| NBA Playoff Prediction: Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic |
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| Written by Scott Burgess | |||||||
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Tuesday, 13 May 2008
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 The Detroit Pistons can close out the Eastern Conference Semi-finals tonight with a win over the Orlando Magic. The Pistons lead the best of seven series 3-1 and they are hosting tonight where they are 4-1 SU in the playoffs. Oddsmakers at BetUS.com have the Pistons as 6-point favorites over the Magic with the over/under posted at 186 ½. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at BetUS.comThe Pistons lost Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarter Final to Philadelphia at home, since then they’ve blown out their competition four straight. The Piston won their last meeting 90-89 in a close fought game. Chauncey Billups was not in the lineup and it would be up to Tayshaun Prince to carry the wait on his shoulders. Richard Hamilton was the top producer with 32pts while Tayshaun finished with 17pts. Antonio McDyess pulled down 15 rebounds and the Pistons bench wasn’t that useful adding only 11pts. Detroit has been pretty tough to beat when it has a chance to advance. The Pistons are 14-3 SU following a third victory in a series since 2003, when they started a streak of advancing to at least the Eastern Conference finals. The Pistons plan to take care of business so that they can avoid a trip to Orlando for Game 6 and possibly a series-deciding game at home, giving Billups time to heal as the Boston-Cleveland series unfolds. "We don't want to go back (to Orlando)," Richard Hamilton said. "We want to treat this game like it's our Game 7 and hopefully come out and get a win." The Pistons have averaged 93 PPG in their last five games and at home they’re good for 99 PPG. The Magic recent decline in production is partly due to the low production of Dwight Howard who had just 8pts last game, a career playoff low. Howard is averaging 15Pts on 51 percent shooting, 12 rebounds and three blocks against Detroit. He scored 22pts on 64 percent shooting, grabbed 18 rebounds and blocked nearly four shots a game in the first round. Against the Toronto Raptors, Howard became the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to have a trio of 20-point, 20-rebound games in a series. He must step up or else they are ready to hit the golf links. Hedo Turkoglu was the top producer last game with 20pts. They are 1-3 SU on the road in the playoffs where they average 99 PPG. In their last five games they’ve averaged 93 PPG. Recent Trends to Consider
GAME: Orlando Magic (57-34) at Detroit Pistons (66-26) DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 13 - 7:05 PM EST LINE: BetUS.com TOTAL: 186 ½ PICK: Detroit -6 The Bottom Line: Put as much money you can get your hands on, on the Pistons. There’s no way they will lose or fail to cash in on the spread. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at BetUS.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit.                        |
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