Tweet
My play is Detroit -5
I think the Pistons will end the series, plain and simple. Jermaine and Jamal are both hindered badly by injuries, robbing the Pacers of two crucial components. Artest is still struggling and can't play defense on everyone at once. Reggie Miller's age has finally caught up with him as it appears he can't create his own shot anymore, nor stick with Rip Hamilton on defense that well. While Austin Croshere and Fred Jones both have potential for good games, I doubt the Pistons will simply let them run wild like they did Croshere in game 4. Al Harrington does provide them with some energy off the bench, that's probably one of the Pistons concerns but I look for them to smother him with the Wallaces when he drives to the basket. Hamilton is feeling it right now and is confident in every shot he takes. Prince scored a few early baskets in game 5, and right now any offensive production from him is huge! I really don't think Billups needs to score a lot for the Pistons to be successful, especially with Rasheed and Rip available, but if Billups can chip in 12-14 points today that would be really helpful. Detroit needs to remember not to forget about Artest though, he's strong and quick, so they must remain focused on him. Detroit cannot/will not let the Pacers extend to a 7th game, they have a great chance of running them out of the building.
I think the Pistons will end the series, plain and simple. Jermaine and Jamal are both hindered badly by injuries, robbing the Pacers of two crucial components. Artest is still struggling and can't play defense on everyone at once. Reggie Miller's age has finally caught up with him as it appears he can't create his own shot anymore, nor stick with Rip Hamilton on defense that well. While Austin Croshere and Fred Jones both have potential for good games, I doubt the Pistons will simply let them run wild like they did Croshere in game 4. Al Harrington does provide them with some energy off the bench, that's probably one of the Pistons concerns but I look for them to smother him with the Wallaces when he drives to the basket. Hamilton is feeling it right now and is confident in every shot he takes. Prince scored a few early baskets in game 5, and right now any offensive production from him is huge! I really don't think Billups needs to score a lot for the Pistons to be successful, especially with Rasheed and Rip available, but if Billups can chip in 12-14 points today that would be really helpful. Detroit needs to remember not to forget about Artest though, he's strong and quick, so they must remain focused on him. Detroit cannot/will not let the Pacers extend to a 7th game, they have a great chance of running them out of the building.