PISTONS GET READY TO FACE ORLANDO MAGIC IN THE 1st ROUND

The Detroit Pistons have once again closed out the season only hoping to play 16 more games for a Championship. We will be starting off the playoffs by playing the Orlando Magic who the Pistons have successfully swept through this season.

DEC8-@ ORL-Pistons 87 Magic 83
FEB21-@ DET-Pistons 110 Magic 88
FEB 23-@ ORL-Pistons 94 Magic 89
APR 11- @ DET-Pistons 104 Magic 99

The Pistons have consistently beat the Magic with ease - only having difficulty containing Dwight Howard from dominating the boards. Despite the season sweep, Magic guard, Jameer Nelson thinks otherwise.

“I know we can beat them. I know we can. I think we can beat them in a series. We just got to figure them out.”

–Jameer Nelson.

That’s great he has confidence in his team - but realistically, it’s a Piston win - by far.

Here is a position-position break down of this series:

POINT GAURD

vs
Chauncey Billups vs Jameer Nelson

This match-up is one-sided. A 2005/06 MVP candidate verse a fairly new addition to the NBA. I’m not taking anything away from Jameer, but Chauncey is the clear winner here. Chauncey is much taller, bigger, and stronger - every time Billups is playing a PG that is shorter he always takes advantage by either just shooting over them, or posting them up in the key. Billups is also the more experienced player here.

Advantage: Chauncey Billups; Detroit Pistons
SHOOTING GAURD

vs
Richard Hamilton vs Hedo Turkoglu

It will most likely be Hedo who plays against Richard; but regardless, it won’t matter. Richard Hamilton is a much more versatile scorer than Hedo; Rip can shoot the long shot, the mid range, whatever - he can do it. Richard is also MUCH quicker than Hedo - good luck to Hedo while running through all the screens Richard is going to get. I want the Pistons to either take advantage of this matchup, or Chauncey’s matchup.

Advantage: Richard Hamilton; Detroit Pistons
SMALL FORWARD

vs

Tayshaun Prince vs Grant Hill

This matchup might be the closest - it really could go both sides because in the games we’ve played against Mr. Hill, he’s done fairly well. If Tayshaun can take over with his youth - it’ll be Tayshaun’s matchup to win; but it could just as easily go the other way. Both have some good experience under their belts, but Grant Hill has the most; being a veteran in this league. I’ll give the advantage to Grant Hill since the Magic have not much else.

Advantage: Grant Hill; Orlando Magic

POWER FORWARD

vs
Rasheed Wallace vs Dwight Howard

This one is an interesting matchup. I was contemplating whether to take Rasheed’s killer instinct, plus his huge experience - or take Dwight Howard’s athleticism, youth, and tenacity. I believe Dwight Howard will take this matchup - but it won’t be anything profound. Rasheed is the best guy to defense him - he’ll give him a challenge physically, and mentally. This matchup was really close - but I have to give it to Dwight.

Advantage: Dwight Howard; Orlando Magic

CENTER

vs
Chris Webber vs Darko Milicic

Hometown player verses the disgruntled 2nd pick of the draft. Webber wins this matchup by a mile. To add more salt to the injury - Darko is coming off a sprained ankle - so good luck with that, Darko.

Advantage: Chris Webber; Detroit Pistons

BENCH

The Pistons will take this one easily - the Pistons bench has been terrible for the last few years, and finally I am proud to say we have a good, deep bench. We’ve seen the bench at work against some of the starters of some other teams and I’ve been impressed. Carlos has proven himself this season, Flip Murray has proved all of us doubting Piston fans wrong by stepping up his game the 2nd half of the season; and of course Antonio McDyess has been as solid as a starter.

Advantage: Pistons Bench.

I predict this series will go to 5 games.

Good luck Pistons!

- ReppinTheD

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