The Philadelphia 76ers had a great opportunity to take a 3-1 series lead over the Detroit Pistons when they were at home before Game 4. Now, they head back to Wachovia Center for Game 6 on the brink of elimination from the NBA Playoffs. BetOnline.com has the Detroit Pistons -5 point favorites against the Philadelphia 76ers with the over/under set at 178.5 points.
The Pistons used all of their veteran experience to control Game 5's 98-81 victory , led by their foursome of Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace, Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince. These four, paced by Billups, all scored between 17 and 21 points while playing lock-down defense. The Pistons were extremely efficient offensively, shooting 58.1% from the floor on 27 assists, while holding the 76ers to 42.3% on only 13 assists, along with 12 blocks. Many people, including the Pistons' veterans, said that young players like Jason Maxiell would be the key to their postseason success. While Maxiell did have a solid game with six points and a team-high 11 rebounds, Detroit will only go as far as their experience takes them, meaning Billups and company will have to step up their game as the playoffs progress.
The 76ers have lost some of their swagger since winning the first two of three games, and they looked very tight in the Game 5 loss. Outside of Andre Igoudala, who had 21 points, the 76ers looked afraid to challenge the Pistons. Andre Miller was badly outplayed by Billups, scoring only 13 points, but more importantly, the Philadelphia point guard had only three assists. The young 76ers look to their veteran floor leader to get them involved, and Billups would not let Miller get going as he kept him occupied at both ends of the floor.
The Pistons are 5-point favorites to end this series on the road, and they have proven time and time again that playing in front of volatile crowds do not bother them. The 76ers will come at the Pistons' early, but look for Detroit to weather the storm, put the clamps down on the Philadelphia backcourt, and emerge with a series-winning victory on Thursday. Get your Free NBA Playoffs Pick in Now!
Detroit Pistons at Philadelphia 76ers – 8:00 PM ET
Free NBA Playoffs Pick: Detroit Pistons
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