Lakers vs. Timberwolves: Position-by position matchups

[kris]

The Milwaukee Bucks' guard tandem from the end of last season goes head-to-head in the Western Conference finals. Cassell has had a banner season for Minnesota but is banged up and that might - just might - give Payton a slight advantage. Payton is averaging 8.7 points and 5.4 assists in the playoffs while Cassell, who is by far the better scorer of the pair, is averaging 19.0 points and 5.0 assists. Cassell dropped a career-playoff high 40 points on the Sacramento Kings in Game 1 of that series.

EDGE: Timberwolves.

SHOOTING GUARD
KOBE BRYANT vs. TRENTON HASSELL

Hassell has carved a niche for himself as Minnesota's defensive stopper. But, he will surely have his hands full with a very talented Bryant, who is averaging 25.5 points and has had several huge games in the playoffs. Bryant may prove to be way too much for Hassell in this series.

EDGE: Lakers.

SMALL FORWARD
DEVEAN GEORGE vs. LATRELL SPREWELL

An interesting matchup. George, who took over the starting job from Rick Fox, played perhaps the best playoff series of his career against San Antonio but Sprewell is averaging 19.3 points in the playoffs. The Lakers may go back to Fox if George struggles.

EDGE: Timberwolves.

POWER FORWARD
KARL MALONE vs. KEVIN GARNETT

This may very well be the marquee matchup in the series as the league's most valuable player goes up against Malone, whom some feel is the best power forward to ever play the game. Garnett came up big in Game 7 against Sacramento but may need to do the same in every game against the Lakers if Minnesota is to prevail.

EDGE: Timberwolves.

CENTER
SHAQUILLE O'NEAL vs. ERVIN JOHNSON

Playing against Johnson and Michael Olowokandi will not be nearly as demanding for O'Neal as it would have been for him to go up against Sacramanto's Vlade Divac and Brad Miller. That means O'Neal could loom large on the offensive end for the Lakers and that's a scary thought for Minnesota. Johnson has played solidly but is severely overmatched against O'Neal.

EDGE: Lakers.

COACH
PHIL JACKSON vs. FLIP SAUNDERS

Jackson again seems to have the Lakers playing their best at just the right time. The Zen Master is going after his 10th career championship which would be the most ever by an NBA coach.

EDGE: Lakers.

BENCH
The matchup between the Lakers' Fox and Minnesota's Wally Szczerbiak could become the X-factor in the series. Both have been hampered by injuries all season and have seen limited playing time in the playoffs. Both have been starters and Fox has a wealth of playoff experience that could benefit the Lakers at some point. Also, the Lakers have Derek Fisher, who made a buzzer-beating shot in Game 5 against the Spurs, along with Kareem Rush and Luke Walton. The Timberwolves counter with Gary Trent and Mark Madsen, two tough players under the boards.

EDGE: Even.

INTANGIBLES
Minnesota has the home-court advantage and is 6-1 in the playoffs at the Target Center. The Lakers have been inconsistent at times, but are playoff-savvy, while the Timberwolves are sailing into uncharted waters. Minnesota must avoid a letdown in Game 1 after its emotional victory against Sacramento.

EDGE: Even.