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Pistons/Magic Series Predictions & Preview
The Eastern Conference playoffs have their first second round matchup in the books. The #2 seeded Detroit Pistons are set to square off with the #3 seeded Orlando Magic. The Pistons got more than they probably expected in their first round series with the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers made a series of it right off the bat with an upset win in the first game of the series at Detroit, but in the end the Pistons were able to prevail and win the series 4-2. The Orlando Magic had a little easier time in the first round, as they were able to get by the Toronto Raptors in just 5 games to win the series 4-1. This should be a pretty solid 2nd round matchup as you have the youth of the Magic facing the veteran squad of the Pistons. The series is set to get underway on Saturday May 3rd in Detroit and both teams will look to make their mark and move onto the Eastern Conference Finals. Lets take a look at each team, and give you our prediction on who will be moving on and who will be looking to next year.
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Detroit Pistons
The Pistons were able to finish 2nd in the Eastern Conference with a very respectable 59-23 record, and though the East is viewed as a very weak conference, we really think that this team has what it takes to make another trip to the NBA Finals. The Pistons are a team that thrives on great defense and unselfish play to beat opposing teams. The Pistons have the same 4 starters that he had when they won the title in 2004 and when they reached the finals in 2006. PG Chauncey “Big Shot” Billups, SG Richard Hamilton, SF Tayshaun Prince, and SG Richard Hamilton lead the team. The thing that makes this team so dangerous is that you can’t just stop one player; cause if you do the other 3 will get the job done. The one down side to this team is that they are starting to get up there in age, and probably only have a few more years to really compete for a NBA Title
Orlando Magic
The Magic had a very respectable year, as they finished 52-30 and took home the Southeast Division title. Everyone knew that this was a good team coming into the season, but I don’t think many of us seen them being the 3rd best team in the East, especially after the Cavaliers made a big run through last year’s playoffs. To put it in perspective just how good a season this was for this organization, it’s the first time they have finished above .500 since the 2001-02 season when they finished 44-38, and it’s the first time they have won at least 50 games since the 1995-96 season. The main reason for the team’s success is the amazing play of center Dwight Howard. Who comes into the 2nd round averaging 22.6 ppg , 18.2 rpg, and 3.8 blocks a game. Howard hasn’t done it all alone as he gets some good supporting play from his teammates. Rashard Lewis comes in averaging 19 ppg, and Hedo Turkoglu is chipping 17.8 ppg in the playoffs. PG Jameer Nelson has really stepped it up in the playoffs, after averaging nearly 11 points during the regular season; he has been putting in over 17 in the playoffs. This team really only has one big star in Howard, and will have to play its best ball of the year to get by Detroit.
Winner: Detroit Pistons
This was a tough call here, and we really think that if these two teams meet up a year or two down the road that it will be the Magic walking away victorious. Experience plays such a big role in the playoffs, and this Magic team just hasn’t had too much playoff experience over the last decade or so. We do expect a good series and while Orlando will win a couple games, we see Detroit taking the series in 6 games.
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