NBA Playoff Preview: Say Goodbye to the Pistons Today

Courtesy of LayupDrill.com

I took my second loss of the postseason in predictions yesterday, with my expectation that the Jazz would be able to put two good games in a row together against the Lakers.

That series will be ending shortly.

This afternoon, we will see our first team exit the NBA Playoffs, check the previews below.

Celtics vs. Bulls
1PM EST - ABC
Game Preview - BlogABull.com

Before Game Three, I said that the Celtics would come out and play their best game of the postseason. I didn’t expect the blowout that we got, but the play of key role players like Stephon Marbury, Mikki Moore, and Glen Davis embarrassed Chicago on both ends of the floor.

This afternoon, the Bulls try to even up the series again, and force this to be a best two out of threw. Derrick Rose, who has been silent since his breakout first game, must be a force today for the Bulls to have a shot. Chicago must also get their big men (Brad Miller, Tyrus Thomas, Joakim Noah) involved early, and win the turnover battle with Boston.

The Celtics, meanwhile, know that today is a golden opportunity to win this series. Sure, they wouldn't eliminate the Bulls technically with a win today, but if they are able to go up 3-1, they know the series will end in Boston in Game Five.

Expect this one to be highly contested, and decided late in the fourth. Good games from Eddie House off the Celtics bench will give Boston some needed scoring punch, and Paul Pierce will continue his solid play.

In the end though, Chicago guts out one more win this series, thanks to the former starting guard tandem of Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich. Gordon’s offense and Hinrich’s key defensive plays will give the Bulls just enough to squeak by Boston.

Bulls 91, Celtics 87

Cavs vs. Pistons
3:30PM EST - ABC
Game Preview -Fearthesword.com

Detroit looked like they were going to save face in Game Three with a inspired effort through the first three quarters of the game. Then Cleveland, in their normal fashion, took over.

The Cavaliers are simply so much better than Detroit, that you get the feeling that the Pistons could have a 10-point lead with five minutes to go, and still would lose. That scenario is what I expect today. LeBron takes over late, wins the game at the free-throw line, and sends Detroit packing.

Cavs 86, Pistons 79

Magic vs. Sixers
6:30PM EST -TNT
Game Preview - Yahoo! Sports

The Magic/Sixers series has quietly become one of the most entertaining matchups so far, and fans in Philly today will look to take a commanding 3-1 lead. Orlando, reeling off the loss in Game Three, must dig deep and play their best defensive game of the season today to tie this up and head back home.

The key for the Sixers today will be the same as it was in Game Three. If they can keep it close, they feel they can win late. Orlando, meanwhile, had opportunities in the fourth, but weren’t able to capitalize. Today, look for a big game from Rashard Lewis offensively, and key baskets from some of the Magic reserves as Orlando ties the series up.

Magic 94, Sixers 89

Blazers vs. Rockets
9PM EST - TNT
Game Preview - Blazers Edge

The Rockets have zoned in on Portland’s key players, LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy, thus far.

However, if Portland wants to go in and win tonight, their bench will have to play a key factor. Greg Oden and Rudy Fernandez will have to be productive in the minutes given tonight, and someone will have to hit a big shot or two in the closing minutes for the Blazers to pull it out.

I say they get that, and this series goes back to Portland tied.

Blazers 93, Rockets 84