Utah Jazz: Matchups vs. Lakers

POINT GUARD

Deron Williams vs. Derek Fisher

It's the up-and-comer with a point to prove vs. the savvy 13-year veteran who has three NBA title rings with the Lakers — and they're ex-backcourt mates for a season in Utah. Williams averaged 10.7 assists per game, second in the NBA only to New Orleans' Chris Paul (11.0), but also 3.4 turnovers, tied for second-most in the league. Fisher played all 82 games and averaged 9.9 points, above his career average.

SHOOTING GUARD

Ronnie Brewer vs. Kobe Bryant

Brewer is vastly improved from a season ago, especially defensively, but the athletic swingman still will have his hands full with the NBA's reigning MVP. And as Kobe goes, so go the Lakers. "Kobe Bryant definitely is the main force," said Jazz reserve Andrei Kirilenko, who frequently will be guarding Bryant when Brewer isn't. Brewer bumped his scoring average from 12.0 to 13.7 this season, but Bryant averaged 26.8 over 82 games.

SMALL FORWARD

C.J. Miles vs. Trevor Ariza

Miles started throughout the season, but he'll be playing with a recently dislocated shooting-hand finger that sidelined him for five of Utah's last six games. Even if healthy, his minutes might be reduced in the playoffs. Ariza, a quick and solid defender, missed last postseason's series vs. Utah (fractured foot). But the Los Angeles high school/UCLA product drafted by New York in 2004 (second round) started 20 of the 82 games he played this season.

POWER FORWARD

Carlos Boozer vs. Pau Gasol

Boozer struggled to score in last season's series with the Lakers, partly for personal reasons, partly due to how he was defended. His point production is down this season, too, from 21.1 to 16.2. But the left knee that caused him to miss more than half the season has been arthroscopically repaired, and he still averages 10-plus rebounds. Spaniard Gasol isn't especially physical, but is a two-time All-Star (like Boozer) averaging 18.6 points and 9.6 boards.

CENTER

Mehmet Okur vs. Andrew Bynum