The Orlando Magic made a lot of offseason noise. They thought that Billy Donovan, the current head coach of the Florida Gators in the NCAA, would be their coach. They hired him and after 24 hours, he resigned. They went next to Stan Van Gundy. Stan Van Gundy was about to sign with the Sacrament Kings until he received the offer from the Magic and subsequently signed the Magic offer. Then, they pulled off one of the biggest sign-and-trade deals by acquiring Rashard Lewis from the Sonics. Now, after beating the Raptors in 5 games, will they now be able to upset the Pistons?
The Detroit Pistons meanwhile, after losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 6 games in last year's Eastern Conference Finals, retained much of its core but drafted two talented guards in the name of Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo. They also signed Jarvis Hayes during the offseason. With Flip Saunders still calling the shots, they are still a formidable team. However, one issue for them is that can they really focus on this series? Look at Game 1 against Philadelphia, they lost thanks to a massive lack of focus. Will they resoundingly beat the 76ers?
BACKCOURT
This is definitely one of the weakest points of the Orlando Magic. Jameer Nelson may be fast but he is not that talented yet to lead this team. Carlos Arroyo can lead this team but his footwork is a big issue. Keyon Dooling probably will share some time with Maurice Evans at the two spot to utilize his speed and athleticism. My question though is why is J.J Redick not being used that often? The guy is great. He can open up the floor with his perimeter shooting yet he doesn't have playing time?
One of the best backcourts in the league. You have a true leader in Billups. You have an energy guy who finds screens ala Reggie Miller in Hamilton. Then there are the youngsters namely Stuckey and Afflalo. Then there is Jarvis Hayes who can score tons of points if he wants to. Add also Lindsey Hunter, a veteran who has tons of playoff experience. Then there is also Juan Dixon, acquired in a trade with the Raptors.
ADVANTAGE: Detroit - Billups is too experienced and too smart for the young Magic team
FRONTCOURT
Dwight Howard is the man for Orlando! However, if the season is to be based, he struggled against Detroit. Well, Turkoglu can help this team. He has been consistent and he deserves the Most Improved Player award. Lewis has to prove though that he is not a flop in this team. In my opinion, he can take on Rasheed Wallace or McDyess anytime. Dwight Howard has to be dominant if they really want to have a chance against the Pistons. Adonal Foyle might get some minutes but he has to be solid enough to fill in for Howard.
The Pistons have one of the most dominating frontcourts. They have Rasheed Wallace who can spread the floor with his outside game. Then there is McDyess, one of the most durable forwards ever. Then, there is Tayshaun Prince, one who defends the best scorer of each team. His arm length is really impressive. Remember that block on Reggie Miller before? That was impressive. Then the bench of the frontcourt is also impressive. They have Walter Hermann, an Argentine who can make three point bombs. Then there are the youngsters comprising of Amir Johnson and Jason Maxiell, who provide energy to the team. Then, there is Theo Ratliff, one of the best shot blockers in the game.
ADVANTAGE: Detroit - Too deep.
OVERALL
Detroit all has the ingredients to beat this Magic squad. The Magic however can win a game or two. Still, Detroit is just too balanced. The Magic bench lacks depth. This would be a tight contest but I see Detroit winning in 5.
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