Story:
Pistons are trying to get back for the 6th consecutive time to the Confrence Finals but a giant, named Dwight Howard and a strong supporting cast stand in their way. Dwight Howard literally beat the Raptors by himself with a couple og 20/20 games. However except him to struggle against Rasheed Wallace, young Jason Maxiell and veteran Theo Raitliff. THis won't be easy for either of these teams but expect a hard-fought series.
Players to watch:
Detroit Bench: The Zoo Crew will be big for the Pistons during this series, if they can beat a weak Orlando bench, they only give everybody more reason to choose the Pistons.
Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turgoklu: Expect a lot of attention to be given to Dwight Howard so Lewis and Hedo will have to step up and hit shots if the Magic are going to beat the experienced Pistons.
Case for Detroit:
THe experience wins out usually. The Pistons have the tools to stop Howard and the Magic will not have an easy time scoring. Although this one the best 3-point shooting teams in the league they'll struggle against good defenders like lockdown specialist Tayshaun Prince, RIchard Hamilton and Arron Afflalo, the extremely gifted defender rookie off the bench.
Case for Orlando:
Howard is a beast and will beat anybody. No matter the defence, the Magic will find a way to shoot their shots and the underrated Hedo will step up when called upon to.
X-Factors:
Theo Raitliff: He will be used against Howard a lot, he won't be of much use on the offense, but on defense, where he excells, he'll attempt to stop Howard with his strength and shot-bloacking ability.
Jameer Nelson: His defense will be big to stop Mr. Big Shot, Chauncey Billups' he can't allow him to gwet the shots he wants and post him up.
Pick:
Detroit in 6: The Pistons are too good already and they've caught fire against Philly, they'll finish off Orlando, but expect Orlando to fight back but to later find out they still need a couple of years of experience before they can through the mighty Pistons.
Esti Ginzberg
Daniela Hantuchova
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