Yeah, it's kind of dumb to say Splitter is going to have an easier time guarding LMA than Howard. I imagine the Spurs will double early and often in the series, because if LMA gets Splitter 1 v. 1, Splitter will be racking up some fouls. LMA at this point has the most varied array of post moves in the NBA. He can make shots off of either shoulder, he can cross into the lane for his running hook, he can reverse pivot ... one on one, he can't be defended by Splitter, IMO. LMA has much better post moves than Dirk at this point of Dirk's career. Dirk's entire game is the opposite shoulder fadeaway. It's unblockable, but he doesn't get the lift on that shot that he used to have, meaning it's much easier to distract him.
I'm going Blazers in 6, though, just as I predicted in the first round.