Playoff Preview: Round 1 Recap
Although the Orlando Magic and the Toronto Raptors have built similar offenses revolving around a dominant force in the middle and a cast of perimeter shooters, the Orlando Magic have had better success with the formula. The Magic’s three-point shots, drives through the lane, post-ups in the paint, and a vicious frontcourt tandem of Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis proved to be too much for Chris Bosh and the Toronto Raptors to defend. The Raptors also had no answer for Dwight Howard’s power game in the paint.
Playoff juggernaut Detroit Pistons had it just a little rough in the first round of the playoffs, squaring off against a young, athletic Philadelphia 76ers team. With the Philadelphia 76ers stealing the first game of the season, the No. 2 Detroit Pistons not only lost home court advantage but maybe just a little bit of confidence going into the rest of the series, falling behind 2-1 in the series and down 10 points at halftime during Game 4. But the Detroit Pistons ended up winning two straight games to win the series against the Sixers 4-2. At least the Detroit Pistons took care of business (on the road no less) – winning 100-77 – to reassert themselves as one of the more dominant teams in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Now, the Detroit Pistons must prepare to face yet another young, explosive team in the No. 3 seed Orlando Magic.
Playoff Preview: Magic Lineup
Dwight Howard is coming off a dominating regular season and stellar playoffs series with the Toronto Raptors. Look for Dwight Howard to continue to have his way in the post. Rashard Lewis provides good spot-up shooting at the forward position and also isn’t afraid to post up when he’s got a smaller defender on him. Hedo Turkoglu has indeed had an All-Star caliber showing this season as one of the most improved players in the league. Turkoglu threatens from the perimeter and has also expanded his game to be a better offensive force driving and attacking the basket. Rounding out the Orlando Magic’s starting five are Maurice Evans and Jameer Nelson with the penetrating Carlos Arroyo, physical defender Keith Bogans, and quick defender Keyon Dooling come off the Orlando Magic bench.
Playoff Preview: Pistons Lineup
The Detroit Pistons may not have one of the flashiest lineups, but they’ve got one of the most dangerous one-two punches in the back court with Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton. Chauncey Billups provides plenty of veteran leadership, assists, points, and defense to boot. Billups is hands down one of the most physical and aggressive point guards in the league. Rip Hamilton has provided more of the same – consistency, ability to shoot the open jumper and drive through the lanes.
Expect the Detroit Pistons defense to toughen up even more after the eye-opening series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Tayshaun Prince is one of the toughest defenders in the NBA and is also able to score in transition and as a spot-up shooter. Tayshaun Prince’s frontcourt mate Rasheed Wallace can score in the post, shoot from beyond the arc, and brings stellar interior defense and shot-blocking abilities to boot.
The Detroit Pistons also boast a young, deep, and talented bench, including Jason Maxiell who could be sharing starting center duties with Antonio McDyess suffering a broken nose in Game 3. Jason Maxiell is a tough, versatile player who brings defense and shot-blocking to the floor. Jarvis Hayes and Rodney Stuckey can both score off the pine, while Theo Ratliff can provide veteran savvy and shot-blocking in the playoffs.
Playoff Preview: Head to Head
The Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic split the season series 2-2. After getting a wake-up call of sorts from the Philadelphia 76ers, the Detroit Pistons have been playing more efficiently and with far more energy since halftime of Game 4 against the Sixers. Defeating the Philadelphia 76ers by such a large margin should give the Detroit Pistons the confidence heading into the series against the Orlando Magic. However, the Detroit Pistons know that they will have their work cut out for them and should not expect to sweep the Orlando Magic like they did in the last season’s playoffs.
The Detroit Pistons know that this is a different Orlando Magic team equipped with new offensive weapons and a new coach to boot. “Superman” Dwight Howard is going to be tough to guard, so it’s likely that center-by-committee Jason Maxiell and Theo Ratliff will defend Dwight Howard’s power game. Expect the Orlando Magic to pass inside to Dwight Howard with sharp shooters set up along the perimeter to shoot a lot of three pointers. Tayshaun Prince will likely be assigned to defend Hedo Turkoglu while Rasheed Wallace will get to guard Rashard Lewis. If Chauncey Billups can continue to dominate against Jameer Nelson in the playoffs, the Detroit Pistons should be in good shape to move on to the Eastern Conference Playoff semi-finals. The Detroit Pistons have more experience and home-court advantage, but expect the series to stretch out to seven games.
Playoff Preview: Schedule
As the No. 2 seed, the Detroit Pistons will have home-court advantage in the second round of the playoffs against the Orlando Magic. The playoff series will kick off inside the Palace at Auburn Hills.
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