vlaze.com

Orlando has lost 6 straight playoff games to Detroit dating back to last year’s playoffs. Orlando was able to overcome a 10 point halftime deficit by hitting 7 straight three’s in the third quarter and then went 1-9 from beyond the arc in the 4th quarter and lost the game. Orlando shot 32% from the three-point line against the Raptors and shot poorly in this series against Detroit. Teams have adjusted to the Magic’s three point shooting and Hedo Turkoglo is only 5 of 25 from the three-point line. The Pistons have the size and the shot blocking potential against Dwight Howard in the paint. The Pistons locked down on defense in the 4th quarter against the Magic and locked down on the Sixers late in their series. I like the Pistons matchups here with Billups against Nelson, Hamilton versus Evans and Tayshawn Prince versus Tukoglo. Even if Howard has a monster game here the Magic will have to rain three’s to cover. The Pistons perimeter defense will force the Magic into a half court game and that plays into the Pistons strength. The Magic will come out with emotion at home but the Pistons will recover and turn this one into a 1-possession game in the end with their defense. The game lands 1 or 3 you win no matter who wins. Take Detroit +3.5.