The Detroit Piston beat the Orlando Magic 91-72 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semi-finals and they’ll be looking for a two game home sweep tonight. Oddsmakers seem to agree with me as BetUS.com has the Pistons as 7 ½-point favs over the Magic with the over/under posted at 184 ½. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at BetUS.com
The Piston had five players finish the night with double-digit points with Chauncey Billups was the top producer with 19pts. Despite making 3 of 8 from the arch they made up for it by making 16 of 18 from the free throw line. Theo Ratliff was of one four players the Pistons successfully sent at Dwight Howard, slowing him down after his performances in the first round, against Toronto, drew comparisons to famed NBA players. In the first quarter against Detroit, Howard had six points, five rebounds and three blocks. The rest of the game, he scored just six points, grabbed three rebounds and didn't swat a shot. This will be key to the Pistons success. The Pistons have averaged 91 PPG in their last five and during their last five at home they’ve averaged 99 PPG. They are 4-0 ATS and 29-19 ATS on one day’s rest.
The Magic need Dwight Howard to be the superstar he was against the Raptors in the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals. He averaged 22pts, 18 rebounds and 4 blocks helping Orlando advance in the playoffs for the first time since 1996. In game 1 against the Pistons he had six points, five rebounds and three blocks, in the first quarter. The rest of the game, he scored just six points, grabbed three rebounds and no blocks to finish with 12pts. His 12pts were the fewest he scored during this postseason and his eight rebounds marked a career low in 10 playoff games. They finished the regular season with a 4th ranked 38% 3-pointshooting, but in Game 1 they made 2 of 15. They have averaged 95 PPG in their last five games and on the road they’ve averaged 99 PPG during their last five. They are 3-2 SU on the road and 28-16 ATS away from home.
Recent Trends to Consider
- Pistons are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 playoff games as a favorite.
- Pistons are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
- Pistons are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
- Pistons are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
- Magic are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 playoff games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.
- Magic are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring less than 75 points in their previous game.
- Over is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in Detroit.
- Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
GAME: Orlando Magic (56-32) at Detroit Pistons (64-25)
DATE/TIME: Monday, May 05 – 7:00 PM EST
LINE: BetUS.com TOTAL: 184 ½
PICK: Detroit -7 ½
The Bottom Line: The Pistons have way more playoff experience and better more talented players. The Magic will improve tonight, but so will the Piston. Expect more 3-pointers from Rasheed Wallace. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at BetUS.com
