Round Two Riot: Pistons (2) vs. Magic (3)
Biggest Reason You Should Watch: Because we're all dying to find out how Detroit intends on matching up with Dwight Howard. Oh, and Detroit so conveniently "flipped" their on switch recently, but Orlando presents a significantly more difficult task to overcome while on cruise control.
The Magic Can Win If: The shooters can hit from the outside. Howard is going to get his 20-15 (which is a scary thought), but Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis have to post similar numbers at minimum, to what they put up against Toronto. Which, yes, will be vastly more difficult to pull off with Tayshaun Prince extending out against them. Jameer Nelson averaging 17 and five for the second straight series wouldn't hurt either.
The Pistons Can Win If: Rasheed Wallace keeps his head together. Detroit can't afford anything like the two point stinker the put up against Philly in the third game of that series. With Antonio McDyess dealing with a busted grille, the Pistons Need4Sheed is strong right now. Jason Maxiell and Dice will help out on guarding D-Ho, but Sheed has to stay hot and bring the only size Detroit has, Howard, to the perimeter to guard him.
Video Clip to Get You Pumped: I get the feeling FanHouse may stop putting me in charge of "pump you up" videos.
Stud of the Series: It's Dwight Howard. Yes, Chauncey Billups is "Mr. Big Shot" (which would have been a worse video, I suppose) and the Pistons dominate by being consistently dominant across the board, but if Howard does what he does down low, the shooters will get good looks.
FanHouse Prediction: Orlando in seven. It's bold, it's aggressive, but if anything, I blame Gob. The Magic is just too enticing not to take. And frankly, after seeing what Philadelphia could do against Detroit, I feel kind of confident predicting this. I think it will pan out similarly, with Orlando taking a surprise early game, and then Detroit flipping the switch to get one in Orlando as well. But in terms of defense and an ability to score in the post, Philly can't touch what Orlando brings to the table and the Magic pull the upset.




