NBA, Eastern Conference Finals Game 1: Boston vs. Detroit

Tonight, the Eastern Conference finals are going to start.
The Detroit Pistons visit the Boston Celtics for Game 1 on May 20 at 8:30 p.m.

For the Pistons, this is the sixth straight year to get into the Conference finals, and they had little trouble to do so.
The Celtics needed seven games for both the First Round (against Atlanta Hawks) and the semis (against Cleveland Cavaliers), which could turn out as a small handicap for them later in the playoffs, as the Pistons are rested.

But what should to increase the Celtic’s self-confidence is the fact, that they won the Season Series against Detroit 2-1. And: The Pistons shot just 38.6 percent in the three games! But: Detroit's 87-85 victory in December was the Celtic’s first home loss.

Let’s take a short look to the probable keys for the tie.

Richard Hamilton (Pistons) vs. Ray Allen (Celtics)
Hamilton leads the Detroit scoring with an average of 21.5 points. On the other hand, Allen scored not more than an average of 9.3 points in the semis against Cleveland and seems to be out of form.
ADVANTAGE DETROIT

Tayshaun Prince (Pistons) vs. Paul Pierce (Celtics)
Although Pierce was inconsistent in the series, he scored amazing 41 points in the Celtics' Game 7 win over the Cavaliers. So maybe he gets going right in time?
But in Prince, he now gets a fantastic postseason defender. He didn’t only shut down 76ers' Andre Iguodala in the First Round, but also contained Magic’s Hedo Turkoglu in key spots in the semis.
TIED

Rasheed Wallace (Pistons) vs. Kevin Garnett (Celtics)
These are two of the most agile Power Forwards to fight a thrilling battle for points, rebounds and loose balls. But in each of the three matches in the regular season, it was Boston that outrebounded Detroit.
ADVANTAGE BOSTON

Rodney Stuckey (Pistons) vs. Rajon Rondo (Celtics)
Detroit rookie Stuckey stepped into the breach when Chauncey Billups was out with an injury and showed that he can run the team. And now, Billups is back!
On the other hand, Boston's second-year point guard Rondo looks more shaky, as Sam Cassell hasn't made a shot since Game 2 and even fell out of the rotation.
ADVANTAGE DETROIT

My prediction before Game 1: Detroit Pistons in six

What do you think? Let me know!

_____________
Jason Torch
May 20, 2008

currently 5.00/5 1 2 3 4 5 5.0/5 (1 Vote)

Created by: Premier League