There was little time for Detroit Pistons players to prepare for today’s NBA Eastern Conference playoffs semifinal opener with the Orlando Magic at the Palace of Auburn Hills. With less than 48 hours from the time they dispatched the Sixers following their grueling 7-game first round, the Pistons players must find a way to get rested because Orlando will bring a better team than the one they just survived and more rested too. The matchup will be the third time in the last six years Orlando and Detroit have met in the playoffs. Game-One of the series is set 7:30PM ET start up and will be televised on TNT.
On Monday Orlando celebrated as the Magic won their first playoff series in 12 years by beating the Toronto Raptors in five games. The Magic are rewarded with a Semifinal matchup with the team that eliminated them last season.
Oddsmakers at online sportsbook SportsBetting.com have installed the Pistons a 6 ½ chalk favorite ATS and -300 ML. The game total is holding at 188 ½.
Betting trends are showing 82 percent of gamblers see value in taking the Magic at +250 ML while 69 percent prefer to bet with the Pistons on the side ATS. The total is expected to go north of the posted 188 ½ points.
Detroit entered the 2008 Playoffs with the second best record in the NBA at 59-23, and drew the feisty Philadelphia 76ers in the first round. The young Philly squad pushed the veteran Pistons to the limit in a hard fought series which Detroit ultimately took in six games, setting the stage for the rematch with the Magic.
Orlando and Detroit split the season series at two games apiece with each team earning victories on the other's home court.
