Experience counts. So the Nets can win the Eastern Conference again.

“The main reason is they’ve been there before,” Hornets coach Paul Silas said. “I like them because of their experience and I like them because [Dikembe] Mutombo is back. If healthy, they would be my No. 1 choice.”

“A lot of teams are close … but of all the teams, they’re in the best position because they’ve been there,” Pacers president Donnie Walsh said.

First, the Nets need to outlast the Bucks in a best-of-seven series that starts today.

Here are the matchups (Nets listed second):

POINT GUARD

Gary Payton vs. Jason Kidd

Payton is the better scorer, but no one pushes it or sees the court like Kidd.

Edge: NETS

SHOOTING GUARD

Sam Cassell vs. Kerry Kittles

Cassell has tremendous pull-up jumper in transition and knows how to win. Kittles’ quickness makes him superb companion for Kidd.

Edge: BUCKS

SMALL FORWARD

Desmond Mason vs. Richard Jefferson

Mason’s a streaky shooter, but he’s slasher who parallels Jefferson for athleticism. Jefferson is superb finisher in transition.

Edge: EVEN

POWER FORWARD

Marcus Haislip vs. Kenyon Martin

Martin, Nets’ best inside offensive presence, is difficult matchup for Bucks. Also has great defensive versatility.

Edge: NETS

CENTER

Ervin Johnson vs. Jason Collins

Johnson’s a good shot-blocker/defender but slows running game. Collins is solid, doing little things that help team win.

Edge: NETS

BENCH

Bucks’ talented reserve unit includes sharpshooter Michael Redd and Toni Kukoc. Nets must get solid contributions from Rodney Rogers, Lucious Harris and Aaron Williams.

Edge: BUCKS

COACH

George Karl vs. Byron Scott

Karl will juggle lineups and looks. Scott tends to stay with tried and tested ways.

Edge: BUCKS

PREDICTION

Nets will have fits with Bucks’ zone and perimeter shooting but will prevail.

NETS in SIX