No. 5 Magic (44-38) vs. No. 4 Hornets (44-38)

Hall of Fame coach Dr. Jack Ramsay provides analysis for ESPN on SportsCenter and NBA Today. Here he breaks down the playoffs for ESPN.com. Also a former color analyst for the Heat, Ramsay's impressive résumé includes making the playoffs in 16 of his 20 seasons as coach and winning an NBA title with Portland in 1977.

Throughout the 2002 playoffs, Dr. Jack will break down each series from the backcourts to intangibles. Look for his analysis from the first round all the way through to the NBA Finals.

BACKCOURT

EDGE

Charlotte will play with David Wesley and Baron Davis, two strong, tough guys, against the Magic's Darrell Armstrong and Tracy McGrady. McGrady is one of the league's top players; he and Kobe Bryant are the two best all-around players in the game, and there is not much separating the two of them. McGrady has been hurting with back problems and may not be 100 percent. Davis will defend him. While he is a tough defender who will give it his best, he can't guard McGrady. After Davis, the Hornets will use Stacey Augmon against McGrady. Wesley and Armstrong are different types of players. Armstrong has tremendous energy and is quicker than Wesley, who plays solid defense.

FRONTCOURT

EDGE

The Hornets will play with Jamal Mashburn, P.J. Brown (who has a sprained ankle) and Elden Campbell. Assuming Mike Miller will be ready to play, he may play with two other forwards -- like Horace Grant and maybe Pat Garrity -- rather than a center. If they decide to start Don Reid or Andrew DeClerq, then Garrity will come of the bench. They could start Patrick Ewing, but it's unlikely. I don't know who can stop Mashburn. In fact, McGrady may do the best job.

BENCH

EDGE

Charlotte has a good bench, with Lee Nailon, Jamaal Magloire, George Lynch and Augmon. I don't know the status of Bryce Drew, but the Hornets could use his ability to handle the ball. When Campbell was out, Magloire came in and played really well. Nailon runs the floor well and is able to get his shot. For Orlando, Troy Hudson had a big season. Monty Williams has been a solid contributor. It's possible he could start against Mashburn. He is a strong player and a hard-nosed defender with a low-post game. The Magic have more quickness among the smaller bench players, but I think the Hornets can overpower them with their size.

INTANGIBLES	EDGE
The Hornets have a lot for them with all the turmoil during the season about whether they will move or stay in Charlotte. The fans will turn out for what may be the last season in Charlotte. If Charlotte does move to New Orleans, I believe there will be an NBA team again in Charlotte. During the regular season, the Hornets also took three out of four against Orlando.

PREDICTION
Hornets in four. Despite the presence of McGrady, the Hornets are overall more talented than the Magic and have too much strength.