NBA Playoff Picks – Cavaliers at Pistons Game 2
by Vegas Dave
LeBron James has had a few days to think about his porous performances in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Now we’ll see find out how the superstar bounces back.
James scored only ten points and was dismal from the field, making only five-of-15 field goals. At the end of the game, he passed up a layup to tie the game to give Donyell Marshall an open look at a three-point shot.
Marshall missed and the rest was history.
Dating back to the 2006 NBA Playoffs, the Detroit a run for their money in each of the last six contests and one thing they will have to do again is come up victorious at The Palace of Auburn Hills with Detroit holding home court advantage.
Winning in Detroit isn’t impossible for Cleveland. They won Game Five of the 2006 series in Detroit and they also triumphed there once this season.
It appears this series is developing into a Dallas type of series. No, the pace is not chaotic and the contests are not high scoring. But Cleveland, seemingly a very average team that is not perceived to be in the same class as Detroit, is giving the Pistons fits.
The Pistons have been stifled on offense while also losing the rebounding and turnover battle in Game One. Furthermore, Tayshaun Prince made only one field goal (1-for-11) and “Mr. Big Shot” Chauncey Billups only attempted a total of six in Game One.
The Cavaliers match up extremely well on the defensive end with Detroit and like Dallas, they force their tempo.
The Pistons have one noticeable change between this year’s squad, and last year’s, and that is Chris Webber. He hasn’t exactly been noticeable in the playoffs.
Webber played only 19 minutes in Game One and, although he scored ten points, had a minimal impact on the contest. All of his per-game averages (minutes, points, rebounds, assists and steals) are down from the regular season.
Cleveland so the Cavaliers need to take Game Two seriously. A 2-0 hole could spell the end of the series.
NBA Free Picks: Cleveland +5.5
Detroit Leads Series: 1-0
Record: 19-17-3
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