense. . . Artest.

Wade v. Sam Jones. Both good defenders, good scorers, Wade more the slasher, Jones more the shooter. Wade needs the ball in his hands to generate the foul calls he lives on, Jones can work off the ball waiting for catch and shoot opportunities from Archibald and O'Neal, although I'd say Wade is the better player, in this setting . . . Edge Jones.

Nash v. Archibald. Two explosive high scoring, great passing, no defense point guards. Archibald will be able to explode on Nash, Nash will be able to pass and slide out for high precentage shots on Archibald. The key difference? Nash is a more efficient scorer. . . Edge Nash

Bench. Utah has an excellent bench, Houston's is very weak. HUGE EDGE to Utah.

Houston has the edge in three matchups, Utah in three. Waiting for those writeups to make a final decision.

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