Game Preview: Detroit vs. Orlando
By Dan Feldman
When
Date: March 9, 2009
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Records
Detroit: 31-30
Orlando: 46-16
Probable starters
Detroit:
Rodney
StuckeyRichard
HamiltonTayshaun
PrinceAntonio
McDyessRasheed
Wallace
Orlando:
Rafer
AlstonCourtney
LeeHedu
TurkogluRashard
LewisDwight
Howard
Las Vegas projection
Spread: Detroit +2
Over/under: 187
Score: Orlando wins 95-93
Statistical projection
Detroit offensive rating: 106.6
Detroit defensive rating: 107.1
Detroit pace: 87.1
Orlando offensive rating: 109.9
Orlando defensive rating: 102.4
Orlando pace: 92.6
Score: Orlando wins 97-94
Outlook
The Pistons have owned the Magic. Detroit is 8-2 in its last 10 regular-season matchups and 8-1 in its last nine post-season matchups with Orlando.
One of the biggest reasons’ for the Pistons’ success is their ability to guard Dwight Howard with double-teaming.
I don’t have time for a lengthy preview, but I’ll leave you with a quick question. Would you rather Detroit be the sixth seed and play the Magic in the first round, or be the fifth seed and play Atlanta?
Remember, Atlanta swept the season series (3-0). Detroit is 2-0 against Orlando.