Pistons Nix 76ers, Magic Up Next
by Bodog Sportsbook | May 2 2008
The Pistons face the Magic in the second round of the 2008 NBA playoffs. We asked the Locksmith to weigh in on who he thinks will advance.
Pistons Nix 76ers The Detroit Pistons began their series against the Philadelphia 76ers with a nonchalant attitude, and in the first three games of the series the Pistons looked completely uninterested. After going down 2-1 in the series to a 76ers team that was beginning to believe, it was time for a wake-up call for Detroit. That wake-up call would come in the form of the return of Mr. Bigshot. Chauncey Billups had been struggling in the series and had not played like his nickname dictates. But Billups would return to form, and once Mr. Bigshot came back, the Pistons came back. Rip Hamilton began to get loose, Rasheed Wallace started to care and Tayshaun Prince was… well, he was still Tayshaun Prince. On the strength of hot shooting by Mr. Bigshot and Wallace, the Pistons began to take control of the series with firepower that the 76ers simply did not have the personnel to match. The “D” in D-Town returned as the Pistons locked up Philadelphia by holding them under 90 points for three consecutive games. Detroit would go on to win three straight games against the 76ers and close out the series in six. Detroit seemed to get its swagger back as the series progressed, but should the Pistons repeat the same apathetic and sloppy start they had against the 76ers in the second round against the Orlando Magic and Dwight Howard, it could be a quick end to their season and championship hopes.
> Bet on the NBA playoffs action in the Bodog Sportsbook!Pistons vs. Magic PreviewThe Pistons come into this series perhaps peaking at the right time after a shaky start to the first round. The Orlando Magic had their way with the Toronto Raptors, ending that series in just five games. Dwight Howard played every bit like Superman, as he was a dominant force inside for the Magic all series long. Howard’s numbers, particularly in the first two games of the series, were staggering - albeit against a nonexistent Raptor interior defense. Locksmith, you were slightly off in your prediction of Detroit in five against Philly, but you were dead on about Orlando and Toronto. So, who do you like in this series?
Locksmith: You know, after watching the games, I’m actually surprised the Magic and Raptors series did not last longer. That series was a lot closer than it seemed. If Chris Bosh had hit that shot to win Game 2 in addition to the Raptors winning Game 3 at home like they did, that series could have gotten very interesting very fast. But the Raptors seemed to concede defeat after going down 3-1. I said it before, I’ll say it again: They need to decide who is going to be the main point guard for that team because the duo operation is not getting the job done.
I don’t think Orlando is in the same class as the Detroit Pistons yet. Yes, they have a dominant young center in Dwight Howard and an excellent supporting cast, but they seem to be missing something that will take them to that next level. It might be their coaching, or it may just be their lack of playoff experience. I don’t think the Magic defense is strong enough to guard the Pistons. I see matchup problems and mismatches all over the place. Jameer Nelson will have problems containing Billups because of his size; unlike Andre Miller, Billups will be able to post the smaller Nelson up and get his shot off without difficulty. I see Tayshaun Prince and Rip Hamilton as a difficult assignment for anyone on the Magic roster. I think Hedo Turkoglu will be counted on to provide a huge lift for the Magic because Rashard Lewis is going to have a tough time with Prince defending him. But despite winning the Most Improved award in the NBA, Turkoglu isn’t ready to carry the Magic through D-Town. Dwight Howard can expect to be swarmed with double teams and he will have to work hard for his points and stay out of foul trouble if the Magic hope to compete. With Rasheed Wallace, Jason Maxiell and Antonio McDyess, the Pistons will be strong inside, so I’m even going to give the rebounding edge to Detroit. Lastly, I don’t think anyone from the Magic, including Dwight Howard, can guard Rasheed Wallace. Wallace can stretch the defense with his shooting range, and he is savvy in the post. I think Howard will be in for a frustrating series and the Pistons will win this one in five games.
Five games? Well, there you have it, the Locksmith’s opinion. Who do you like? Make your
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