Magic Formula

Will Howard Step Past Bryant In NBA Finals?

The NBA Finals tip off tonight in L.A., and the league looks to maintain its nice postseason momentum despite not having the anticipated marquee matchup between Kobe and LeBron. However, emerging superstar Dwight Howard and the Magic might not be such a bad consolation prize. Magic-Lakers features an "incredibly intriguing battle of titans" that "still could turn out to be a fantasy matchup." While Howard cannot yet match LeBron's marketability, his first trip to the Finals will likely add to his portfolio, as Vitaminwater tonight will replace its ubiquitous Kobe-LeBron ads with a new spot featuring Howard and his best impressions. Meanwhile, columnists continue to debate Jeff Van Gundy's partiality in calling games featuring his brother's team, but most seem to agree fans "will be understanding" regarding his predicament.