Is this the year that LeBron James finally becomes a champion?

That’s what we’ll soon find out as the 2009 NBA basketball season kicks off. And in case you’re not paying attention, the NBA season is kicking off, and it’s kicking off in style, pitting the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers on day numero uno.

That’s right, these two teams in the East will renew their storied rivalry in the season opener and since the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers are two of those teams that has made huge moves during the offseason, they have become two of the hottest commodities in the league right now and watching them play against each other to kick off the season is definitely must-see TV.

Can Rasheed Wallace help bring the Boston Celtics back in the NBA Finals? Is Shaquille O’Neal the guy who helps LeBron James give the Cleveland Cavaliers their first championship in franchise history? Whichever team wins this Tuesday will give us an idea.

For Boston, Kevin Garnett is back. After some knee problems last season, KG is definitely looking like the Big Ticket the Celtics got away from Minnesota a couple of years ago. But if ever KG goes down again, the C’s have an insurance policy this time in Rasheed Wallace, a player more than capable of filling in for KG.

‘Sheed opens up the opposing team’s defense with his ability to shoot it from three-point territory, making it easier for Paul Pierce to drive down the lane for easy buckets. A healthy KG and a focused Wallace will definitely create a lot of problems for opposing teams’ front court unit.

And his shooting ability only adds to Boston’s already deadly corps of marksmen that includes Ray Allen and Eddie House.

For the Cavaliers, they are hoping that Shaquille O’Neal is the guy LeBron James has been looking for to help him finally win a world championship for Cleveland. If Shaq can help Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade win titles, why not LeBron?

Shaq brings the strength in the paint the Cleveland Cavaliers have been lacking the last few years. That was evident during the Eastern Conference finals when Dwight Howard kept on pounding it inside against these Cavs to help the Orlando Magic return to the NBA Finals. With Shaq on board, opposing teams can no longer take advantage of the Cavaliers in the paint.

That is if Shaquille O’Neal can stay healthy of course.

Which team will win the 2010 NBA Finals? SPORTSBETTING.COM has the early odds.

Los Angeles Lakers 5-2

Orlando Magic 7-1

Boston Celtics 5-1

Denver Nuggets 12-1

Want more odds? Visit SPORTSBETTING.com for more basketball betting odds. Want to watch the NBA live? Get NBA tickets online now.

Cleveland Cavaliers Boston Celtics