Things are finally getting interesting in the NBA’s version of the NIT. Two 52+ win teams will square off when the Pistons and Magic do battle on Saturday. The teams split the season series, 2-2, with each team winning one game on the road.
It’s safe to say that the Pistons are having a tough time staying focused. They almost were down 3-1 in their series against the Sixers when they pulled a no-show in the first half of Game 4. Will they stay motivated against the Magic? They better, because Orlando can execute in the half court, so they won’t give games away like Philly did.
We all know about the Pistons experienced core of Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Rasheed Wallace. They’ll probably use a combination of Wallace, Antonio McDyess, Jaxon Maxiell and Amir Johnson to cover Dwight Howard, and they also have Theo Ratliff in reserve. Prince will probably cover MIP Hedo Turkoglu, but Rashard Lewis presents some problems for Detroit. Do they put Rasheed on him and allow Lewis to pull him away from the basket?
The Jameer Nelson/Billups matchup should be an interesting one to watch. Both players are strong, but Billups has a height advantage, so if he starts to take Nelson down low, the Magic might put Nelson on Hamilton and put Keith Bogans or Maurice Evans on Billups. I think the Magic have the coaching advantage, as Stan Van Gundy is one of the best in the business at the chess games that go on during a series.
If the Pistons looked focused against the Sixers, I would go with them, but I think they’ll drop a game at home, which will open the door for the young Magic. I’m going to go out on a limb and say “Orlando in 6.”
