Playoff Preview: (1) Celtics v. (2) Pistons (Eastern Finals)

Playoff Preview: Celtics Semis

After a surprisingly hard-fought first round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks, the Boston Celtics had their hands full in an explosive conference semi-finals match up with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Boston Celtics narrowly prevailed in a seven-game set, as it proved advantageous to have home court advantage in both of the Celtics’ series (The Boston Celtics have yet to win a road game). LeBron James did just about everything right, but the Cleveland Cavaliers came up just short. Throughout the series, Ray Allen struggled on offense, but Kevin Garnett picked up on defense while Paul Pierce was able to hit clutch shots and turn in a string of impressive performances.

Playoff Preview: Pistons Semis

The Detroit Pistons needed just five games to wrap up their Eastern Conference Semi-Final playoff round against the young, up-and-coming Orlando Magic. The Philadelphia 76ers gave the Detroit Pistons a wake-up call of sorts, leading to more efficient and confident play in the semi-finals round. The playoff series between the Pistons and Magic was an exciting one – with three games going down to the wire. Even without Chauncey Billups in the final two games, the Detroit Pistons were able to count on veteran Rip Hamilton to take on the scoring load in Chauncey Billups’ absence. In the end, the Detroit Pistons’ experience (and home court advantage) prevailed and leaves them well-rested for a match up against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Playoff Preview: Celtics Lineup

Throughout the 2007-2008 NBA Playoffs:

• Point Guard: Rajon Rondo (11.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 5.1 AST)


• Shooting Guard: Ray Allen (12.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 32-33 FTs)


• Small Forward: Paul Pierce (18.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.1 AST)


• Power Forward: Kevin Garnett (20.3 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 3.5 AST)


• Center: Kendrick Perkins (6.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.43 BLK)

With the reigning 2008 Defensive Player of the Year leading the charge alongside Mr. Clutch Paul Pierce who shouldered much of the scoring burden with Ray Allen unable to find the bottom of the basket throughout the playoffs. Expect the Celtics to continue to play unselfish, team ball and get production off one of the deepest benches in the league with James Posey, Leon Powe, Eddie House, and Sam Cassell.

Playoff Preview: Pistons Lineup

Throughout the 2007-2008 NBA Playoffs:

• Point Guard: Chauncey Billups (15.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 6.8 AST made)


• Shooting Guard: Richard Hamilton (21.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.7 AST)


• Small Forward: Tayshaun Prince (16.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.4 AST)


• Power Forward: Rasheed Wallace (13.9 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.91 BLK)


• Center: Antonio McDyess (7.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.1 AST)

With one of the most potent back courts in the league, the Detroit Pistons count on Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton to provide not just veteran leadership but production in points, assists, and defense. With Chauncey Billups out with injury, Rip Hamilton was able to run the Pistons offense to perfection with minimal gaffes and turnovers. Tayshaun Prince should continue to wreak havoc at the three spot, bolstering the frontcourt alongside Rasheed Wallace, who can score on the low block and hit from the outside to boot. Expect plenty of production from the Detroit Pistons deep, talented bench with Jason Maxiell, Rodney Stuckey, and more.

Playoff Preview: Head to Head

Quick yet relatively inexperienced, point guard Rajon Rondo will need to step up his game against the Detroit Pistons, who have one of the toughest, most aggressive point guards in Chauncey Billups running the offense. Expect Chauncey Billups to capitalize on any turnovers or mistakes at the hands of Rajon Rondo. Shooting guard Ray Allen will need to do just that – shoot and shoot some more if he wants to get out of the shooting funk he’s been in throughout the playoffs. Expect the quick and long Richard Hamilton to shut down Ray Allen’s offense. Even if Ray Allen struggles on offense a bit, the sharp shooter should still be able come through in the clutch, just like in Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers when he sank two critical free throws in the waning moments of the game.

In the frontcourt, Rasheed Wallace will present a match up mismatch for the Boston Celtics as ‘Sheed’s length, size, and quickness should give Kevin Garnett fits, more than Ben Wallace did. With Kendrick Perkins’ inability to make quality passes without leading to turnovers, the Boston Celtics will once again not include Kendrick Perkins as a big piece in their offensive puzzle, unless it’s for an offensive putback or a no-brainer layup. Expect the Boston Celtics to run much of their offense through Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, seeing that Ray Allen is struggling with his shot. That should make the Boston Celtics fairly easy to guard. The Detroit Pistons on the other hand boast a slew of reliable go-to scoring options up and down the lineup, including Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace, and Tayshaun Prince, not to mention scorers off the bench.

As the top two teams in the Eastern Conference face off, the Detroit Pistons – with their potent offense and stifling defense – have what it takes to challenge the Boston Celtics. The Boston Celtics may have home court advantage, but they have not won a game on the road so far in the 2008 playoffs, which have in turn stretched out their series against the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers to six and seven games respectively. The Detroit Pistons have had what seems like an eternity of rest – so expect the Pistons to come out with fresh legs. Look out for a seven game series as the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons will battle for a shot to move on to the NBA Finals.

Playoff Preview: Schedule

Home court advantage could be more advantageous than ever in the Conference Finals. If the Boston Celtics’ road woes continue, they better stay focused at home inside TD Banknorth Garden, where the Cleveland Cavaliers nearly stole two games.